Dr. Ashwini
20-04-2024
How to Manage Stress for Men's Mental Health?
Studies from across the world reveal that all males, irrespective of their country of birth, are unwilling to share their mental health issues and are more likely to die by suicide than females. In this blog post, I am going to describe why this may be the case and how some healthcare professionals and researchers are attempting to solve the problem.
Around the world, among the different races, ethnicities, and income groups, males are known to most of the times preferTrusted Source not to get treatment for their psychological problems.
Suggesting the fact that the WHO quoted, the suicide death rate is twice as much for males as for females. And the male high income countries are the top most suicide rates.
The United States is a place where males constitute almost 80 percent of the total number of suicides according to the CDCTrusted Source. Males commit suicide at the rate of 4 times as often as females do.
Mental health providers, as research reports by the US based nonprofit organization Mental Health America (MHA) indicates, diagnose depression more often in women than in men. In addition, the organization informs of the fact that more than half of these men annually experience depression symptoms, but most of these men do not get diagnosed.
Another major role played by the situational stressors is the rise in suicide deaths among men, many of whom did not have mental health histories. This was observed in a 2021 report by the CDC.
These stressors encompass from relationship issues to quarrels, nevertheless, they all demonstrate a need for “support during stressful transitions,” emphasizes a press release from UCLA, which is the professional base of one of the study co-authors.
Men find it less likely Trusted Source than women to get any formal mental health help and support.
For the past while, the causes of this phenomena are being researched and there are some ideas to solve the problem.
How to Improve Men’s Health
Many men give health care a lower place in their lives. The most lives are taken, or the highest rates of sickness are caused in men by conditions that are either preventable or treatable. Regrettably, compared to women, doctors are rarely eagerly visited by men for checkups or preventive care, treatment during the early stages of a disease, or mental health advice. Men are also noted to be at a greater risk of carrying out risky behavior such as heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, and reckless driving. Thankfully, these are fairly simple ways for men to do so.
Common Diseases and Conditions
Men are sometimes considered as the physically stronger sex because they are generally bigger and more muscular than women. In terms of health, an opposite case is observed.
Chronic health conditions are entered earlier by men than by women, with different lifestyles and biological and social factors playing a critical role.
Such risk factors are influenced by the consumption of cigarettes or alcohol, abuse of drugs, stress, hormones, metabolism, genes, sedentarism, unbalanced diet, and no routine checkups.
What are the Common Health Conditions in Men?
American men have a life expectancy of 76.1 years. For women, it’s 81.1 years, which is five years more. These numbers might seem high, but they can motivate you to make healthier choices for a longer life. Men face different health issues at various ages. Let’s look at the most common health problems in men.
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a serious medical condition. It happens when the heart has problems. The heart is an important organ that pumps blood through the body. When the heart has issues, it can’t work properly. This can lead to many health problems. Some common types of heart disease include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. People with heart disease may have chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. It’s important to see a doctor if you have any concerns about your heart health.
The risk factors for heart disease depend on cholesterol levels, eating habits, activity, and smoking. A recent survey found that over 51% of men aged 20+ have some form of heart disease. Regular checkups, a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management can help prevent heart disease.
2. Diabetes
Over 13.7 million male patients were recorded to have diabetes in 2013–2016. Diabetes is one the major diseases that can lead to a variety of severe complications such as blindness, kidney damage, nerve damage, stroke, and heart disease if not properly treated. It is in two types, but some symptoms are still the same. This ranges from having eye problems like blurry vision, passing urine frequently, feeling like drinking, being hungry, tiredness, and skin problems like sores or cuts that do not heal well. If you think that you may have diabetes, your doctor should be consulted and have them check your blood sugar level.
3. Stroke
3.2 million cases of stroke were recorded over three years in the United States in men (2013–2016) — the clots of stroke lead to the blockage of oxygen and nutrition to the brain. Brain injury results and could lead to the restriction of physical motions, loss of memory, and slurred speech. Several factors could lead to a stroke, and they include High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tobacco consumption, alcohol abuse, illegal drugs, and Physical inactivity.
