By Dr Krithishree Somanna
Mangaluru, Nov 27: In the current era we seem to be much more open to discuss about the mental health issues, however Men’s Mental Health remains an overlooked area. Mental health issues in men is a serious public health problem, which is complicated with social stigma. Though mental health problems are more prevalent in females, the severity of the presentation is more and is challenging to treat in Males. This is because of the delay in seeking help after the onset of problems.
Males according to the traditional beliefs and societal expectations, they are considered as the breadwinners of the family. They are expected to display traditional ‘masculine’ traits like strength and control. They rely on oneself and do not rely on seeking help from others. In addition, they do not speak openly about their emotions. These traditional beliefs are negatively impacting Men’s mental health. Phrases like ‘Man up’; ‘Real Men don't cry’ discourage them from expressing and seeking help about their mental health problems early, compelling them to suffer hiding their internal struggles. Due to this, they fail to recognize the signs of mental health issues. In many cases though things fall apart and the situation gets worse they remain in denial to obtain professional help.
Some of the facts about men in general are, Men die an average of 7yrs younger than women do. They are 4times more likely to commit suicide than woman is. They are less likely to seek help for any problems in general. Coming to their health, they ask fewer questions to the treating doctor, and are asked fewer questions by the doctor. They drop out of the treatment more quickly.
Some of the risk factors for the Mental Health problems in particular in men are Employment problems, Marital breakdown, financial concerns, legal issues, misuse of alcohol and other substances, family history of mental illnesses, old age in men, and other challenges like physical ill health and death of a family member.
Prevalence of Psychiatric illnesses in Men:
? IN CHILDHOOD: the prevalence of conditions like Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Oppositional defiant disorder and Conduct disorder are higher in boys than girls.
? IN ADOLESCENCE: Boys find it difficult to manage their anger, they engage more in risky and novelty seeking behavior, and they are known to commit suicide more frequently than girls.
? IN ADULTHOOD: the prevalence of substance use disorders and antisocial disorders are higher in men. In addition, the onset of psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and Psychosis are earlier in Men. Men who serve in war zones or experience trauma working in a high-risk work zone develop Posttraumatic stress disorder.
? IN GERIATRIC AGE: the prevalence of depression is found to be equal. In addition, the incidences of Alzheimer's dementia are reported to be the same.
Some of the red flags to understand the probable existence of mental health issues in men are:
? Frequent irritability, anger outbursts on trivial issues, or new onset aggressiveness.
? Noticeable changes in energy level and mood.
? Misuse of alcohol, new onset smoking and use of other drugs. Engaging in high risk activities like gambling and unsafe sex.
? Changes in either sleep sleeping too much or difficulty falling asleep.
? Changes in food intake.
? Difficulty to focus or concentrate, frequent forgetfulness.
? Physical health issues like headaches, digestive problems, chest discomfort without clear cause.
? Withdrawn from friends, colleagues and family. Avoiding social situations.
? Reduced libido.
? Finding it hard to manage relationships. Become more controlling or abusive with family members.
Some of the approaches to promote mental wellness in Men are:
? Develop Awareness: Raising awareness is the most important step for the mental health issues in general to reduce the prevalence in the society. Breaking the barriers about mental health issues, challenging the stereotypes, eradicating the stigma and the myths are primary objectives. This can help a person to identify the changes in them.
? Open Communication: Normalize it at home, at workplace or with a close friends group to seek professional help to any kind of behavioral or emotional changes. If you notice, any red flags in a person close to you then help them to seek help.
? Ensuring compliance: Even though they approach help initially, many fail to show up subsequently for the follow ups as soon as they feel little stabilized. This might be due to difficulty to follow what the therapist has told them. In addition, it might be the fear of taking medication with the myths coexisting with it.
? Managing stress through Positive Lifestyle: Exercising regularly, eating blanched food, getting enough sleep, encouraging social relationships, practicing mindfulness or meditation and limiting the use of alcohol and other substances.
Dr Krithishree Somanna is a consultant physiatrist at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.