Why We Should Destigmatize Men's Mental Health

This past year, I lost a close family friend to suicide. It affected me in many ways, but the biggest thing that affected me was the thought that if I can help it, I won’t lose anyone else to the same cause. I took a vow to myself to help others with their mental health no matter what. I stand by that thought, whether we used to be friends and aren’t any longer, or I don’t even know you at all, I want to be a safe outlet and help for anyone struggling with mental health. 

The idea that men should be tough and hide their feelings, not cry and deal with whatever pain they're going through, is insane. An historical expectation that men should be tough and strong should not hinder them from being able to freely feel their feelings. 

The World Health Organization found that men's suicide rates are twice that of females. In the U.S., 80% of suicides are from males. Although women are more commonly diagnosed with depression and similar illnesses like anxiety, many men go undiagnosed for their whole lives. 

Not only do men alone have less mental health representation, but men of color struggle significantly more. The suicide rates of several minorities, including Black, Hispanic, American-Indian and Native Alaskan men are the highest demographics of male suicide. 

Mental health looks different for everyone, but the symptoms specifically vary for different genders. For men, the symptoms can present through anger, irritability, and aggression and it is shown that many men self-medicate with things like alcohol. In the U.S. 81% of males use alcohol to self medicate. 77% of males are recorded to be struggling with depression and anxiety and 40% of men don’t even talk about mental health. Only one in eight men seek help for their mental health issues, and this is rooted in deep societal stigma that men “shouldn't feel that way.” 

Many of my male friends that I have talked to about their own mental health feel that their emotions aren't valid. They feel that they should not feel this way based on what they think other people will say. Whether for a fear of being judged or hated, it takes a lot for them to speak up and open up about their feelings. 

There is no right or wrong way to deal with a loss. In the case of men’s mental health, I want to believe that if it was talked about more and more accepted, that it would not happen as much. Hearing the explanations or solutions proposed when my friend’s death was spoken about enraged me. The insensitivity in language that surrounds the topic of suicide in general needs to be changed, and it can be by raising awareness for mental health. As a society, in order to move forward, we must accept that talking about mental health is not only okay, but it is vital. 

For the suicide hotline, dial 988

By Peyton Louie