How to Identify Signs of Mental Health Issues During Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – More than six million men in the United States suffer from mental health issues, but they remain less likely than women to seek help or treatment for depression.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, with International Men’s Health Week taking place from 10th to 16th June, which aims to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues as well as encourage men to seek help.

There’s often a stigma attached to men’s mental health, which means 40% of men don’t seek treatment even when they have conditions like depression, and experts suggest that the more men talk about these issues, the more likely they are to acknowledge their feelings.

Karen Petersen, development manager at Wellstone Emergency Services, said anyone can be affected by mental illness or addiction, and it takes a community to help those who feel alone.

“Men, stereotypically, culturally, we don’t talk about mental health,” Petersen said. “The more people talk about it, the less stigma there will be and the more people will seek help and realize that they may need help to improve their mental health.”

Peterson says there are signs to look out for to recognize if someone is suffering from a mental illness.

• If the person is feeling isolated, reach out to them and ask them how they are really feeling.
• If you notice that they talk about wanting to go out or have suicidal thoughts, it could be a sign that they are having mental problems.
• Sudden changes in emotions such as depression or irritability can also be a sign of a mental illness.
• If you or someone you know is in need of emergency assistance, you can call 9-8-8 to speak with a trained counselor for help.

Wellstone Urgent Services is a freestanding mental health urgent care center that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The center offers 80 different programs to serve people living from Madison to Cullman counties.