Men often struggle when they have feelings that things are not quite right and feel that they should be able to solve their problems alone. They often feel they are expected to be strong and a pillar of support for those around them. Now men can seek help when it is truly needed and easily access the many local and national resources that are available to them on a confidential basis.
Depression
Some 6 million men are affected by depression every year in the US., according to Mental Health America, and the 5 major problems affecting men are:
- Depression – fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies are often symptoms.
- Anxiety – Approximately 19.4 million men ages 18-54 have anxiety disorder.
- Bipolar Disorder – The age of onset for men is usually between 16 to 25 years old.
- Psychosis and Schizophrenia – 90% of people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia by the age of 30 are men.
- Eating Disorders – This includes, binge eating, anorexia and bulimia and men are less likely to seek help than women.
Read 3 Things Every Man Should Do Now
Suicide
Suicide and suicide attempts cause serious emotional, physical, and economic impacts. It is an alarming statistic that in older age groups 4 times as many men die by suicide than women every year. Contributing factors include social isolation, substance abuse, unemployment, military-related trauma, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition and mood disorders.
If you are a man struggling with depression, it’s okay to share your feelings. To start, you could send a message to someone you trust: “When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support,” or “This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts and it might help to talk. Are you free?”
It is also important to recognize the value of seeing a mental health professional. They can provide you with a range of interventions and support services on a more long-term basis.
If you think you or a loved-one may be experiencing signs of a mental illness, visit www.mhascreening.org to take a free, quick and confidential screen for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and/or alcohol or substance use problems.
Get support at the Suicide Helpline website or dial 988.
Canyonlands Care for Men
Canyonlands offers an integrated model of care that treats the physical and mental well-being of our patients. We provide the means for men to begin taking control of their physical and mental health.
Making an appointment for an annual checkup with a Primary Care Physician is a good place to start and our providers are well-versed in preventative care for men. This can also be a good time to bring up mental health concerns and to request a referral for therapy or other treatment.
Asking to see a Behavioral Health provider is another way to begin getting help. We offer individual therapy for such things as stress, depression, relationship issues and substance abuse. This service can also be offered by telehealth if you are unable to come into our clinic in person.
View our full spectrum of Behavioral Health services.
Canyonlands also offers a treatment program for opioid addiction in Page, Safford, Globe, Clifton, Duncan and Mesquite, Nevada. Learn more at Opioid-Help.org
Read this 5-minute guide to men’s mental health published by Mental Health America.
