Questions for the Men
Do you feel men's mental health is discussed/respected equally to women? Why do you say yes/no?
Do you participate in any self-care practices? Do you make time for yourself? If you would like to share, what are some of them?
Do you or a male you know struggle with food in any way? Are they clinically diagnosed?
How comfortable are you talking about your mental health? Have you talked to a family member, friend, or even a therapist before? If no, why not?
What percent of suicides per year do you think are men?
No Cheating!
How can society be more open and accepting of men and their mental health? Do you think men play a role in the closed-mindedness of men's mental health acceptance and awareness?
What are the top triggers for men? Do you know what your triggers are? What mental illness do you think are more commonly found in men?
How does the mental health of the man affect their relationship(s)? Romanic?
Familial?
Friendships?
Child/Parent?
What emotions do you feel toward the term "man up" or similar phrasing?
What do you think is the biggest cause(s) of the stigmatization of men's mental health? What can be done to better address men's mental health and open the conversation?
Submit Your Answers
All answers will be anonymous and used for research and information gathering only! Please number your responses and don't be afraid to be as personal as you wish. These responses will not be publicly posted, but you can expect a response post from the collected data. There is also no cut off date for these questions! Since I am a female posting this, I love hearing from my male audience and spreading awareness. Feel free to add your own questions and comments within the message or anything specific you would like to be addressed on this page.
Your email is secure and only necessary for the submission. You will not be added to an email list or receive any further contact. If you would like direct contanct with me, feel free to check out my form under "Contact Me" on the Home page. Feel free to also check out my linked socials.
Stay in Touch!
For all other inquires, I check my inbox daily and would love to chat!
FAQ
WELCOME TO THE MENS MENTAL HEALTH PAGE
​
Below, you will find some Frequently Asked Questions and
Information backed by research and studies.
Sources Cited:
“Infographic Men’s Mental Health - 5 Minute Guide.” Mental Health America, www.mhanational.org/issues/infographic-mens-mental-health-5-minute-guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
3
Can Anyone be Affected?
Yes, even athletes!
Brandon Marshall
Terry Bradshaw
Larry Sanders
Keyon Dooling
Jim Piersall
Earl Campbell
What are the top 5
Men's Mental Health Problems?
One of the most commonly found, depression affects 1 in 16 men and is more common for men to struggle without seeking assistance- why?
​
First, let's take a look at what depression looks like in men and how men are affected. Depression is for one, more than just sadness, and two, is a build up negative emotions and feelings of emptiness. In men, depression shows face in the form(s) of: physical pain (physical unrest/soreness to self-harm), emotional imbalance (i.e. anger, sadness, boredom, fear, etc.), reckless behavior, and isolation.
Since men are accustomed to the theory that men have to be "strong" and "in control," they loose touch with their own emotions and even deny themselves their own ability to have these feelings. This all plays a part in the vicious cycle that keeps men inside the stigmas. The cycle begins when the male denies or hides his emotions due to fear of rejection due to the lack of social acceptance for men's emotions. Unfortunately, this is the reason many men struggle with depression; they believe it is "not manly" to seek help or guidance. When they do not reach out and further instill this mindset, the cycle continues. This can also leave the male feeling lonely and not in-control when they begin internalizing their emotions instead of healthy expressing or coping with their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. (See Coping Skills (coming soon))
Depression
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that leaves and individual with feelings of worry, restlessness, anxiety attacks, and an inability/lack of control over emotions. While women are more likely to see assistance and reach out, men are more likely to reach out to substances and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Anxiety or anxious feelings can be the result of stress, lifestyle, trauma, relationships, and more. Thankfully, when acknowledged, anxiety is treatable. Other than therapy and medication, adopting new routines and healthy coping skills will aid in turning the emotional side around. This can be in the form of physical activity, spending time with loved ones, journaling, etc. (see coping skills page (coming soon)).
Men that suffer from anxiety may also be at risk for other health conditions and could progressively worsen the mental state of the individual if there is no self-regulation. This can include performance anxiety (feeling like the individual is not capable of completing their daily tasks or goals) and social anxiety (inability or difficulty spending time in a social setting). While these may seem like a mountain, overcoming anxiety is possible.
Some steps in recovery include:
Seeking assistance; whether it is professional or from someone you trust- or even keeping a journal can help relieve the emotional taxation of anxiety. Another way to overcome anxiety is to write out what is causing the stress and what can be done to take some of the weight off. Lastly, take a look at your day-to-day life; are you living a life that brings you peace, love, and joy? If no, what can be done to turn that around?
