Men’s mental health is a topic that still faces stigmas in society. Many men do not know how to identify psychological problems. When they know something is wrong, few seek help for fear of being seen as weak. Understand why men should pay attention to their emotional issues.
Men’s mental health is often neglected by men themselves. Many believe they must be strong 100% of the time. And in this mindset, emotional instability equates to weakness.
However, ignoring psychological problems can increase the risk of developing dependencies on alcohol, drugs, or both.
We aim to help normalize the discussion about men’s mental health. We will explain why it’s necessary to take care of the mind, the consequences of neglect, and provide suggestions for healthy habits for mental health.
Read also: 20 myths and truths about men’s health debunked
Why do we talk so little about men’s mental health?
Men tend to take less care of their health overall.
The study The Health of Brazilians by the Instituto Lado a Lado pela Vida in partnership with the Instituto Qualibest proves this. Of the 815 men interviewed, 83% admitted they need to take better care of their health.
In the same study, 51% said their routine makes it difficult to take care of their health. Meanwhile, 32% pointed to difficulty in accessing medical services.
The situation is worse when we talk about mental health. Cultural patterns lead men to believe that showing vulnerability is wrong. This causes emotional problems to be associated with signs of weakness. This prejudice generates misinformation.
The article Men’s Mental Health: A Study on Seeking Professional Help, written by Carolina Souza Walger for the Psychology Department of the Federal University of Paraná, interviewed 227 men. The volunteers answered questions about mental health.
Of these, 66% said they did not know about the available services. Those who did know said they did not seek psychological help due to disinterest, lack of time, lack of money, and fear.
Main mental disorders in men
Some of the most common mental disorders in men are:
1. Depression
Physical and psychological abuse, unemployment, family, and relationship conflicts are cited as causes. However, low testosterone levels are also a risk factor for depression.
It is responsible for physical characteristics, libido, fertility, maintaining muscle and bone density, fat distribution, and mood.
Some research suggests that testosterone replacement therapy may be associated with reducing symptoms of depression in certain cases, but more studies are needed to confirm this data.
2. Anxiety
Characterized by constant feelings of worry and apprehension, anxiety affects health because:
- It makes the person avoid previously enjoyable activities;
- It affects relationships in general;
- It can cause chest, head, or muscle pain;
- It brings sleep difficulties;
- It stimulates excessive alcohol use and can cause chemical dependency.
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by constant thoughts about a traumatic event. It affects approximately 6.8% of the global population, according to the article Post-traumatic stress disorder: evolution of diagnostic criteria and prevalence .
Men who participated in wars suffer from the problem. However, physical assault, crimes, accidents, and sexual violence are also associated factors.
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are:
- Feeling that the traumatic event could happen again;
- Constant state of alertness;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Avoiding anything that might remind you of the trauma;
- Difficulty trusting people;
- Tremors, nausea, and sweating;
- Outbursts of anger;
- Inability to sleep.
4. Bipolar disorder
In this mental disorder, mood swings are frequent. Patients alternate between periods of elevated mood and depression. The disease affects 30 million people worldwide.
According to the article Bipolar disorder: a review of conceptual and clinical aspects, men are more prone to type 1 bipolar disorder. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue;
- Reduced sleep;
- Low appetite;
- Sadness and hopelessness;
- Irritability;
- Impulsivity;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Lack of interest in daily activities;
- Delusions or hallucinations;
- Suicidal thoughts.
5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is basically the repetition of rituals called obsessions. The most common obsessions are related to hygiene and cleanliness, symmetry, and hoarding.
People with OCD focused on hygiene and cleanliness wash their hands, bathe, and clean the environment several times a day.
The incidence of OCD in males is more common in childhood, according to research.
The disorder affects the quality of life. Often, the person is late or misses appointments. Social isolation is also common as they are aware their behavior is not appropriate.
Risk factors
Risk factors include:
- Trauma: psychological, physical, and sexual violence, accidents, participation in armed conflicts;
- Social pressures: pressure for men not to show weakness;
- Genetic factors: about 30 to 40% of anxiety and depression cases are related to genetic issues;
- Health problems: in the male world, for example, Peyronie’s disease can affect men’s mental health.
Physical and emotional symptoms that indicate poor mental health
Unresolved emotions manifest in different ways. Check out:
Physical signs
- Excessive fatigue: feeling very tired even after a good night’s sleep;
- Sleep disturbances: few hours of sleep or sleeping too much;
- Changes in eating habits: eating too little or overeating;
- Unexplained weight loss or gain: not related to exercise or diet;
- Unexplained pain: muscle pain and chest pain, as well as migraines.
Emotional signs
- Mood swings: feeling sad and irritable all the time;
- Anxiety and worry: constant anxiety and worry about everything;
- Disinterest: losing interest in pleasurable activities;
- Low self-esteem: feeling useless to the point of giving up everything;
- Social isolation: distancing yourself from family and friends.
When is it time to seek professional help?
If symptoms do not improve over time and negatively impact relationships, studies, and work, it is time to seek medical help. Other warning signs include:
- Excessive drinking;
- Wearing clothes that completely cover the body, hiding self-harm injuries.
Available treatments and therapies
Treatments for mental disorders include therapy, medication, or both.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most well-known. It involves identifying and changing dysfunctional behaviors. CBT is commonly applied in cases of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The medication approach also varies. Mood stabilizers, for example, are prescribed for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.
How to take care of men’s mental health?
Taking care of men’s mental health may involve self-care practices such as the following:
- Sleep well: some benefits include reducing stress and helping the brain organize the information gathered throughout the day;
- Healthy eating: helps prevent heart problems and is important to increase testosterone levels. The hormone is important for mood and sexual function;
- Physical exercise: physical activity is good for both physical and mental health, as well as preventing cardiovascular problems and increasing serotonin levels, the popular “happiness hormone.” Additionally, it helps preserve male health by increasing testosterone levels;
- Relaxation techniques: yoga is a complementary therapy for cases of anxiety and depression.
Actively take care of your mental health
Men’s mental health is a significant social taboo. Stereotypes make men believe that showing vulnerability is a weakness. Some may turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with their emotional problems.
Understanding the importance of addressing mental disorders is the first step toward change. Consider seeking professional support to deal with emotional issues. Seeking help for emotional problems is an important step that demonstrates the value of well-being and the courage to face challenges.
Remember to prioritize your well-being!
And, for more tips on physical and mental health, subscribe to the Dr. Paulo Egydio’s WhatsApp channel. There, you will find practical and safe information for a healthy life.
