84 Mental Health and Men

Introduction

The stigma about men’s mental health is one that is detrimental to society. False beliefs about mental illnesses can lead to tragedies, such as suicide. Suicide is something that sadly, we have to deal with daily. Suicide is a consequence of having poor mental health, which is why it’s key to understand the importance of mental health. Deborah Stone who wrote “Changes in Suicide” said, “Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States overall, and the second and fourth leading cause among persons aged 10–34 and 35–44 years” (Stone, 2021). If the stigma about men is not broken, these numbers will keep growing. To break the stigma, it is necessary to understand the effects of social media and COVID-19 on men’s mental health, as well as the need for men to ask for help.

Mental Health & Social Media

Mental health is greatly affected by social media. In the modern world today, we are surrounded by different forms of social media and have access to many different types of technology. Social media is a way for people to stay connected, but can also make you feel like you’re disconnected. Social Media has created a new concept known as FOMO (fear of missing out) by allowing everyone to see everyone else’s lives which leads them to feeling alone and upset if they are left out. Most people only associate social media with women, but men are greatly influenced by the media as well. According to Sarah McKenzie from  the American Journal of Men’s Health, “Men described feelings of loneliness, sadness, and distress and actively sought emotional support” (McKenzie, 2018). Social media makes men feel as if they are alone and have no outlet (Wilson 2020). This leads to poor mental health and developing mental illnesses. Another way social media negatively impacts users, specifically men, is the unrealistic posts that fill our feeds. The internet has made us believe that the people on social media are perfect and living a better life than us. Men easily find themselves looking at a picture on social media and developing thoughts of loneliness or self-consciousness. One author states that, “Even if you know that images you’re viewing on social media are manipulated, they can still make you feel insecure about how you look or what’s going on in your own life” (Robinson, 2021). Men look online and see pictures of other men that they look nothing like. The insecurities men create for themselves by constantly looking at social media updates, can be detrimental to their mental health. An easy solution would be to delete all social media, but in today’s technological world, that’s easier said than done. Technology allows us to stay connected to friends, family, coworkers, teachers, etc. Completely getting rid of social media is an unconventional way of dealing with this, because most communication is via the internet nowadays. Social Media can also have significant effects on school and the work place. People have become so sucked into their phone that they are easily distracted and become time consumed by their smartphones. It keeps people up late at night which leaves them tired the next day and unable to function fully. It also reduces social interactions instead of meeting face to face and effects how they are able to perform socially in the real world.

Possible Treatments

Some of the major male mental health disorders include PTSD, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder. Treatment for male mental health concerns can encompass a range of approaches, including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and social support. It’s crucial to note that treatment plans should be personalized based on the specific mental health condition and the individual’s needs. Here are some possible treatments that can be effective for addressing male mental health issues: Therapy: Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy, can help men address and manage a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for exploring emotions and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Medication: Depending on the diagnosis, medication can be prescribed to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are commonly used to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. However, medication should be used in combination with therapy and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Lifestyle changes: Engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol or substance use can significantly improve mental health. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall mood. Support groups: Participating in support groups or group therapy sessions can provide men with a sense of community and understanding, allowing them to share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Support groups can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable emotional support. Mindfulness and meditation: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help men manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness. These practices can be integrated into daily routines to promote relaxation and overall well-being. Social support: Cultivating strong social connections with friends, family, and peers can play a significant role in maintaining good mental health. Spending time with loved ones, participating in social activities, and nurturing healthy relationships can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Holistic approaches: Some individuals find relief through holistic approaches such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal supplements. While these methods may not be primary treatments, they can complement traditional therapies and contribute to overall well-being. It’s important for individuals to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific needs and circumstances. Effective treatment often involves a combination of these approaches to address the complex nature of mental health concerns in males.

Mental Health & COVID-19

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has affected the whole world. Through isolation and social distancing, COVID-19 has become a leading cause of poor mental health as “Presently, about one third of Americans say they have experienced ‘high levels’ of psychological distress such as anxiety, sleeplessness or depression at some point during the extended period of social distancing because of the present circumstances” (Piore, 2020). COVID-19 is similar to social media, in the way that it makes people feel lonely. Not being able to leave your house or have physical contact with people, takes a toll on your mental health. This especially affects men as “Men tend to have fewer friendships than women and those friendships tend to be activity-based” (Ellison, 2021). This fact shows the difficulties men face being able to talk to people about their struggles with friends, let alone during a global pandemic where they have no contact. Everything men are struggling with just stays bundled up inside of them until they explode. The financial burden of COVID-19 has also played a huge part in the rise of poor mental health for men. Many people are losing their jobs and it is becoming harder for those individuals to provide for their families (Khan, 2020). It is widely believed that men are the ones that have to provide for their family, so all of the weight is placed on them. Dealing with this weight can be hard. Some individuals deal with mental illnesses differently than others. The COVID-19 era has forced many people to believe the only way of combatting their mental illness, is with suicide. Suicide rates have exploded in the past two years, after COVID-19 hit and are still not finished yet because scientists predicted an additional 154,037 suicides related to Covid would still happen (Piore, 2020).

