Men’s Mental Health Resources: Practical Advice and Real-Life Stories

In 2022, about 16 percent of men in the United States received mental health counseling or treatment. Over the past couple decades, the amount of men receiving treatment for mental health problems has been increasing. The uptick in treatment can be attributed to a diminishing stigma about seeking help along with the general public’s increased mental health awareness. In comparison, women in the U.S. are still much more likely to receive mental health treatment than men. 

We hope to empower men to take charge of their mental well-being. This article aims to support men’s mental health by providing:

  • Practical advice
  • Valuable resources
  • Real-life stories

Have you explored common mental health issues? Considered self-care practices? Shared personal experiences with others? Sought professional help?

Obtaining mental health help can be challenging for men, in particular. Societal expectations and traditional masculinity norms often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking support. This can lead to untreated mental health issues, increased substance abuse, and higher rates of suicide. Addressing these challenges and providing accessible resources for men’s mental health is critical for improving overall mental health and well-being of men.

Understanding Men’s Mental Health: Common Mental Health Issues Among Men

If you are experiencing mental health issues, seeking help is of critical importance. But how do you know where to start? Identifying issues is the first step toward understanding them. Some of the most common mental health issues among men include:

  • Depression. Often underdiagnosed in men, depression can manifest as irritability, anger, and fatigue.
  • Anxiety. Men may experience anxiety through excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like headaches.
  • Substance Abuse. Men are more likely to use substances as a coping mechanism, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Men, especially those who have experienced trauma, may suffer from PTSD, which includes symptoms, such as flashbacks and emotional numbness.

With these mental health issues (above) in consideration, there are several symptoms to look out for:

  • Emotional. Irritability, anger, and mood swings.
  • Physical. Fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues.
  • Behavioral. Risky behaviors, substance abuse, and social withdrawal.

Practical Advice for Improving Mental Health: Self-Care Practices

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical well-being. Fortunately, there are several self-care practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine to boost your mind and body. Consider these proven self-care practices:

  • Exercise Regularly and Be Physically Active. Exercise can significantly improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting overall mood.
  • Eat Healthy and Establish Good Sleep Hygiene. Proper nutrition and adequate sleep are foundational for maintaining mental health.
  • Be Mindful and Practice Stress Management Techniques. Practices like meditation and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and improve emotional regulation.
  • Build a Support System
    • Communicate Openly with Friends and Family. Encouraging open conversations about feelings and mental health can provide much-needed support.
    • Join Support Groups or Online Communities. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.
    • Seek Professional Help. Reaching out to mental health professionals can be part of an overall effort to improve mental health and well-being.

When to Seek Help and How to Recognize the Need

Recognizing and seeking help is no easy task. Let’s break down the barriers and understand when professional support is the right move. Try asking yourself the following:

  • Am I feeling persistent sadness?
  • Am I experiencing overwhelming stress?
  • Am I having thoughts of self-harm?

If you replied “yes” to any of these questions, then it’s time to consider seeking professional help.

Tips for Finding the Right Mental Health Professional

When looking for a mental health professional, remember that it’s OK to be picky. Consider factors like their specialization, treatment approach, and even their communication style. Use online resources to read reviews and check credentials.

Once you find a potential match, ask questions about their experience with issues similar to yours and their approach to treatment. Trust your instincts. Choosing someone you trust and feel at ease with is essential for effective therapy.

Men’s Mental Health and Well-Being: Real-Life Stories

Together, we can break the stigma and encourage men to prioritize their mental well-being. Sharing personal experiences with mental health, whether through professional help or with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, can help reduce stigma.

When men openly discuss their struggles and triumphs, it can normalize these conversations about mental health, making it easier for others to seek help. Real-life stories provide relatable examples that challenge stereotypes about mental health issues. They demonstrate that mental health struggles are common and that seeking help is a courageous and positive step​.

Lindner Center of HOPE Success Stories

There are many success stories out there. And Lindner Center of HOPE is proud to be a part of some. Although all success stories are different, these Stories of HOPE are a helpful reminder that seeking help can lead to incredible outcomes.

“Four days after my third suicide attempt, I was admitting to Lindner Center of HOPE’s residential treatment program. We found Lindner Center of HOPE due to recommendations from my stepmom’s contacts.”
—Ben S.

Read Ben’s full story

“Suffering with Anxiety and Panic Disorder, I finally decided that I’d had enough and was determined to find a place that could help me. I researched mental health facilities all over the country. I spent many nights on my knees and in tears asking God to lead me to the right place to get real help. I found Lindner Center of HOPE.”
—Greg

Read Greg’s full story

“All my life I’ve struggled with deep clinical depression and was diagnosed with Bipolar II only a few years prior. I’d used multiple substances to try and cope with the emotional and mental trauma that had littered my life since early childhood.”
—Adam K.

Read Adam’s full story

Breaking the Stigma and Challenges Men Face

Breaking the stigma around men’s mental health starts with open conversations and a willingness to seek help. Men often face societal pressures to suppress emotions and misconceptions about masculinity. Let’s take a closer look at these challenges: 

  • Societal Expectations and Masculinity Norms. Traditional views of masculinity often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help, leading to untreated mental health issues and a higher risk of substance abuse and suicide​ (National Institute of Mental Health)​​.
  • Fear of Being Judged or Perceived as Weak. Men may fear that admitting to mental health struggles will lead to judgment or be seen as a sign of weakness, which can prevent them from seeking necessary support​​​ (ADAA)​.

It’s critical to understand that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Here are a couple ways to help overcome the stigma around men’s mental health:

  • Promote Open Conversations About Mental Health. Normalizing discussions on men’s mental health can help reduce stigma. Safe spaces for open dialogue are essential for men to share experiences without fear of judgment.
  • Educate Others About the Importance of Mental Health Care. Increasing awareness of mental health issues can help shift perceptions. Educational efforts should emphasize the advantages of seeking help and the efficacy of different treatment options. 

Encouragement to Seek Help

Taking the first step toward mental health improvement is key. Whether it’s through professional support, talking to loved ones, or joining a support group, taking action can lead to significant improvements in well-being.

Share your own stories to help others and support the men in your life in their mental health journeys. Together, we can create a more supportive and understanding community where mental health is prioritized and stigma is diminished.

Professional Help Through The Lindner Center of HOPE

There is HOPE. The Lindner Center of HOPE offers care across the mental health spectrum—from outpatient, telehealth, and support groups to inpatient hospitalization and longer-term residential programs. If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, contact the Lindner Center of HOPE team to discuss our services. Call 513-536-4673 or contact us online.

Dial 911 for any life-threatening situations. You can also contact the National Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Or, dial 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate attention that doesn’t require emergency services. 

 

Sources:
https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
https://www.statista.com/statistics/673172/mental-health-treatment-counseling-past-year-us-men/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20around%2016%20percent,counseling%20in%20the%20past%20year.