Mental Health Matters - Recognizing the Signs
Mental health matters, and as June is also known as Men’s Mental Health Month, it’s beneficial to delve into your knowledge on mental wellbeing. This comes along with recognizing the signs of various mental health illnesses and checking in on your friends and family.
According to Priory, an online mental health, addiction and social care service, “mental health statistics show that over a third of men (35%) think they've had a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life.” Priory also reveals statistics that show, “40% of men won’t talk to anyone about their mental health.” Unfortunately, society makes it more difficult for men to be open about their wellbeing. This could be due to multiple reasons, whether it’s societal expectations, gender role expectations, psychological factors, cultural norms, or fear of judgment.
It’s time to break societal norms - masculinity is often associated with strength, and toughness. Truth is, it takes an immense amount of strength to be open to others with your mental health - an amplitude more than it would take to hide it from others. Men are taught from a young age to “be tough” and “never cry” or to not show any signs of weakness. In reality, while it’s important to understand bravery and courage, it’s better to be real with yourself, in touch with your wellbeing and emotions, and to learn how to be open about your feelings and struggles. With June being Men’s Mental Health Month, it can serve as a reminder to break this stigma around mental health for men and create more awareness!
There are numerous ways to recognize the symptoms of declining mental wellbeing. The best thing to do is actively check in on your friends and family - It’s necessary to remember you’re not in this life alone, and everyone has highs and lows! Whether you’re sending a friend a text asking how they’re doing, inviting someone to lunch, or simply asking someone how their day is going, showing someone you’re here for them never hurts.Some signs that a friend or family member of yours may be having a tough time with their mental health can include unwillingness to be as active or social as they usually are. This can be an easily overlooked sign, but can also reveal how their health is declining. Someone may be quieter or less open if they are trying to hide mental health struggles. Maybe you notice a friend oftentimes abusing substances or resorting to drugs or alcohol. Irritability and anger are also big signs of decline in mental stability. Struggles with sleep can indicate signs of depression and anxiety, as well as changes in appetite or motivation.
All of these are indicators, and while it’s necessary to respect one’s privacy, it never hurts to reach out! Doing so can help raise awareness regarding mental wellbeing, and aid in breaking the stigma, revealing to those around you that mental health matters!
By Virginia Shea
https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/40-of-men-wont-talk-to-anyone-about-their-mental-health