4. Liver Disease
In 2018, hepatocellular disease of any type was detected in roughly 4.5 million US adults. Likely, food digestion, nutrient absorption, and the elimination of toxins from the body will be made difficult by liver disease. Common hepatobiliary diseases such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, alcoholic liver disease, and liver cancer are some of the diseases that are known. Drinking should not be done, or if it must be done, the intake should be reduced, and smoking should be totally eliminated, which will reduce the risk of liver disease.
5. COPD and Other Lung Diseases, as well
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a medical term that combines both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The symptoms of chronic bronchitis include dyspnea, cough, and sputum, and frequently coughing up the sputum. On the other hand, emphysema manifests as shortness of breath and an ongoing reduction of physical activity. For instance, the number of lung cancer patients is increasing annually. Smoking is the top reason people get lung cancer.
6. Cancer
Deaths related to cancer leading to death in the United States have a heavy concentration on prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Each type of cancer possesses different risk factors. Still, the most common four, for all types, tend to be alcohol consumption, tobacco use, overexposure to radiation and sunlight, chronic inflammation, obesity, and family history of the disease.
7. Influenza and Pneumonia
In fact, men are twice as likely to have severe symptoms and complications from influenza and pneumococcal disease experienced compared to women. A compromised immunity, which arises from an underlying condition such as diabetes or heart disease, puts these individuals at a greater risk of contracting these diseases. According to The American Lung Association, vaccination is the best and safest way to avoid influenza and pneumonia.
8. HIV and AIDS
A higher amount of STDs is found among men than among women. It is a very sad notion that, per the CDC, one out of every seven men with HIV does not even know about it. To prevent the possibility of contracting infections, taking medicines, avoiding numerous sexual partners, and practicing safe sex methods such as using condoms can all be undertaken.
9. Unintentional Injuries
Unintentional traumas like brain injuries are identified as the third leading cause of death in the USA. Since they (injuries) may result from accidents and natural disasters, including traffic accidents, falls, fires, or earthquakes, the only actions that can be taken include staying safe and being cautious. Also, a visit to the ER should be made if anything unusual or an emergency is noticed. Around the clock, our hospital stands ready to provide care for you.
10. Depression
Men are usually seen as having a different approach to expressing their difficulties for various reasons, such as fear. Nevertheless, this reality shouldn’t exist since suicide is identified as the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. To put it another way, depression, and other mental health problems are struggled with by at least 6 million men each year. Consulting a doctor, engaging in physical activities frequently, and writing in a journal are effective methods for handling depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, in the event of severe depression or suicidal thoughts, phoning 911 as soon as possible should be done.
When is men’s mental health month?
June means mental health month ― but the men you know and love need you all year round.
Nowadays, mental health is talked about more than at any previous time. The stigma about mental health is somehow getting reduced, and we are now all learning how to be there for each other.
Still, while the stigma surrounding men’s mental health remains, men can be reluctant to get the help they need as they do not often speak up about their issues. Yes, that’s it! This is where Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month emerges; its purpose is to destigmatize men’s mental health.
Here is a simple guide to follow for all you need to know about Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, including the dates and how to show your support.
Around the world, among the different races, ethnicities, and income groups, males are known to most of the times preferTrusted Source not to get treatment for their psychological problems.
Suggesting the fact that the WHO quoted, the suicide death rate is twice as much for males as for females. And the male high income countries are the top most suicide rates.
FAQs-
1. What is Men’s health awareness month
A. Men’s Health Awareness Month is a campaign held in June to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
2. Is November men’s mental health month?
A. November is recognized as “Men’s Mental Health Month,” focusing on raising awareness about mental health issues affecting men.
3. Is June men’s health month?
A. Yes, June is observed as “Men’s Health Month,” focusing on raising awareness about men’s health issues and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases.
4. Why do we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Day?
A. We celebrate Men’s Mental Health Day to raise awareness about men’s mental health challenges and promote mental health education and resources for men.
5. What is the national men’s month?
A. “National Men’s Month” may refer to “Men’s Health Month,” observed in June to raise awareness about men’s health issues.