Men are not fond of talking about matters that concern them. This leads to drastic impacts on their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Research done by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provided that men have a higher tendency to have a disorder with substance abuse and to die from suicide.
This surfaces a question on how to deal with the mental health of males.
Founder of Man Enough, a counseling service provider, Hugh Martin said that the main platform that could be used to initiate such conversations would be organisations such as clubs, sporting groups, and workplaces. It is through such groups that men would be able to express themselves freely.
He added that men are more likely to start conversations with one another by looking for one another.
A counseling service should be able to comply with a 360-model of leadership that ensures that the welfare of the clients was attended properly.
Glen Benton, a counselor at Mensline said that there is a need to change the perception of men towards discussing mental health.
He pointed out that men are more likely to cover up their thoughts through subtle language. This is done by usually admitting matters in the third-person, addressing their thoughts by articulating it in a more general fashion.
According to Benton, this tendency of a male is inclined to depersonalise their emotions and the best way to change this would be to make them realize that they are still vulnerable.
What are the indicators if one is experiencing mental health problems?
Hugh said that the main indicators of mental health problems are addiction, changes in behavior, loss of enthusiasm and failure to take care of one’s physical health. Also, men are likely to escape from their usual tasks to escape emotional pain.
There is also a sense of disconnection from friends or other colleagues. This particular indicator could lead to something serious eventually.
As these indicators manifest through the acts of an individual, there follow anger management issues that may affect or directed towards the people that these individuals love the most and eventually affect other people as well.
How to address such matters?
First and foremost, for concerned people, one should be mindful that the authenticity and honesty of intervention must be the focus.
Assurance must be given to the person suffering from their mental health. It should be acknowledged as well that creating a solution must not be the sole purpose of the intervention. Rather, recognising that it is a process must be highlighted.
Jay, a speaker from SANE and a man with depression pointed out that the best form of support for people with mental health issues would be the assurance that someone is listening.
Listening to people with these kinds of problems would be helpful in the long run. Since mostly, they do not seek advice, their comfort could be found upon knowing that somebody is there for them.
Hugh added that another important thing to ensure in dealing with men with mental health problems would be the genuine interest of asking whether they are doing good or not.
Sharing one’s experience is very important as well as it removes the barrier of isolation that depressed people may have.
What could be the best way to start a conversation?
Jesse is also a SANE speaker and a bipolar disorder patient who said that doing activities such as hobbies or sports could initiate the conversation.
Sharing oneself is the best way to start the conversation to let them feel that opening up isn’t bad at all.
Mr. Benton said that men should recognise the worth of keeping an eye with their friends’ well being. Whether there are obvious instances that may trigger concerns or not, conversations must be done within the circle.
Starting a conversation with a male friend could be meaningful and may help at the same time.
