of trusted and supportive friends and family is crucial for your mental well being.
Common Mental Health Conditions That Affect Men:
Anxiety: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), approximately 1 in 5 men will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.
Depression: According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately six million men in the United States experience depression each year. Because men may be less likely than women to seek help for depression that number may be under-estimated.
Suicide: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, male suicide rates are about three times higher than female rates.
Supportive Resources:
Man Therapy: An online resource designed to address mental health challenges in men. It offers tools, resources, and information to help men understand and manage their mental well being. Check out their website https://mantherapy.org for educational videos, various resources, and a confidential self-assessment tool that addresses men’s mental health conditions. They also have a “Worried About Someone” section for friends and family who are concerned about the mental health of a loved one.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255) is a 24/7 helpline with free confidential support for individuals in distress. Their website, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org, provides emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local resources. Be sure to check out their “Stories of Hope and Recovery.” That section contains emotionally moving stories about people who have overcome their mental health challenges.
Today is the prefect time to begin to change the narrative of your mental health journey by prioritizing your healthcare, listening closely to what your body is telling you, educating yourself about common mental health issues, and strengthening your supportive relationships. You are not alone. You are the sunshine for someone in your life. Take care of you and continue to shine brightly.◼