November is MOVEMBER: Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.
If focusing on men's mental health is not an urgency, then we don't know what is.
The data and research is extremely painful and we hope it moves us to action to focus on mental health in the workplace, and particularly men's mental health.
- Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: Studies show that men are less likely than women to report mental health problems and seek help. Despite this, mental health issues are common among men, with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse being particularly prevalent.
- Suicide Rates: Men are at a higher risk for suicide. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, and it is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. The suicide rate among men is significantly higher than that of women in most parts of the world. Men are up to four times more likely than women to die by suicide.
- Substance Abuse: Men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs, which are linked to a higher risk of developing a mental illness. Substance abuse is often used as a coping mechanism for undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues.
- Stigma and Seeking Help: There is a significant stigma associated with men seeking help for mental health issues. Cultural norms often portray the expression of emotional pain or distress as a sign of weakness, leading to underreporting and under-treatment of mental health
- Barriers to Mental Health Treatment: A study in the journal "Psychological Medicine" revealed that men often cite barriers such as social stigma, downplaying symptoms, and a preference for self-reliance as reasons for not seeking mental health treatment.
- Impact of Unemployment on Men's Mental Health: Research has shown that unemployment can take a heavier mental toll on men than on women, partly due to societal expectations and self-perception related to work and providing for a family.
- Men's Response to Stress: The American Psychological Association has found that men are more likely than women to report physical symptoms associated with stress, such as headache, increased heart rate, or muscle tension.
- Life Expectancy and Mental Health: According to the World Health Organization, the global average life expectancy is higher for women than men. This disparity is partly attributed to higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and untreated mental health conditions in men.