MEN AND MENTAL HEALTH

Though recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues has increased in recent years, there’s still much to be done, particularly regarding men and mental health. A 2019 study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health noted that men have historically been more hesitant than women to seek help for mental health difficulties. That hesitancy can have grave consequences, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that men are more likely to die by suicide than women.

Recognition of the symptoms that suggest someone is experiencing mental health troubles could compel men to seek treatment or lead to their family members encouraging them to get help. The NIMH notes that men and women can experience the same mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, that does not mean their experiences will be the same. In fact, experiences can differ widely among men as well. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that men who exhibit stereotypically masculine personality traits often have worse mental health outcomes than men who do not exhibit such traits.

ACCORDING TO THE NIMH, THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF

MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS:

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

• Increased worry or feeling stressed

• Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts

• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions

• Engaging in high-risk activities

• Aches, headaches, and/or digestive problems without a clear cause

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior

• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life

• Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people

The NIMH urges individuals in crisis or people who suspect someone is in crisis to call 911 or to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. More information about mental health can be found at nimh.nih.gov.

• Blood pressure: The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health urge men between the ages of 18 and 39 to have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years.

• Cholesterol: Men with no known risk factors for coronary heart disease are urged to get annual cholesterol screenings beginning at age 35. Men with known risk factors should begin receiving annual screenings at age 20.

• Diabetes: Risk factors and warning signs will dictate if men between the ages of 18 and 39 require diabetes screening. For example, the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that a BMI over 25 is considered overweight, which is a risk factor for diabetes. Men who fall into this category should be screened for diabetes starting at age 35.

• Infectious disease: The USNLM urges all individuals, including healthy young men, to be tested for hepatitis C at least once between the ages of 18 and 79. Doctors also may recommend additional screenings for sexually active young men, who may be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and other infections.

• Testicular cancer: The National Cancer Institute reports that testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34. The USNLM advises against testicular self-exams, so young men should discuss testicular cancer screenings with their physicians, especially if they notice any changes in the size or shape of their testicles.

• Dental checkup: Men are encouraged to visit the dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning. Dentists can determine if more frequent visits are necessary.