What do you need to know about Men’s Mental Health?

Mental Health affects both men and women however its prevalence is lower in men than women. Though men are less likely to suffer from mental illness, they are less likely to seek help, and more likely to die from suicide.  Whether a man or woman, our mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Knowing the signs of mental disorders for yourself or others may help in accessing treatment sooner rather than later.

Warning signs of mental disorders may include:

  • Uncontrolled or explainable anger, irritation, or aggression
  • Mood swings, including changes in energy and appetite
  • Sleep disturbances or sleeping too much
  • Inability to focus and restlessness
  • Hopelessness and anxiety
  • Alcohol and substance use
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Lack of joy
  • Disassociation from reality
  • Engaging in risky or hurtful behavior
  • Physical symptoms like aches and pains, headaches, and digestion issues
  • Obsessive and compulsive behavior

Living with, let alone talking about mental health issues can be scary and even intimidating. In our society, men are taught to ‘suck it up,’ ‘man up,’ or ‘be strong,’ these cultural expectations make it even more difficult for men to seek help.

Other cultural messaging makes it difficult for men to admit, talk about, and seek help for mental health issues. Men are taught to be tough and not to cry, discouraging them from ever admitting they need help.

It’s so important to speak up and fight this stigma for men. It is important for men to know what it’s like to get a mental health diagnosis, how to ask for and get help, and what the future could look like once the needed treatment is sought.

Psychologists have studied the link between traditional masculinity and mental health disorders.  Researchers from Indiana University concluded that men who follow the traditional masculinity norms are more likely to suffer from mental illness and they are less likely to seek help. Men who follow traditional norms are more likely to feel lonely, hostile, and less likely to feel strong and loving social bonds.

Men who seek help and treatment for their mental health issues develop better social skills and create successful coping mechanisms for stress, depression, and anxiety. If you, or someone you know, suffers from mental health issues, reach out for help today.

Healing Springs Ranch, a treatment facility in Texas, offers a holistic treatment experience. To ensure this, we place an emphasis on getting to the underlying issues that led to your mental health disorder in the first place. We’ll work with you to understand the “why” behind your addiction in an effort to help you overcome it. To that end, HSR will tailor your treatment plan specifically for you, your uniqueness, and what motivates you. Contact Healing Springs Ranch today to get started on your healing journey.

Healing Springs Ranch provides recovery support. Some of the highlights of therapy include, in addition to the Core Curriculum groups, Psychodrama, Art Therapy, Anger Management, ETT, and a Wellness Program. Residential treatment for adults recovering from substance use, alcohol, and other related mental health issues.