Mind Matters: Understanding the Mental Health Landscape for American Men
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
In the complex scope of mental health discussions, the unique challenges faced by men often find themselves woven into the silent threads of societal expectations and traditional stereotypes. As we delve into the nuances of mental wellbeing, it becomes increasingly evident that the emotional landscape of men in the United States is a topic deserving of careful consideration.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America [1] , “nearly 1 in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety but less than half seek treatment.” + Additionally:
- Over 6 million men suffer from depression per year, but male depression often goes underdiagnosed.
- More than 3 million men in the US have panic disorder, agoraphobia, or any other phobia.
- 2.3 million Americans are affected by bipolar disorder and an equal number of men and women develop the illness. The age of onset for men is between 16 to 25 years old.
Why is men’s mental health important? “Mental disorders affect men and women. The prevalence of several mental disorders is lower in men than in women. However, other disorders are diagnosed at comparable rates for men and women or at higher rated for men[2] .”
The National Institute of Mental Health[3] , also affirms, “men and women can develop most of the same mental disorders and conditions, but they may experience different symptoms that include”:
- Anger, irritability.
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both.
- Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior.
- Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.
“Although mental illnesses are more prevalent in women than in men, men suffering from mental illnesses are less likely to receive mental health treatment or diagnosis. There are many reasons for this and one of them is the pressure men face to “man up” or “tough it out”. The stigma of men speaking out is that it is seen as a form of weakness or not manly[4] ”.
The prevailing societal expectation for men to embody unwavering strength often relegates vulnerability to the outskirts of acceptability. This stigma not only discourages open discourse but also perpetuates the dangerous misconception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Mental Health America[5] mentions important information about this topic: 151,781,326 million U.S. male population; 6 million males affected by depression per year; 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health problem each year; serious mental illness cost America $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year; 5 major mental health problems affecting men.
What about substance abuse[6] ?
- Alcohol dependency: Approximately 1 in 5 men develop alcohol dependency during their lives.
- Gay and bisexual men: Homosexual men are more likely to have higher rates of substance abuse than heterosexual men.
- Military veterans: Male veterans, regardless of their form of service, experience nearly twice than rate of alcohol and drug use as women.
Why is talking about men’s mental health important? According to Choosing Therapy[7] , “men often struggle with their feelings in silence, and it is common for them to believe they need to “get over it” or “toughen up”. Talking about men’s mental health benefits everyone: themselves, their loved ones, and society at large.”
In conclusion, the exploration of men’s mental health in the United States reveals a poignant narrative that demands both recognition and transformation. Destigmatizing men’s mental health involves more than dismantling stereotypes; it requires a redefinition of masculinity that embraces vulnerability and values emotional wellbeing as a crucial aspect of overall health.
[1]https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health#:~:text=Over%206%20million%20men%20suffer,and%20women%20develop%20the%20illness.
[2]https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
[3]https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
[4]https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health#:~:text=Over%206%20million%20men%20suffer,and%20women%20develop%20the%20illness.
[5]https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men
[6]https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mens-mental-health/
[7]https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men