A whopping 65 men are hesitant to seek professional help for mental health concerns
There's a huge burden on men across the world to not show emotions because “real men don’t cry. However, this dangerous precedence has become one of the main reasons why men believe that the only acceptable way to deal with emotions is to hide them.
According to a 2023 survey by Cleveland Clinic, 44 per cent of men believe they live a healthy lifestyle, but do not prioritize their mental health. And a whopping 65 per cent of men were hesitant to seek professional help for mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and depression while dealing with suicidal thoughts.
Men’s mental health struggles often go undiagnosed due to the widespread stigma surrounding suicide. Statistics say across Canada, the US, and the UK roughly 75 per cent of deaths by suicide are men. And so, it is important to not just talk about it freely, but also tend to your mental health, whether as a man you are new to the whole feeling-your-feelings thing or just ready to go deeper.
Tips for men to validate their emotions and open up on suicidal thoughts
Talk about your feelings openly
For men, it is hard to admit that they are facing mental health issues – or suicidal thoughts to be precise. However, according to experts, it should not be a reason to freak out. Rather, be patient and talk to someone trusted. Psychologists say it is important to talk your feelings out, even if your problem does not get immediately solved.
It is important to signpost the issue if a person foretells their dark thoughts or considers self-harm.
Recognize the red flags
As a man you may not always realize when you are struggling, since most are not accustomed to caring for their mental health, however, these concerns don’t always present as very straightforward feelings of sadness or stress. A few other signs are important to take note of:
- Changes in your sleep schedule and quality of sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of restlessness
- Fluctuating energy levels
- Increased or decreased appetite
Be persistent
According to experts, if you have been trying to talk to a man to open up and have not been successful, do not give up yet. Men are good at hiding their feelings and so a constant dialogue is important.
Try coming from different angles, whether it be while kicking a ball in the park, over a drink, or while cooking dinner.
Prioritize friendships
Fostering relationships is key to building a strong support system. Men often give more importance to their work and are not able to balance their relationships. And so, experts say they should take out more time for their friends and family, who can help elevate mental health.
According to studies, those who have friends feel they can confide in are more satisfied with their lives and less likely to experience depression.
Do not live in isolation
Psychologists give examples of many celebrity males who died by suicide and were alone at the time they took the decision. According to a study done by Columbia University, in the months after actor Robin Williams died by suicide in 2014, there was a ten per cent increase in suicides in the US.
Men aged 30 to 44 were particularly affected.
Most of the time, there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life. And so, being around people can instantly help you get over the issue and feel happy.
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