Positive PSycology

Positive psychology can significantly impact mental health by promoting well-being, resilience, and a positive outlook on life. When individuals actively engage in practices that encourage positive emotions, such as gratitude, savoring positive experiences, and cultivating optimism, it can lead to an overall improvement in their mental health. By focusing on strengths and virtues, positive psychology helps individuals recognize and leverage their personal assets, contributing to higher self-esteem and self-efficacy. Additionally, the pursuit of meaning and purpose, a core aspect of positive psychology, can provide a sense of direction and motivation, reducing feelings of emptiness or hopelessness. Positive psychology interventions, including mindfulness and meditation, not only alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety but also foster emotional resilience. By emphasizing the importance of positive relationships and social support, positive psychology reinforces the role of social connections in mental well-being. Overall, positive psychology’s emphasis on enhancing positive aspects of human experience can be a valuable complement to traditional mental health approaches, promoting a more holistic and strengths-based approach to well-being.

Asking For Help

When it comes to mental health, men have this stigma in their head that they will be seen as weak if they reach out to people. An article in the Official Journal of the American Psychopathological Association said “Women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression, yet women in the United States commit suicide at only one fourth of the rate that men do” (Murphy, 1998). These statistics clearly show a consequence of men not being able to ask for help. Women are more likely to have mental illnesses, but they feel like they can reach out to talk about their feelings. The contrast describes men. Men are less likely to have mental illnesses, but they keep their thoughts to themselves. In the same article by George Murphy he wrote, “In the competitive world of men, displaying weakness gives advantage to others, and men do not consider it good form to do so. Men will even conceal the depth of their despair from the psychiatrist or counselor they have reluctantly agreed to consult, and the decision to commit suicide is taken alone” (Murphy, 1998). Men consider mental health to be something they cannot talk about. They do not want to be seen as weak or reveal their feelings to others. Even when seeking professional help, men feel uncomfortable talking about their struggles and then just stop all together, leading to extremities such as suicide (Murphy, 1998).

Where to Seek Help

Asking for help is a difficult and vulnerable situation to take on, but there are many resources to turn to. First, seeking a therapist is a great option for someone looking for a steady and continuous relationship through figuring out problems. There are also many free options online where it is as easy as picking up your phone to talk to someone.  Crisis Text Hotline is a free, 24/7 crisis hotline for people in need of mental health counseling. Texting a code they have available at the time will alert a volunteer who will be at your service to support your needs. If someone would rather speak over the phone voice to voice, dialing 211 into your phone will connect you with someone who can assist you with your needs. These calls are anonymous and confidential. 211 Get Connected. Get Help states, “In 2020, 211s connected more than 900K people with mental health resources” (211. Get Connected. Get Help). Lastly, the 988 Lifeline is a suicide help hotline where professionals are there to emotionally support and counsel people who are feeling emotional distress and suicide. This service is available 24/7 and someone will always be open to listen and lead you through getting comfort and guidance. Sometimes reaching out to someone who isn’t in your daily life and getting an outside perspective, truly can be beneficial and life changing.

Conclusion

Men’s mental health is greatly affected by technology and science. Social media is a leading cause for poor mental health and contributes to the national suicide rate of men. In today’s society, with everyone having social media, it is hard to hide from the negative effects that the media brings. With the global pandemic, the amount of mental illnesses in men are increasing and the world of science is working night and day. COVID-19 has caused most men to feel burdened or stressed. This leads to the inability for many of them to ask for help. Men choose to keep their thoughts bottled up and feel less masculine when they do ask for help. Society is constantly being affected by many components, including technology and science. But is imperative that we take advantage of these components to break the mental health stigma about men, which will lead to a reduction in suicide rates.

References

211 Get Connected Get Help. (2024). Homepage. Call 211 for Essential Community Services | United Way 211. https://www.211.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2021, September 9). Suicide Statistics. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

Ellison, J. (2021). COVID-19 and MENtal Health: Addressing Men’s Mental Health Needs in the Digital World. American Journal of Men’s Health. 15(4). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15579883211030021

Greene, N. (2018, June 29). Why we need to talk about men’s mental health. Why We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health | Office on Women’s Health.

https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/mens-mental-health

Khan, A. (2020). Men, Suicide, and Covid-19: Critical Masculinity Analyses and Interventions. Postdigital Science and Education, 2, 651-656. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42438-020-00152-1

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017, May 24). Mental health: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477

Men’s Mental Health. (2023, January 5). Men’s Mental Health | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health

Murphy, G. (1998). Why Women are Less Likely Than Men to Commit Suicide. Comprehensive psychiatry, 39(4), 165-175. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X98900578

Priory Group. (2021, July 12). 40% of men won’t talk to anyone about their mental health. Priory. https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/40-of-men-wont-talk-to-anyone-about-their-mental-health#:~:text=1%20in%208%20men%20report,%2C%20confirmed%20by%20professionals%20%5Bsource%5D

Project Healthy Minds. (2021). Helplines. https://app.projecthealthyminds.com/tactics/helplines?psafe_param=1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvd

Sinha, R. (2022, November 3). We need to talk about men’s mental health at work. Harvard Business Review.

https://hbr.org/2022/11/we-need-to-talk-about-mens-mental-health-at-work

Wilson, M. (2020). Virtual connection, real support? A study of loneliness, time on social media and psychological distress among men. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 68(2), 288-293. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0020764020983836?casa_token=JV1C43NhJ3oAAAAA%3Av5gntXsG6YlNtu85ExtI6gYUuxfGk43z-wuoI7c-0AqEkuhvCV35rnBj4MldhaKhyTgjnXjzpWyq

AI Acknowledgment

I used scite.ai to help me find information about male mental health and possible treatments that fits the goals of this textbook chapter. It gave me sources from gathering valuable information and options to discuss in my chapter. I then used the other sources I had gathered to apply other elements to the chapter.
scite.ai. (2023). scite.ai (beta version) [Large Language Model]. https://scite.ai/assistant