“Man up.”
It’s a phrase you probably hear relatively often, and you might have even used it yourself. Plenty of people say it to tell someone else it’s time to step up and do what’s expected of them.
The problem, though, is that saying “man up” ties men to gendered expectations. Specifically, society has historically encouraged men to be tough, strong, and unswayed by emotion so they can fulfill their obligations. Unsurprisingly — since all humans feel emotion and have difficult days — this expectation has taken its toll.
That’s why we’re joining with everyone from Mental Health America (MHA) to Air Force bases to celebrate Men’s Mental Health Month this June.
Statistics on men’s mental health
This is a particularly important commemoration because MHA reports that male suicide has been on the rise since 2000. In fact, it’s the seventh leading cause of death among men.
Compounding this issue is a lack of mental health treatment among men. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that men are less likely to receive treatment than women.
This is thanks in large part to the stigma on men’s mental health. Many men feel like seeking out care for their mental wellness makes them seem weak — maybe even less manly. In modern society, men are manipulated (by peers, family, television, music, and media) to think that if they expose emotion, they’re at risk for not having their needs met in relationships. This expectation is majorly problematic. Regardless of identified gender, we are all hardwired with the same human emotions, Men deserve, just like anyone, to have this acknowledged.
Mental illness is just like physical illness. You can’t always control when symptoms creep up. You don’t choose it. The only thing you can control is how you respond to it. And seeking out care when you need it is anything but weak. In the face of the current stigma on men’s mental health, it’s actually incredibly brave.
How to get care for men’s mental wellness issues
If you identify as male and you think you might be living with a mental health challenge, you have lots of options for getting a diagnosis and getting treatment.
You might want to start with educating yourself. We have guides to depression and anxiety that can help.
To take things a step further, you can explore MHA’s mental health screening tools. These are free online assessments you can take to give yourself a quick snapshot of your mental wellness. In fact, taking the assessment might help you identify symptoms you didn’t realize were part of a mental health condition.
Lots of online resources exist to help you educate yourself further and start exploring paths to getting help, too. You might want to look at HeadsUpGuys, Face It, which helps men facing depression, and MenLiving, which helps men build connections to support their mental wellness.
If you’re struggling with suicidal ideation, dial 988. That’s the national lifeline that connects you to a trained individual who’s there to help you. And if you’re ready to talk about your mental wellness and explore your options with a live person, we’re here. Contact us at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center in Ventura or the West Valley Counseling Center in Tarzana to get started with a therapist.
