Men experience mental health issues just as women do, but they under
utilize the services available to help with those issues (Whitely, 2017). Of all the suicides in Canada, 75% are by men (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2022), and 6.4% of men have substance use disorders compared with 2.5% of women (Statistics Canada, 2013). Why?
Much of this situation has to do with the roles assigned to men. Society has created gender roles that hinder men from showing their emotional sides and tells them that they need to be strong. Maybe family and friends have responded to their concerns by being dismissive or avoiding such discussions. Of course, there are many other factors involved for each individual.
Men and women do share most common mental health issues, but they present very differently. For men, some of the symptoms may be
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, drugs, or both
persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
engaging in high-risk activities
aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause
obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
thoughts or behaviours that interfere with work, family, or social life
unusual thinking or behaviours that concern other people
thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
(National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.)
For Counsellors
How counsellors work with men is a key factor in addressing these issues, as the men need to feel safe and know that mental health issues affect both genders. They need to know that people are listening and their issues are important.
Counsellors also need to take time in developing the therapeutic relationship. One way to help strengthen the relationship is to find a connecting point, then balance between the connection and talk of mental health issues. Allow the client to direct the therapeutic process.
Many of my clients are male and I have used this very approach in working with them so they feel comfortable sharing their stories at their own pace.
For Men
Here are ways to maintain mental well-being and improve mental health (this list is by no means exhaustive):
Build social connections.
Engage in a hobby.
Get regular exercise
Nourish your body.
Consider counselling
(Piedmont Healthcare, n.d.)
For Family and Friends
Seeking help needs to be normalized in our society instead of seen as indicating one is weak by expressing how they feel.
Honour what the men in your life say and listen from their perspective. The fact that they are sharing what is happening for them and opening up about their struggles should not be ignored (Whitely, 2022). Far too many men struggle and unfortunately, nobody knows, or nobody listens.
References
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2022, July 6). Men’s mental health and suicide in Canada – Key takeaways. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/mens-mental-health-and-suicide-in-canada-key-takeaways
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.) Men and mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
Piedmont Healthcare. (n.d.). Mental health tips for men. https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/mental-health-tips-for-men
Statistics Canada. (2013). Health at a glance: Mental and substance use disorders in Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/82-624-x/2013001/article/11855-eng.pdf
Whitely, R. (2017, February 6). Men’s mental health: A silent crisis. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/talking-about-men/201702/mens-mental-health-silent-crisis
Whitely, R. (2022, February 25). Why so many men resist talking about their mental health: Who’s listening really matters. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/talking-about-men/202202/why-so-many-men-resist-talking-about-their-mental-health