Why is Men’s mental health important?

Because men are a critical element in our society, and the quality of their contributions to their families and the world is directly impacted by their mental health. In other words, men’s mental health is important because it can change our world.

Maybe changing the world seems a bit far-fetched, but keep reading and I will show you what I mean…

Let’s start with men’s physical well being.

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Why would we take care of one and not the other? In fact, our minds and bodies are deeply linked.

Countless studies have proven that poor mental health radically affects the overall health of the body. Let that sink in. Poor mental health is literally killing you.

You may be thinking “it can’t be that bad”…Well, the old saying of mind over matter is here to prove you wrong.

Depression (the number one mental health disorder for men) is linked to:
● Lowered sex drive
● Heart disease
● More pain in your body
● Substance abuse
● Sleep deprivation
● Eating disorders
● Suicide, men die of suicide 3.5 times more often than women and during June of 2020 25% of people, 18-24 seriously consider suicide

And, before you dismiss this as an isolated issue. Depression is the most significant mental health disorder in both men and women. It is believed that over 300 million people around the world suffer from depression daily. A staggering number! To put that in perspective, that is the same as taking almost 19 YEARS worth of ALL attendance at NFL games.

This is not isolated! And the overall impact on individuals, families, and communities is not isolated either. To put it plainly, by not taking men’s mental health seriously, we diminish our world.

A recent study by the American Heart association In conjunction with other agencies, found participants who reported greater optimism, sense of purpose, happiness, mindfulness, life satisfaction, emotional vitality, well-being and gratitude, and resilience were less likely to experience stroke and cardiovascular disease, and they had a lower risk of mortality.

Specifically, people who reported a positive mental health status were more likely to have lower blood pressure, better glucose control, less inflammation, and lower cholesterol.

As men, it is important to face these facts head on. Even if all we are doing is trying to be physically healthier, or have a better sex life we have an opportunity to seek help for ourselves, show our sons that seeking help is ok, and to start a global change in a very tangible and positive way.

Your mental health, and the mental health of the men around you matters!

Next, let’s look at how men contribute.

Good mental health contributes to a person’s sense of self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence. That may seem like a no brainer, but it is important. Why? Because these three measures directly impact a few things we tend to care about as men.

1. We are more productive in society.
2. We are better able to take care of ourselves.
3. We are better able to take care of our loved ones.
4. We have better relationships.
5. We are more able to find work and meaningful work.

So why is men’s mental health important? Because men are pretty important in things like…Society…Relationships…and Work.

In addition, my own work has shown me that if a man has greater self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence he will take greater risks in his life and be more successful in his pursuits and dreams. And I have to say; there are few things that change the world more than the successful pursuit of dreams.

Leading a life of values.

Good mental health helps men think more clearly about their values and to determine a vision for their life; what do they want in their life, who they want to be and where they want to go. Unfortunately, people with mental health issues, have difficulty gaining clarity on these life pursuit issues because their mind is consumed with the effects of poor mental health and the mind just doesn’t have the capacity to think about these more important life questions and once determined to set a strategy/action plan for achievement.

To put that in another way, it’s hard to be focused on your values and goals when just existing can feel like a struggle.

Also, I think this is an important piece of the puzzle. The ability to lead a life of values is SO important for the world, for our families, and for ourselves! When we lead a life of values, we are participating in activities that have meaning and that cause fulfillment in one’s life. Even if NONE of the other impacts of mental health mattered, this one alone can dramatically alter the world.

Getting a better understanding.

To help you better understand men’s mental health, let’s review the following:

• Men’s mental health disorders
• Consequences of poor mental health
• Key factors that contribute to poor men’s mental health
• What steps can be taken to improve a man’s mental health.

Men’s Mental Health Disorders

● Depression There are many types of depression. Don’t kid yourself into thinking one size fits all. In the index at the end of this document you will find further detail on the types of depression and other disorders listed below and a list of men’s mental health statistics.
● Anxiety
● Eating disorders
● Trauma related disorders
● Impulse control disorders
● Psychotic disorders
● Personality disorders
● Addiction and substance abuse

Consequences of poor mental health

We’ve seen from above there are significant physiological impacts to men due to depression. Here are a number of the other more prevalent issues that are the consequences of poor men’s mental health.

