Ways Men Can Support Their Mental Health

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and can greatly affect quality of life. For some, the stigma of experiencing poor mental health, or a lack of support can prevent them from getting the help needed to work through their issues.

Men are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, with stigma being one key contributor preventing men from discussing and accessing mental support. We’re going to go over the men’s mental health crisis, as well as ways men can support each other in their mental health journeys.

men looking up ways to support mental health

Men's Mental Health Facts

Statistics about mental health for men are concerning. 1 in 8 men are currently experiencing mental health issues, and 77% have said they’ve experienced symptoms of negative mental health; making men’s mental health a prominent and important issue. Due to self-perception, societal pressure and stigma, 40% of men stated they have never sought help for their mental health concerns.

Specifically, men attribute poor mental health to work pressure, financial stress and health concerns, and are reluctant to reach out for support out of fear of stigma or embarrassment. Men’s mental health is a concern not only due to how common mental health issues are for men; but also because stigma prevents men from getting appropriate support.

Why is Men’s Mental Health Stigmatized?

As mentioned above, mental health concerns are highly stigmatized in men - but why is that?

Gender Roles & Expectations

Much of the research around men's mental health points to the stigma being rooted in gender stereotypes. As getting support for your mental health involves expressing your feelings, emotions and admitting that you are struggling, for many men, this goes against everything society has told them about ‘being a man’. Stereotypes of masculinity perpetuate the idea that men must never struggle or admit negative feelings in order to not seem ‘weak’. Although gender roles have become much less limiting over the years, when it comes to mental health, stereotypes and fears of being less ‘manly’ continue.

Generational Differences

Mental health awareness and acceptance is rising in younger people, but the same can’t necessarily be said for the older generation, especially older men. Nearly 15% of men aged over 60 experience a mental health disorder, and older people are likely to experience anxiety and depression as a result of chronic mental health disorders like Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s. Other contributing factors to declining mental health in older men include life changes that come with aging, loneliness, and financial strain.

Likewise, older generations would have likely experienced more intense stigma around mental health issues, as gender roles were previously more pervasive in society.

woman supporting elderly man’s mental health

Prioritizing Physical Health over Mental Health

According to research, only 7% of men prioritize their mental health, and many men are prioritizing their physical wellbeing instead. Although eating well and exercise are beneficial to our mental health, dedicated mental health care is also necessary. Taking care of some aspects of our physical health, including our gut health, can also improve our mental wellbeing. However, this does not replace direct and intentional mental health support. Reasons for not prioritizing mental health could be related to the points made above.

Ways Men Can Support Each Other’s Mental Health

Supporting your own mental health as a man, or supporting the mental health of other men in your life can be done in a range of ways. Breaking stigma and encouraging more openness around mental health in your social and familial circles can take time but will be worth it. Ways men can support mental health in themselves and in each other include:

Learning the Signs of Mental Health Issues in Men

Learning the signs of mental health issues can make sure you can recognize them in yourself and others early. Some signs of poor mental health in general includes:

Withdrawal from friends and family
Persistent low mood or sadness
Difficulty concentrating, feeling tired or fatigued
Not finding joy in activities they previously enjoyed
Anxiety, worry or panic

Men struggling with their mental health could also be more likely to:

Experience substance abuse
Engage in risky or dangerous behavior
Work excessively

Checking in With Each Other

Breaking the stigma around men's mental health can begin with conversations with your own friends and family. Checking in others is not just about ‘checking’ that someone is okay at that moment – checking in often means your friends and family know that they can come and talk to you should they need help. When checking in with others, be genuine and make sure they know you’re there to listen and help if they need it.

Educating Yourself

Take some time to learn more about mental health issues and what you can do to support yourself and others. Some helpful things you can educate yourself about include the signs of mental health problems, understanding what services are available, and what you can do if someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Seek Help

If you are experiencing mental health struggles, consider seeking professional help from a medical professional or psychologist. Mental health professionals can help you with understanding yourself and your issues, expressing your emotions and thoughts, and forming coping skills to improve your life.

Seeking professional help can also empower you to break the stigma among your friends and family, and confidently open up conversations around mental wellbeing. If you do not require professional support right now, educating yourself on the professional help available is always beneficial in the event you or someone you know requires it.

Conclusion

Experiencing mental health struggles as a man is not something to be embarrassed or ashamed of. Men can support each other’s journeys and break the stigma by encouraging open conversations, educating yourself, and being prepared to help someone out if they need it. Always remember to seek professional help if you or someone you know is in crisis or danger. With help from mental health professionals and your support network, mental health challenges can be overcome.