Both men and women experience mental health on different notes. Although, in today’s era, more focus is embedded on women’s mental health because of the extreme difficulties they face in their life. However, that doesn’t mean that men don’t suffer from mental health issues.

Men are more than 3.5 times more likely to die from suicide than women. This is because men don’t speak up about their mental health problems.

In many countries, especially in India, right from their childhood men are asked to stay strong and that they cannot cry as only girls are meant to cry. Also, men are made to believe that they are the sole “breadwinners” in their families and they cannot take support from others, especially from their wives or parents.

With this belief in their subconscious minds, men cannot share their emotions with others which can likely cause them depression and other mental health problems.

Signs of a bad mental health condition in men:

Following are some signs and symptoms of a bad mental health condition in a man which states that he needs immediate treatment:

• Aggressiveness, irritability, anger
• Mood swings or low energy levels
• Change in appetite or sleeping patterns
• Difficult to concentrate
• Feelings of sadness
• Feeling stressed or anxious
• Withdrawal and a lack of interest in socializing or engaging in favorite hobbies
• Increased dependence on drugs and alcohol
• Suicidal thoughts
• Having aches, pains, or other physical symptoms that aren’t linked to a specific cause

How to treat mental health illness in men?

While several men are hesitant to pursue and maintain mental health care, it is an important step toward recovery. People may learn to control their symptoms and feel better with successful care.

Here are some useful prevention tips that can help you to get out of a bad mental health condition before it becomes worse:

1. Joining a relevant support group or peer group can help you express your emotions easily.
2. If feeling difficult or disturbed, try communicating with your family members and friends.
3. If you notice any of the above signs, seek maintenance therapy right away.
4. Learn stress control strategies such as meditation, mindfulness, artistic channels, and other approaches.
5. Make healthy lifestyle decisions like eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising.

Depression is not a sign of weakness, and it can affect any man of any age, color, or ethnicity. We need to talk openly about men’s mental health so that our men can come out of stress and tension easily.

If you have any men around you, regularly ask them how they are feeling, check in with them frequently so that they should also feel comfortable to share their problems with you.