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is one of the most overlooked mental disorder among men. While it is more commonly found in men, it is only said to effect >1% of the population. Bipolar disorder is broken down into three categories :
- Bipolar I
This is best described as the feeling of being on an uncontrollable emotional rollercoaster that can have highs and lows lasting weeks at a time. Men can experience mania (extremes dips and raises in emotions) that presents itself in the form of depression, isolation, anger, intense sadness, extreme happiness followed by a "crash," unexplainable reckless behavior, and/or thoughts of self-harm.
- Bipolar II
This variation of Bipolar (none is worse than another) refers to longer "emotional high" time followed by a more than two week "depressive episode." If left untreated, this is one of the main problem men face regarding their mental health. Studies show, since men experience "highs" (even if they are followed by a low), they choose to not reach out. Why?
Women are more intuitive and expressive by nature while men are more reserved and not inclined to show emotion as often. Unfortunately, this cycles into a toxic inner behavior that traps men feeling insufficient and ultimately back into lows.
- Cyclothymic Disorder
Similar to Bipolar II, Cyclothymia mania lasts for months to years at a time. To recap, Bipolar I highs and lows fluctuate day to day (maybe by week), Bipolar II fluctuates by days and weeks, and the version, cyclothymia, fluctuates months and years. This means the individual will feel lows lasting years intercepted by short and intense highs.
​
Now that we have discussed what Bipolar Disorder is; what does it look like in men, what can be done to ease symptoms?
What does Bipolar look like for men? This can easily be traced by looking at the mood patterns of the individual. For example, how often does the man go through times of mania, "the observation of the self “ego” struggles with behaviors, judgments, emotions, and actions in real time as they are manifesting and self-monitoring?"(PSYCOM) What do those times look like?
Another way to determine if an individual is experiencing Bipolar disorder, do they display symptoms of extreme behavior? This can appear in the forms of "risk-taking, sleeplessness, hyperactivity, and inexplicable euphoria... poor decision making, and reckless behavior." (PSYCOM) While these symptoms are found in men with ADHD or other hyperactivity disorders, take a look at the patterns and compare.
Fortunately, similar to anxiety, Bipolar is treatable! With seeking help and/or taking medication, take a look at what may be triggers (see page (coming soon)) and what could be causing unnecessary stress. Since this disorder is not curable but treatable, take a look into what you, as an individual, can do to ease the stress and find a medium in life to help regulate emotions.
Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Among the 5, Schizophrenia affect men the most different and these two show up in men more differently than any of the other 5. Just like depression an anxiety, most men approach these with the "I am a man," "I'm fine" mindset. While it is easier to be "fine" with depression, Schizophrenia and Psychosis are much different. Lets define Schizophrenia: brain disorder with symptoms that include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, trouble with thinking and lack of motivation... just to name a few. Another symptom is Psychosis. This is an period of time (episode) in which an individual experiences disruptions with their brain processing systems. This leads to symptoms such as: disassociation, loss of touch with reality, mood swings, and difficult differentiating between reality and what the Psychosis perceives. With this disorder affecting less than one percent of the U.S. population, there is no known cure for Schizophrenia.
Unlike women, this disorder affects men differently. Men are more commonly know to be diagnosed at an earlier age. Men also statistically higher to develop addictions, codependences, and substance abuse; they also have an overall worse "course of illness." This means men feel the more "negative" effects of this disorder. The "positive symptoms" tend to add to the experience of the disorder while the men experience "negative" symptoms. Rather than adding to the functions of the brain, in men, this disorder slows and hinders the individuals ability to function.
Lastly, with men already statistically less prone to communicating their needs/emotions, this is where the "negative" effects have a larger impact on men. They are more prone to isolate and allow the disorder to further dig its roots and unhealthy coping habits are known to form.
If there is no cure, how do men recover from Schizophrenia? Let's talk about some steps-
(According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
1. Get Open
Talk to loved ones or even seek counseling. By opening up and discussing symptoms and concerns, the individual is then able to not only open to the door to the help he needs, but also affirms to himself that there is something about himself that is not right and would like to seek assistance to live a happier and healthier life.
2. Get Help
After the individual, it is in the best interest of an individuals healing journey to seek help. Assistance can come in the form of talking to a loved, seeking a support group, or even seeing a counselor. While trained individuals are equipped with the knowledge required to assist the individual, it is often found helpful and reaffirming to join a support group.
3. Get Control
After acknowledging and having a better understanding of disorder and it's effects, it is imperative the individual understands they will need to make changes to their lifestyle in order to make room for the healing required thought the process. Take control of what impacts your daily routine, mental health, time balances, sleep schedule, etc.; this will take the stress away by focusing on what can be controlled and what cannot be.
