Mental Health Awareness in Men

According to the ADAA, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression, but less than half seek help. Statistically, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide than women. The research determines the reasoning behind this is due to men using methods that are more harmful, experience more impulsivity, and exhibit fewer warning signs. 

Some warning signs of a decline in someone’s mental health can include:

-Agressiveness/irritability 

-A “shorter fuse”/ impulsive behaviors 

-A decline in changes in energy levels/mood

-A change in appetite (decrease or increase)

-Inadequate sleep 

-A decline in concentration 

-Increase worry or constant feeling of being on edge 

-Self medication with substances

-Physical health impacts - aches, pains, digestive issues 

-Isolation from peers/family 

-Persistent feelings of hopelessness

-Decline in enjoyment in activities/hobbies 

-Obsessive thoughts and rumination 

-Thoughts about death/suicide 

It is important that we are continuously working towards breaking the stigma with the "manning up” mentality to reduce the barrier of men seeking treatment. Therefore, knowing the warning signs can build awareness and result in providing treatment options sooner, which can include medication management, in-patient care, intensive outpatient care, and outpatient care. Mental health professionals available can range from psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers. Working with a professional that you feel secure, heard, and your needs are being met is significantly beneficial to the felt results of your treatment. Asking questions like these can be beneficial to deciding who would or is the right fit for you:

-Do I prefer a female or male provider?

-Does my provider’s schedule meet my schedule’s needs?

-Do I feel heard, comfortable, and seen when working with the provider? 

-Do I feel like my provider is understanding my mental health needs? 

-Have my symptoms improved since starting treatment?

-Have I learned strategies and coping skills to improve my quality of life? 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, here are some additional resources: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or you can message at 998lifeline.org. If there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. 

At Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry we are breaking the stigma that finding treatment is not seen as a weakness for men. Call our office at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers if you are ready to start your healing journey. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for over 22 years! 

Articles and Resources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health

https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health

https://www.aamc.org/news/men-and-mental-health-what-are-we-missing

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness