INDIANA NEWS SERVICE - June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the challenges men face in receiving mental health treatment and diagnosis compared to women.
Dr. Danielle Henderson, a clinical psychologist at IU Health, explains that societal expectations contribute to the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Phrases like ‘man up’ and ‘toughen up’ discourage men from expressing emotions, impacting their mental well-being.
“For a lot of men, they feel like they have to keep everything in,” said Henderson. “They’ve been taught or directly told that emotions don’t matter.”
Men suffering from mental illness may exhibit symptoms such as increased substance use, irritability, aggression, and isolation. These behaviors can be indicators of underlying mental health issues like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder.
Henderson notes that men may use more lethal means and act impulsively in cases of suicide, making it crucial to recognize and address these symptoms early.
Creating a space for conversation and checking in on loved ones can be vital steps in supporting men’s mental health.
Brittany Noble wrote this article for WISH-TV.
Check for The 8
Comments
Post a Comment
You must have a Google account to make a comment on VBN. All comments are moderated by VBN before publication.
An approved comment doesn't imply VBN's sponsorship, endorsement, promotion, stance, or opinion of its contents.
Commenting is a privilege provided at VBN's discretion.