Men's Mental Health

When discussing men’s health, most people automatically assume we are talking about a man’s physical health. Mental health is an aspect of men’s health that is constantly overlooked and ignored. Around 6 million men are affected by depression each year in America and less than half will seek some form of treatment. This is a surprising statistic to read and it is difficult to understand why there is not more focus on a man’s mental wellbeing. But when we take a closer look at the cultural expectations set around men, we begin to understand why this issue is ignored. 

Men are raised in a culture where they are taught that expressing feelings such as pain or sadness is wrong. When a man feels sad, upset, vulnerable etc. they are told to “suck it up” or are ridiculed for “acting like a woman.” Men are taught that emotional vulnerability is inappropriate. Emotions are to be suppressed and kept hidden from society. This cultural philosophy has created a generation of men that don’t understand how to process emotion. As a result, men tend to not discuss their experiences. Instead men bottle up the pain, sadness, stress, anxiety and try to forget something is wrong. Negative coping skills are developed, and many men find themselves in a “rut” that seems difficult to escape. 

So, what can we do about this? Joining in the movement to address the issues related to men’s mental health is a great way to start finding a solution to this problem. Organizations such as The Movember Foundation and The Face It Foundation are trying to normalize mental health topics, such as depression and suicide, and provide men with information and access to mental health resources. At a more personal level you can help create and normalize discussions surrounding men’s mental health. Mental health affects everyone differently and admitting you need help is frightening and stressful. Creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgment environment for men to openly express their struggles can help create a pathway for men to be more open to seeking mental health resources.

If you are a man who is experiencing mental health issues, we at Safe Haven want to let you know that you are not alone. Safe Haven is a welcoming environment that listens and helps you work through your issues.