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Men's Mental Health

Michigan Chronicle - 7/16/2019

It is very exciting to recognize June as Men's Health Month. It has long been recognized that men seek medical care less often and later than women. We are realizing that men may be even more likely to avoid seeking care for the mental health issues that they may be dealing with. It is no surprise that much of that reluctance is related to the stigma shame that surrounds having mental health symptoms for so many men. This is why it is imperative that during the month of June, we highlight mental health as an integral aspect of the overall health and wellness of men.

27,989 passing yards, 212 touchdowns and 4 Super Bowl rings. Sounds like a recipe for winning and happiness. Former Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Terry Brad-shaw has been very open about his struggles with depression and anxiety. He has admitted to gripping sadness and anxiety attacks, even when he was winning on the football field. He has also been honest about his ability to heal and live a fulfilling life with medications and therapy. One of the greatest to play the game, the Hall of Famer, struggling internally but found it hard to admit his struggles and seek help in part because of fear of how he would be received. Men, please know, that there is strength in seeking medical attention for your mental health.

Why is this important? Because mental illnesses can affect men differently and can have dire consequences.

Most of us don't have Bradshaw's money, fame, or football success, but we can all learn from the strength that it took to admit that he needed help and to get that help. Whether a plant machine operator, college student, stay at home dad or a senior executive, you, sir, have the strength within you to admit that you may need help with your mental health and you deserve to get the help you need. Please, call your primary care doctor, call your area crisis line, or have a loved one do it with or for you. You are not fit or healthy unless you are mentally healthy.

* Over 6 million men in America suffer from depression but it often goes undiagnosed due to fear.

* Depression presents differently in men. They may often feel tired, lose interest in things they usually enjoy, not sleep well. Men are more likely

* to present with agitation, irritability and at times, aggression instead of feeling sadness or depressed.

* Men are less likely to seek help for changes in their mood or behavior, leading to worsening of symptoms due to a delay in treatment.

* Men are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than women.

* Men suffer from eating disorders! 10% of people diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia are men.

* 1 in 5 men will develop a dependency on alcohol in their lifetime. Having an untreated mental illness increases that risk.

* Testosterone levels play an important role in depression, anxiety, mood swings and overall mental health and well-being.

* Male suicides have been on the rise since 2000.

* Men are 3 - 4 times MORE LIKELY to DIE by suicide than women.