General Practitioners take a more active approach to men’s mental health treatment.
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Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire talks about dealing with PTSD while meeting with the media after practice at training camp at Missouri Western State University on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in St. Joseph. (Getty)
By Jade Lopez, CRDN
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
In the United States, every eleven minutes, one person will succeed in taking their own life. Of those deaths, nearly three-fourths of them will be men. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for males under the age of forty-five, and those ages eighty-five and older have the highest suicide rates overall.
Statistically, men are significantly less likely to receive mental health treatment than women. This has caused medical professionals to recognize the increasing importance in mental health disparities that millions of men across the country may face. During yearly exams and check -ins, many general practitioners have adopted mental health screenings, especially for high-risk populations such as middle-aged and older men. Such questions include “Have you had any thoughts of suicide or self-harm within the past twelve months?” and “Have you been feeling down, depressed, or hopeless within the past twelve months?” The hope is that these screenings can better identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Other training for medical professionals includes being able to identify signs of mental health issues in those who are less likely to seek help. This means understanding the societal norms that exclude or shame men for showing emotion and discourage them from seeking professional care. Working to foster an environment that feels safe and welcoming for men to discuss their mental health is an essential part of bridging the gap in gender disparities in mental treatment. This could include using empathetic language, showing genuine concern, creating a non-judgemental space, and ensuring confidentiality.
The way certain stereotypes and media portrayals that paint men as violent and dangerous beings can sway them away from seeking help. The fear of being labeled as mentally unstable or unpredictable may lead some males to believe that there is no solution for their problems, despite them feeling distressed.
Post-pandemic, we have taken a more advanced approach to offering an array of services that may better help the comfortability of patients. Telehealth appointments, for one, may help some men feel more at ease by offering mental health treatment from the comfort of the patient’s home. Additionally, being more mindful of personal lifestyle factors, and offering advice according to the individual. Moreover, offering programs that specialize in both inpatient and outpatient therapy, support groups, and workshops that target men’s mental health is an integral part of advocacy and community engagement.
By normalizing the discussion surrounding men’s mental health, we can help erase the stigmas and negative connotations with males seeking professional help. The conventional standard that masculinity is only associated with being ‘tough’ or ‘strong’ is a toxic narrative that has carried through generations. By focusing more on increased awareness, sensitivity measures, routine screenings, open discussions, educating ourselves, and using our platforms to advocate, we can increase the likelihood of men feeling acknowledged and supported on their journey to better mental health.