Men’s Health Awareness Month is an annual event that brings attention to the unique needs of men and boys. Throughout the month it is common for issues such as cancer, heart disease, and other issues to be discussed while mental health issues are less frequently brought up. Please consider these recent figures:
- Mental Health America’s report finding over six million males are impacted by depression, and another three million males are impacted by anxiety per year.
- The National Institute of Mental Health’s survey results showing men are less likely to seek treatment for mental health issues than women.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention found that men committed suicide more than three times as often than women.
It is time to end the stigma behind mental health in men. It is time for men to stop trying to “man up” and speak up instead. Mental health issues do not discriminate against gender, so we should not disapprove of half the population for speaking up about their issues. Lastly, it is important that men learn that the following are ok:
- It is okay for men to cry.
- It is okay for men to talk about their feelings.
- It is okay for men to break down.
- It is okay for men to take a mental health day.
- It is okay for men to not be okay.
- It is okay for men to go to therapy.
Men, it is okay to ask for help and these free hotlines are just a phone call away:
- Suicide Prevention (800) 273-8255 or Dial 988
- Drug Abuse (800) 662-4357
- Grief (800) 395-5755
- Gambling Addiction (800) 522-4700
We also invite you to contact us at (833) 931-1716 to see how we can start you on your journey to recovery and healing.
