Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: June 2024

As June 2024 brings Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to explore the psychological dimensions of mental health issues uniquely impacting men. This dedicated month aims not only to highlight the prevalence and severity of these issues but also to dismantle the pervasive stigma that often hinders men from seeking the help they need.

The psychological aspects:

1. Prevalence and types of mental health disorders Mental health disorders do not discriminate by gender, yet the manifestation and prevalence of these disorders can differ significantly between men and women. Men are particularly susceptible to externalising disorders, such as substance use disorders and conduct disorders.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), men are also at a higher risk for suicides, due to the utilisation of more lethal means and lower help-seeking behaviours.

2. Internalising disorders and emotional expression: Men may experience internalising disorders such as depression and anxiety differently compared to women. The expression of these disorders in men often deviates from the classic symptoms. For instance, instead of displaying sadness, men with depression might exhibit irritability, anger, or engage in risk-taking behaviours. This phenomenon, known as atypical depression, underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to be adept at recognising these non-traditional symptoms.

Adverse effects of emotional repression:

1. Somatic Symptoms: Repressing emotions can lead to significant physical health issues, manifesting as somatic symptoms. Chronic stress, often a result of emotional suppression, can contribute to cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal disturbances, and chronic pain conditions. The body’s stress response, when activated over extended periods, can lead to increased inflammation and a weakened immune system.

2. Psychosomatic disorders: Men who habitually repress emotions may also be at risk for psychosomatic disorders, where psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms. This can include conditions like hypertension, ulcers, and migraine headaches. The mind-body connection emphasizes how unresolved emotional issues can have tangible physiological impacts.

3. Substance abuse and risk-taking behaviour: Emotional repression is frequently linked with maladaptive coping mechanisms. Men may turn to substance abuse as a way to numb emotional pain, leading to substance use disorders. Additionally, engaging in high-risk behaviours can serve as a distraction from underlying psychological distress, exacerbating the potential for accidents and injuries.

4. Aggression and interpersonal conflict: Unresolved emotional tension can manifest as aggression, contributing to interpersonal conflicts and violence. Men who are unable to express emotions healthily may become more prone to aggressive outbursts, negatively affecting relationships and increasing the risk of domestic violence.

Barriers to men’s mental health care:

1. Stigma and masculinity norms: One of the most formidable barriers to mental health care for men is societal stigma. The construct of traditional masculinity, which valorises stoicism, emotional suppression, and self-reliance, can deter men from acknowledging their mental health struggles and seeking help. The concept of hegemonic masculinity reinforces the notion that vulnerability is antithetical to male identity, thereby perpetuating a culture of silence around men’s mental health issues.

2. Help-seeking behaviour: Research indicates that men are significantly less likely to seek psychological help than women, a phenomenon that can be attributed to self-stigma and public stigma. Self-stigma involves internalising negative beliefs about mental health, leading to feelings of shame and inadequacy. Public stigma refers to societal attitudes that devalue individuals with mental health conditions. These factors collectively contribute to a reluctance among men to pursue mental health care.

Steps to overcome mental health issues:

1. Recognise and acknowledge emotions: The first step towards overcoming mental health issues is recognising and acknowledging one’s emotions. Men should be encouraged to identify and understand their emotional states, which can help in addressing underlying psychological distress.

2. Seek professional help: Professional help from psychologists, psychiatrists, or counsellors is crucial. Seeking therapy should be normalised and viewed as a proactive step toward mental well-being.

3. Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Developing healthy coping mechanisms is essential. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and physical exercise can help manage stress and improve overall mental health. Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfilment can also serve as positive outlets for emotions.

4. Build support networks: Building and maintaining strong support networks can provide emotional and practical support. Friends, family, and peer support groups can offer a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving encouragement.

5. Challenge stigma: Challenging internal and external stigma is crucial. Men should be encouraged to speak openly about their mental health struggles and advocate for a culture that values mental health as much as physical health. Public awareness campaigns can play a significant role in changing societal attitudes and reducing stigma.

As we observe Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in June 2024, adopting a comprehensive approach that includes education, intervention, and support is crucial. By challenging harmful stereotypes surrounding masculinity and nurturing an environment that encourages emotional expression and help-seeking behaviours, we can make significant progress in improving mental health outcomes for men. Integrating mental health education into primary care, building community-based support programs, and promoting resilience are essential steps. Through collective efforts, we can foster a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive mentally and emotionally.

Niutoli Tuccu

Rehabilitation Psychologist, RCI,

Proprietor,

NT_ Revivify Counseling Service, Dimapur Nagaland.