ADVENTHEALTH SHAWNEE MISSION
Helping Men with Emotional Health
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une is Men’s Health Month, a time when we focus on the health issues affecting men and boys. One of those issues is emotional health, which is vital to overall well-being. It’s especially important for men, who may feel uncomfortable sharing feelings and seeking help when they have problems. While men and women are both equally prone to conditions like depression, women are more likely seek help and get a diagnosis. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men are four times more likely to die by suicide. “Unfortunately, we’ve done a disservice to men by telling them to stifle their emotions,” says Greg Helsel, Behavioral Health Clinic manager at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “We feel like it’s not
socially acceptable and that we’re not allowed to show emotions like women are.” It can be tough for anyone to share uncomfortable feelings like sadness or worry, especially when they feel like people will judge them. “Any time you open up, you’re inviting a sense of vulnerability,” says Helsel. “Especially when you’ve held onto something for so long, it’s hard to let your guard down. Having a sense of trust is really crucial.” At AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, we focus on whole-person health through the faith-based CREATION Health principles. The “I” refers to “Interpersonal Relationships,” including the connections we have with family, friends and others. When men have a sense of belonging, they are more likely to share their feelings,
3. Get help when whether it’s with their famineeded lies, work friends or church Encourage him to get help group. Helsel suggests the folif he seems like he’s struggling lowing tips for helping men with daily life, has personstay connected with others. ality changes, acts lethargic 1. Get moving or starts withdrawing from peers. “Don’t accept ‘I’m fine’ Doing activities together creates a sense of connection, as an answer,” says Helsel. whether it’s playing games or “The natural inclination is to back away from support, going for a hike. Not only is the activity great for reducing even if that’s when you need stress, but men may be more it most.” Ask gentle questions about how he feels. The more likely to talk if they’re doing you can respond with love something active. “We often don’t feel as threatened when and concern, the more receptive he’ll be to getting help. our brain is engaged doing something else,” says Helsel. 4. Realize it’s normal 2. Listen and accept Remind him that he’s feelings not alone in dealing with When someone mentions his emotions and help him a problem, it’s tempting to try share his feelings with those to fix it. Instead, listen with he trusts. “We all encounter the goal of understanding stress at some point that his feelings. Reflect what exceeds our ability to handle he’s feeling back to him. For things,” says Helsel. “It’s example, if it sounds like he’s important to know how to sad, mention that to him. ask for help.” “Even if you get it wrong, it Ann Muder is a writer for Adhelps him feel like the conversation is open, and he’ll be ventHealth Shawnee Mission. more likely to come back to talk,” says Helsel.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 for free and confidential support 24/7. For more information about AdventHealth’s Behavioral Health program, visit AdventHealthKC.com.
8 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG JUNE 2019
SPONSORED BY AH SHAWNEE MISSION
