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#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – Men’s #MentalHealth: What You Need To Know
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Men’s #mentalhealth is an important yet often overlooked health concern.
Both #men and #women experience #mentalhealth difficulties. However, there are some notable differences between the issues affecting them and the factors that influence those issues.
Keep reading to learn more about the most common issues and conditions affecting men’s #mentalhealth, including potential treatments and ways to help others experiencing #mentalhealthproblems.
However, #men are more than 3.5 times more likely to die from #suicide than #women. This may be because they tend to choose more lethal weapons, such as firearms.
Different influencing factors
Men’s issues can develop from different causes and triggers than those that affect women.
For example, men’s issues often stem from societal expectations and traditional gender roles, which may lead #men to think that they must:
be the breadwinners in the family
display traditional “masculine” traits, such as strength and control
rely on oneself and not seek help from others
not speak openly about their emotions
Holding on to these traditional beliefs can negatively impact men’s #mentalhealth and keep them from accessing support and treatment.
A National Health Interview Survey reports that just 1 in 3 #men took medication for daily feelings of #depression or #anxiety, while just 1 in 4 spoke to a #mentalhealthprofessional.
For more research-backed information and resources for men’s health, please visit our dedicated hub.
The signs and symptomsTrusted Source of a #mentalhealthcondition will depend on the type, but there are some symptoms that people can look out for. These include:
aggressiveness, anger, and irritability
changes in mood or energy levels
changes in appetite or sleeping habits
difficulty focusing
feeling restless or “on edge”
a high consumption of #alcohol
inappropriate use of #drugs
participating in risky activities
feeling sad, hopeless, numb, or emotionally “flat”
having aches, pains, or other physical symptoms without a clear cause
obsessive or compulsive thoughts or #behaviors
thinking or acting in a way that causes concern to others or has a negative impact on work, social, or family life
thinking about or attempting #suicide
If a person notices these symptoms in themselves or if a loved one spots them, it is a good idea to seek medical help.
Treating #mentalhealthissues in the early stages can often prevent the symptoms from becoming more severe and lower the risk of complications.
Several factors increase the risk of #mentalhealthconditions and #suicide among #men. The following groups may be more at risk than others:
Older, #white #men: #White #men aged 85 years and older are most at risk of #suicide. More #men in this demographic die by #suicide every year than in any other group by age, sex, or race.
#Men who have experienced trauma: Traumatic events, such as engaging in combat or being the victim of an assault, increase the risk of experiencing #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD).
#Men experiencing employment issues: Working in poor conditions or having a high workload can increase the risk of #mentalhealthissues. Unemployment and retirement also increase the riskTrusted Source of #depression and #suicide.
#Men who have had a marital breakdown: #Depression is more common, and more severe, among #men who are divorced. One studyTrusted Source suggests that being single is a significant #suicide trigger among #men.
#Men with legal or financial concerns: Having legal or financial worries can trigger the development of #mentalhealthproblems and increase the risk of #suicide.
#Men who misuse #alcohol or #drugs: #Men are more likelyTrusted Source to engage in illicit #druguse and #alcohol use, which can trigger or exacerbate #mentalhealthconditions.
#Men dealing with other life challenges: Other risk factorsTrusted Source for #mentalhealthproblems and #suicide include physical illness or discomfort, conflict with family or friends, and the illness or death of a family member.
Some of the most prevalent #mentalhealthconditions among #men are:
#Depression
#Depression is characterized by a persistent low mood that interferes with everyday functioning. Worldwide, it is one of the most common #mentalhealthconditions.
#Anxietydisorders are characterized by intense and uncontrollable feelings of fear and worry.
The most common type, generalized #anxietydisorder (GAD), often co-occurs with #depression. Although #women are twice as likely to experience GAD, #men are less likely to seek treatment for it.
#Socialanxietydisorder causes intense #anxiety and fear in social situations, while #OCD causes the continuous repetition of specific thoughts (obsessions) or a compulsive need to perform specific routines repeatedly (compulsions).
#Schizophrenia
#Schizophrenia is a severe #mentalhealthcondition wherein people do not interpret reality as it is. They experience hallucinations, delusions, and other forms of disordered thinking.
#Schizophrenia can have a significant impact on quality of life and relationships. Of those who receive a #schizophrenia diagnosis by the age of 30 years, 90% are #men.
#PTSD
#PTSD is a condition characterized by symptoms of reliving a traumatic experience, avoidance, and hyperarousal.
Research indicates that around 60% of #men experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, while 50% of #women do. Types of #trauma differ, with #men being more likely to experience:
accidents
assaults
combat
natural disasters
witnessing a death or injury
#Women are more likely to experience #sexualassault or #child #sexualabuse.
Although #men have a higher risk of traumatic events, #women are more likely to develop #PTSD.
#Substanceabuse
Across most age groups, #men have higher ratesTrusted Source of use or dependence on illegal #drugs and #alcohol than #women. They are also more likely to require an emergency department visit and die from overdose.
Although many #men are reluctant to seek and continueTrusted Source treatment for #mentalhealthissues, it is a vital step in recovery. With effective treatment, people can learn to manage their symptoms and begin to feel better.
Some treatment options include:
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help people work through issues that have triggered #mentalhealthconditions. It can also help individuals manage their symptoms, change their negative thoughts and unhelpful #behaviors, and learn new coping skills.
There are many different styles of therapy. In order for it to be effective, it is essential that people find the right #therapist and type of therapy for them.
Medication
A #doctor may prescribe medication to treat various #mentalhealthconditions or symptoms associated with those illnesses.
There are several things a person can do to help a loved one with #mentalhealthissues. For example:
Look for changes in the person’s #behavior and mood. These may indicate the development of a #mentalhealthissue.
Talk to the person and ask them how they are feeling. This is especially important if they have just experienced an upsetting event, such as divorce, bereavement, or retirement.
Encourage them to talk to their #doctor or a #mentalhealthprofessional.
Offer to look up treatment providers, make an appointment for them, or attend the treatment with them.
Check in with them regularly to see how they are.
If someone is at risk of #suicide, do not leave them alone. Call 911 and wait with them until help arrives.
Having the support of loved ones can have a significant impact on a person’s recovery. Some researchTrusted Source even suggests that some people who have #suicidalthoughts but do not act on them choose not to do so because of the support of their friends and family.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
the Face It Foundation, which provides support groups, peer support, and other resources for #men with #depression
HeadsUpGuys, which is an organization that provides strategies to manage or prevent #depression in #men
the Movember Foundation, which is a charity that focuses on issues that affect men’s physical and #mentalhealth
#Suicideprevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of #self-harm, #suicide, or hurting another person:
Ask the tough question: “Are you considering #suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis #counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of #suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The #988SuicideandCrisisLifeline is available 24 hours a day at #988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then #988.
Men’s #mentalhealthissues differ from women’s in many ways, yet they are just as important. One concerning aspect is that #men are more reluctant to seek treatment for issues they face. The risk of #suicide is also much higher among #men.
However, seeking and continuing treatment can have a significant positive impact on the lives of #men who experience #mentalhealth difficulties. Seeking support from #healthprofessionals and loved ones can ease the symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of #suicide.
Many organizations offer support to those experiencing #mentalhealthchallenges, and many focus solely on providing information and help to #men.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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