Mental Health Necessities: Men's Mental Health

In light of September being National Suicide Prevention Month, an important topic that relates would be mental health. If mental health was taught to be a priority for everyone, I have no doubt that the suicide rate would be significantly lower than it currently is. While the conversation of mental health and awareness is becoming more accepted by our generation there is a large portion that’s missing out. Men.

In the year 2020, it was reported that men were four times more likely to commit suicide than women and between then and 2000, 78% of suicides in America were among men. This without a doubt relates to men not being able to comfortably take care of their mental health. Starting from a young age boys are taught that things like crying, showing too much emotion, being vulnerable, or even talking about their feelings too much are signs of weakness. And even though none of these things are the case, most go throughout life with these same teachings until they’re men and are forced to work through these traits.

Growing up with my father, older brother and paternal grandmother I noticed from a young age that men didn’t openly talk about their troubles if they were having them and sometimes had unhealthy coping mechanisms as ways to avoid them. I didn’t witness the full extent of how harmful this teaching is until getting older and entering relationships. Men not having a safe outlet to communicate about their feelings could lead to negative consequences, the worst being suicide but even extreme loneliness and alienation isn’t a good option.

Saying “check on your friends” may not be enough to prevent negative outcomes or improve the mental health of men around you. Think about how often you honestly answer when asked if you’re okay, the rate is probably even lower for men. In regards to my male friends, I make it clear to them that they always have a safe space with me and we’re able to talk about anything and this is a lot more effective than pushing for answers. The most simple solution would be to just be there for those around you, allow men to have a place in mental health conversations and release the negative stigma that comes with it.