A significant disparity exists among males and health in the US, including mental health (1).
For example, in the US, about 80 % of people who die by suicide are male, at a rate that is 4x higher than females (2).
80% of males have experienced stress in the last six months (3).
65% of men said they are hesitant to seek professional help for mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety and depression (4).
Why might this be?
While there variety of factors, in 2022, a review article in the American Journal of Public Health found that men who internalized that stigma were less likely to get help for their psychological issues and more likely to face challenges and “a heightened risk for severe mental illness” (5).
What helps?
Research shows that people who are treated for depression or suicidal thoughts are far less likely to think about or attempt suicide (6).
To learn more about men’s mental health disparities go here: https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men
What is being done to help improve men’s mental health?
- OSU-CCS Movember men’s mental health campaign.This is a variety of programs to address OSU men’s college student mental health.
- National Movember Men’s Mental Health movement. This site also has more information on other health disparities experienced by men.
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By R. Ryan S Patel DO, FAPA OSU-CCS Psychiatrist
Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.
References:
- https://menshealthnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/silenthealthcrisis.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html
- https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/09/06/cleveland-clinic-survey-examines-the-current-state-of-mens-health-in-america/
- https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/09/06/cleveland-clinic-survey-examines-the-current-state-of-mens-health-in-america/
- McKenzie SK, Oliffe JL, Black A, Collings S. Men’s Experiences of Mental Illness Stigma Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review. Am J Mens Health. 2022 Jan-Feb;16(1):15579883221074789. doi: 10.1177/15579883221074789. PMID: 35125015; PMCID: PMC8832600.
- https://afsp.org/what-we-ve-learned-through-research/#top-10-things-we-ve-learned-from-research