June is Men’s Health Month, and while anyone can experience depression or anxiety, men tend to put off seeking help when they need it.
“Men often try to run away from what’s bothering them,” explains clinical psychologist Adam Boland, PsyD, “whether that’s by spending more time at work or immersing themselves in a project, to an unhealthy level where they ignore whatever the problem is.”
Dr Boland said men first need to recognise they have a problem before they can begin to take steps to address their mental illness.
Many of the signs of depression and anxiety in men and women overlap, but men often experience headaches and other physical symptoms as well.
Men are also more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drugs and alcohol, to deal with their emotions.
Dr Boland said that to maintain their mental health, men needed to find friends and family they felt safe sharing things with.
Writing or journaling is another effective way to channel difficult feelings.
Dr Boland stressed that there is no shame in seeking help from a mental health professional if feelings of depression or anxiety become too much to handle.
“Receiving mental health treatment is not a weakness – in fact, it’s a sign of strength. It’s unhealthy to pretend your problems don’t exist,” Dr Boland said.
Dr Boland adds that more men are seeking therapy and encourages other men to seek help if they need it.
