Mental health problems in men have not been given the importance and attention that they have been silently appealing for. Though, men and women both have mental health problems, the health awareness and research has focused mostly on women. The reason for this women-oriented approach could be because women are more vocal and outspoken about their problems and do not feel inhibited in discussing their problems with friends and relatives. Hence, their problems get highlighted and the search for the solution gains momentum.

 

Men, on the other hand, rarely acknowledge any mental health problem. They are more concerned and concentrated on the physical aspect of their being, thereby largely ignoring the mental aspect of their health. Normally, men will avoid discussing any emotional issue especially if their health care professional is a female. The reason for not acknowledging and hence not discussing any emotional problem could probably be the notion that men who discuss emotional problems are considered weak. This misplaced concept of manliness often tends to disguise the mental health problems in men which then often remain untreated. This wound in the mind then slowly starts gnawing away at the mental health which may ultimately turn into a major problem of far reaching consequences.

 

Recognizing these short-comings would be the first step to self-awareness and understanding of the mental problems. Understanding and acceptance of mental health problems in men is vital and it is only then that one seeks the solution to the problem. Greater awareness and shunning age old and often erroneous beliefs will go a long way in helping to arrive at a solution for the problems of mental health in men.

 

Depression and Suicide – a Major Mental Health Problem in Men:

The number of women who suffer from depression is much larger than men. However, statistically it has been found that the possibility of men succumbing to the eventual consequence of their depression – suicide – is almost four times more than women. This may lead us to believe that the effect of depression in men is comparatively more and far deeper than in women.

 

The logical reason for this chilling revelation could be that men simply refuse to acknowledge depressive symptoms in them and the same could be said of the physicians who are treating them.

 

Men readily acknowledge and accept physical problems such as body pain, lethargy, irritability, sleep problems, disinterest in work, lower sexual drive, weakness, etc. Men would walk the extra mile to get their physical problems sorted out.

 

On the other hand, mental health problems in men such as unexplained sadness, despair, worthlessness, illogical guilt feeling, alcohol or drug dependence, etc. would be swept under the carpet without much ado with the reasoning that it is temporary problem and will sort itself out. Men may not even acknowledge that these symptoms deserve a serious consideration and urgent medical assistance.

 

Times have changed to the betterment of all. There is more awareness; information is available at the touch of a button. If you feel you are a victim of the symptoms of depression, seek medical assistance immediately. Depression is a common occurrence and most instances can be treated with timely medical help.

 

The reason for depression may be many:

• Some very distressing events in life

 

• Chemical imbalances in the brain

 

• Certain mental problems

 

The important thing to remember is depression is a common ailment and can be treated.