Why is Men’s Mental Health Important?

Depression is common among men and women alike. However, the symptoms may vary. When anxious or depressed, men become more aggressive and angry towards families and friends and are less likely to recognize, talk about, and seek professional help.

For a long time, men have been taught to “man up” and be strong whenever faced with difficult situations, leading them to think that talking about their emotions is wrong and will only make them vulnerable.

This article will delve deeper into the causes of poor mental health in men, the signs, why it often goes undiagnosed, and how to improve their mental well-being.

Causes of Poor Mental Health in Men

Genetic Factors

Common mental disorders can be inherited through genetics. Men with a family history of depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are more likely to develop these illnesses.

Environmental Stress

Environmental stress includes losing a loved one, financial difficulties, work problems, and significant life changes. Any stressful situation may trigger mental health problems in men.

Medical Illness

Severe medical conditions like cancer and heart disease can take a toll on men’s mental health. Sometimes, the medication for medical illnesses can cause side effects that trigger depression and anxiety.

Signs And Symptoms of Poor Mental Health in Men

Aggressiveness

Men with poor mental health often become destructive and aggressive towards other people, affecting their ability to handle daily activities.

Loss of interest in work, family, and other activities

Men suffering from common mental disorders typically lose interest in doing activities they usually enjoy, distance themselves from families and friends, and function less at work. Poor mental health often leads to self-isolation.

Overeating

Appetite or weight changes is a common sign of depression and anxiety because they deplete an individual’s energy levels and alter the appetite. Depressed eating or binge-eating is typically a coping mechanism to lift the mood.

Self-destruction

Self-destructive behaviors, including self-harm, suicide attempts, alcohol and drug misuse, and gambling addiction, are common among men experiencing mental health disorders. For them, self-destruction is a coping mechanism for their stress and overwhelming emotions.

Why Men’s Mental Health Often Goes Undiagnosed

Men with mental health problems are often undiagnosed because people misinterpret their emotional and behavioral changes. For example, some may see men’s aggressiveness or increased substance use as a personality trait instead of a sign of depression.

Additionally, some men fail to recognize the signs and symptoms and admit they have mental health problems. Suppressing anxiousness and depression with unhealthy behavior will only worsen negative emotions.

How to Improve Men’s Mental Health

Stay Active

A daily 15-minute exercise can help improve a person’s well-being by producing endorphins that increase an individual’s mood. You can also actively engage in activities you typically enjoy, including fishing and sports.

Spend Time With Others

Surrounding yourself with loved ones and opening up your emotions is a great way to care for your mental health and makes emotions less overwhelming.

Seek Help

Getting help reduces the symptoms of common mental health disorders and provides the treatment needed. You can seek a counselling service in HK for therapy and join support groups to aid your road to recovery.

Final Thoughts

The stigma against men speaking up about their mental health is still prevalent. Increasing awareness of the causes and signs of depression and anxiety in men can empower them to seek the professional help they need.

Remember that untreated mental health conditions can bring several problems in every aspect of your life, making you and your loved ones miserable.