Can have a huge risk of adult onset of chronic health problems such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, suicide, and alcoholism, especially if they have 4 or more ACES (defined below)

Research specific to chronic and traumatic stress, anger and hostility, anxiety, depression, and pessimism showed:

• Men are more likely to have:
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Weight-related issues
  • An increase in heart rate irregularities, blood pressure readings, inflammatory markers, and reduced blood flow to the heart.

• Loss of jobs and or wages due to being out sick and not being able to perform
• Anger and rage issues, leading to abuse others or self.
• Loss of hope and feeling caged, like there is no-way out, which can greatly lead to suicidal thoughts.
• Lowered self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence, which can affect the following:
  • The possibility of a more compromised immune system.
  • Seek less in terms of a fulfilling life, believing they are not worthy or capable of such.
  • Career and work opportunities
  • Seeking quality friends or romantic partners
  • In ability to define appropriate boundaries with the people in their life, at work, at home, with friends and partners.
• Decreased ability to speak up for themselves. As a man who suffered abuse in his childhood, it was very difficult for me to speak up to authority figures until I worked this through in therapy.
• Isolation. Many men with mental health issues may tend to isolate (especially if they are dealing with a depressive episode) or various anxiety, eating, or personality disorders. Many don’t think others want to be around them when they are suffering so and they don’t give people a chance to show how much they care about that person.

Key factors that contribute to poor men’s mental health

• Genetics, many mental health disorders can be inherited from a parent or parents.
• A cycle of untreated abuse passed down from generation to generation. A father or mother that experienced abuse as a child from their parent; may very likely perpetuate the same to his or her children.
• A cycle of poverty. Those with little to no means generally will have greater mental health problems, due to:
  • A cycle of abuse that has not been broken, because of lack of awareness or non-affordability of professional help
  • Mental health issues may perpetuate the poverty itself. As people affected by poverty do their best to survive, they may be held back by constantly being in flight or fight mode(for survival), which can limit their mental executive abilities towards planning, work and career development.
• Men are less likely to talk about mental health and reach out for help. 1/2 of all men are more depressed than they admit yet only 1/3 of people in therapy are men. How screwed up is that!!!
• Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up because they might be viewed as weak. If men only viewed themselves as the CEO of their life where a great CEO would have a team of highly competent individuals to ensure optimum company performance and success. Thus men could employ the same CEO characteristics where they enlist as many competent individuals to help them as possible, ensuring they are as healthy, mentally and physically, and successful (however that person defines success) as possible. It’s interesting when I use this analogy with men who are reluctant to seek help, how they many times their outlook on this issue changes. A light bulb goes off. The sign of a true leader is to reach out for help when needed. In the “about me” section of my website, garofoliconsulting.com, I review how I how realized that reaching out for help was a sign of strength and not weakness.
• Unfortunately men may, instead of seeking help are more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and are just less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health. However, there is research to suggest that men will access help when they feel it meets their preferences, and is easily accessed, meaningful, and engaging.
• Percent of males under age 65 without health insurance coverage: about 15%. For those without health insurance seeing a Dr. or therapist can be expensive and many men who struggle financially, are more likely to use the money they do have for housing, food and transportation.
• The CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACE Study and subsequent surveys that show that most people in the U.S. have at least one ACE (adverse childhood experience) and that people with four ACES) have a huge risk of adult onset of chronic health problems such as mental health disorders, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, suicide and alcoholism. Where do you fall on this list? ACES include:
  • Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
  • An alcoholic parent
  • Racism
  • Bullying
  • Witnessing violence outside or inside the home
  • Mental illness of a household member
  • Losing a parent to divorce or separation
  • Caught in poverty, and not believing they have control
  • Incarceration of a household member.
  • Illegal street or prescription drug use by a household member.