4. Get Active
Come on man- you're telling me a disorder is going to stop you from going on that run, throwing a ball with a loved one, or even stopping you from going to the gym. While yes. this disorder can be so debilitating they do not have interest in activities, staying active is known to be one of the best cures- especially to mental/phycological disorders.
5. Get Chill
Make some time for yourself. This can include a self care routine, making time to read, spending time with pets, learning a new skill, or even journal. Along with relaxing, make time to ground in the moment; daily reflections and expressing gratitude have also been known to boost the individuals morale.
Click "Eating Disorders" to arrive at the complete list
​
Just as there are many types of eating disorders, there are many risk factors. Some of the following include sexual orientation /objectification, weight history /exercise, trauma, and one of the newer causes, social media pressure. These risk factors, when internalized can lead to potentially harmful coping mechanisms; since food and an individual's eating habits are one of the more accessible coping skills, it is easier for males to develop an eating disorder.
With the societal norm of the "manly" male. this leads to an array of potential issues. For example, the majority of men intentionally reflect their lifestyle in the manner in which they would want to be perceived. While women compare themselves to other women and outwardly express goals and their need(s) /want(s) for themselves, men do the opposite. Men are more likely to judge themselves for their insecurities regarding their body image and treat food as a medium to achieve their desired goal.
Trauma can also be a factor when looking into the history of eating disorders in males. Coping skills are common with trauma, however, eating disorders develop due to the food and their image being something controllable, body dysmorphia, or societal pressure. Food either becomes an outlet for the individual as a comfort or even a "punishment." Unfortunately, men are more stigmatized concerning mental health thus creating a vicious cycle:
men experience trauma -> (fear of) societal rejection-> internal unacceptance -> cope / coping mechanism
Another notable risk factor (as mentioned) is genetics! No- eating disorders are not hereditary, however, men are more likely to develop an eating disorder in fear of genetic history and/or uphold favored traits. This means men who were raised around obesity or if obesity runs in the family, the male will be more likely to develop an eating disorder and/or compulsive exercise (which is equally unhealthy).
The newest risk factor, social media pressure, has also had a significant impact on men's mental heath and diet concerns. Along with the "manly" stereotype, there have been an increase on the "gym bro" agenda. Not only are men pressured to hold unrealistic mental stability standards for themselves, but they also are expected to preform physically (in many aspects). With both the pressure of both impractical standards, coping mechanisms develop.
Cited Sources
Behavioral, SUN. “Common Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Men - Know the Signs.” SUN Houston, 18 Oct. 2022, sunhouston.com/common-bipolar-disorder-symptoms-in-men/.
​
Bipolar Symptoms in Men: Does Bipolar Disorder Affect Men? - Psycom, www.psycom.net/bipolar-symptoms-in-men.
​
“Depression.” TRS Health, 5 June 2023, trshealth.org/service/depression/?utm_source=google-grant&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=btd-
​
“Eating Disorders in Males.” Eating Disorder Hope, 31 Mar. 2023, www.eatingdisorderhope.com/risk-groups/men.
​
Group, Priory. “Anxiety in Men.” Priory, Priory, 26 Apr. 2022, www.priorygroup.com/mental-health/anxiety-treatment/anxiety-in-men.
Jared C. Pistoia, ND. “What’s Different about Schizophrenia Symptoms in Men?” Psych Central, Psych Central, 23 May 2022, psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-in-men#gender-differences.
​
“Men’s Mental Health Month: Six Mental Health Tips for the Dudes in Your Life.” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 3 June 2021, afsp.org/story/men-s-mental-health-month-six-mental-health-tips-for-the-dudes-in-your-life?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=ad_grant&utm_campaign=depression_awareness&gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLollzQFhFDdmIbZ0vex_6YOiWldd8Pj9oXS4LC3s6rf6ukh_wVhpZBoC28AQAvD_BwE.
​
Robinson, Lawrence. “Depression in Men.” HelpGuide.Org, 27 Feb. 2023, www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-men.htm.
​
Strother, Eric, et al. “Eating Disorders in Men: Underdiagnosed, Undertreated, and Misunderstood.” Eating Disorders, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3479631/.
​
“What Is Anxiety.” Re, www.remindsupport.org/what-is-anxiety/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpJWoBhA8EiwAHZFzfonO0ba9gqlsFkrtLszZCh9Dd4jIzQdO09PIuK_yx7fCHoq2Mn-JvBoCv0sQAvD_BwE.
​
“What Is Schizophrenia?” Psychiatry.Org - What Is Schizophrenia?, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia#:~:text=Schizophrenia%20is%20a%20chronic%20brain,thinking%20and%20lack%20of%20motivation. Accessed 25 Sept. 2023.
