The Whitsdom Press

Tag: depression

  • Men’s Mental Health: Breaking Stigma and Seeking Help

    June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the mental health challenges men face. Men often hesitate to seek help due to societal expectations and stigma, but this month emphasizes the importance of mental well-being.

    Men face mental health challenges under the norms of masculinity, preventing them from seeking help and leading to dire consequences such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. Statistics show that men die by suicide 3.63 times more often than women, 6 million men suffer from depression each year in the United States, and black men face added disadvantages and are less likely to seek mental health services.

    With these facts, men need to be given practical tips to enhance their mental health. Here are some recommendations:

    • Share Your Feelings: Discuss how you feel with trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional. Letting out your feelings is quite liberating and makes you emotionally bond with others in such a way that you feel supported.
    • Regular Exercise: Physical activity dramatically affect mental health. It releases endorphins, natural mood lifters and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
    • A Healthy Diet: Balanced eating affects mood and energy. Be sure to include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
    • Adequate Sleep: Not getting enough sleep can affect your health. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night so your body and mind can recuperate and function at their best.
    • See a Mental Health Professional: It does not hurt to see a mental health professional if the pressures become too much. The majority of mental health problems can be treated with therapy, counseling, and medication.

    Also, culturally competent care providers are essential for tending to black men, as they understand how to address the needs of the black community. Seeking support from organizations focused on black mental health is another important resource. Men’s mental health awareness month aims to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, encouraging men to prioritize their well-being. By being proactive and seeking support, men can improve their mental health and lead fulfilling lives.

    Here are some reputable sources and hotlines for men’s mental health that can provide valuable support and information for those in need of mental health assistance:

    Sources:

    1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Provides information on mental health disorders, treatments, and statistics.
    2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Offers resources, support, and information on suicide prevention.
    3. Mental Health America (MHA): Provides a range of resources and information on mental health for individuals and families.
    4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Offers resources and support for mental health and substance use disorders.
    5. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
    6. Therapy for Black Men: A dedicated platform to help Black men find therapists who understand their cultural and personal needs.
    7. Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA): Provides information and resources specifically aimed at the mental health needs of the Black community.

    Hotlines:

    1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources.
    2. Crisis Text Line: Text-based support for those in crisis.
    3. SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
    4. Boys Town National Hotline: Provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals to local services.
    5. Veterans Crisis Line: Confidential help for veterans and their families.