What steps can be taken to improve a man’s mental health

• Work with a good primary care physician who truly cares about your well-being. This Primary Care Dr. can refer you to various specialists to help you deal or overcome your mental health issues.
• Work with an experienced and compassionate therapist. There are many different types of therapists and you can find my guide to finding a good therapist here: Choosing a Therapist, what to look for and what are the various major types of psychotherapy options.
• Work with an experienced men’s coach. Men’s coaches are experts on the issues that men face and can help a client gain clarity of their values, vision, saboteurs (those nasty buggers that hold them back). They can help a client view an issue from a different perspective or help move through various emotional issues, by actually experiencing this emotion thus allowing a client to move on.
• Generally less expensive or no cost options include:
  • Reach out to loved ones, friends, and family to become less isolated about the particulate issues you are dealing with. In my list of 7 truths shown under resources at garofoliconsulting.com, my 7th truth states, all people seek intimate relationships and relationships are all that matter. You may be surprised at the greater intimacy that you will build with those you choose to trust and reach out to. Give these people a chance to show how much they care about you. Just the act of sharing these details should bring significant relief.
  • Find an older man mentor, someone who you have learned to trust and that you know has your back. Below a few approaches to finding a mentor:
    • https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/30-days-to-a-better-man-day-3-find-a-mentor/
    • LinkedIn has mentor services; this may be more professional in nature
  • Join a men’s group. Men’s groups are either free or are offered at lower costs as a way for men to grow and work through their issues, with other men. You’ll have a confidential space to be heard, to not be judged and to seek counsel on your specific issue or issues. While I have no personal experience with the following men’s group organization, I’ve heard it’s very useful : mensgroup.com
  • Listen to various podcasters that focus on men’s issues. I’ve listed a few podcasters below that I’ve listened to that are extremely competent in their views and topics and the various guests they bring onto their shows.
    • ManTalks Podcast, with Connor Beaton
    • Revealing Men, The Men’s resource center
    • State Of Mind Mental Health Podcast with Michael Stroh
    • Men, This Way with Bryan Reeves.
    • The Great Man Within with Domink Quartuccio and Bryan Stacy

INDEX

Mental Health Disorders:

Depression

There are many types of depression. Don’t kid yourself into thinking one size fits all.

• Bipolar Sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder, is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts in mood and energy levels are more severe than the normal ups and downs that are experienced by everyone.
• Major Depression Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed doing, hopelessness and other symptoms.
• Persistent or Dysthymia Might not feel as intense as Major Depression, but there are still symptoms which can affect a person. Some symptoms include poor sleep, trouble falling asleep and waking up early
• Seasonal Related to certain seasons, winter being the most prominent with shorter periods of light.
• Situational Related to a specific situation that has happened and when the situation improves generally does the depression.

Anxiety

• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Social anxiety
• OCD, ADHD

Eating disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia
• Binge eating

Trauma related disorders

• PTSD
• Acute stress
• Dissociation with self.

Impulse control disorders

• Kleptomania
• Pyromania
• Intermittent explosive

Psychotic disorders

• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective
• Brief Psychotic

Personality disorders

• Narcissistic
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline
• Avoidant
• Paranoid
• Dependent

Addiction and substance abuse

• Alcohol
• Illegal or prescription drugs

Additional Men’s Mental Health Facts:

Pandemic specific related mental health issues:

¹⁰Among adults aged ≥18 years across the United States during June 24–30, 2020.

• 25.5% of men experienced an anxiety disorder
• 24.3% of men experienced depression.
• 40.9% of men experienced one or greater mental or behavioral health issues.
• 13.3% of men reported increased substance abuse to cope with stress

Index Footnotes:
1 www.upi.com/Health News/2015/06/12 CDC
2 www.mhanational.org/inforgraphic-mental-health-men
3 www.mhanational.org/inforgraphic-mental-health-men
4 www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder.shtml
5 www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder.shtml
6 www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder.shtml
7 www.dbsalliance.org/education/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-statistics/
8 www.ptsd.va.gove/public/ptsd=overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp
9 www.cdc.gov.achohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm
10 www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm