NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — According to Mental Health America, six million men in the United States suffer from depression each year.
“I think this is an important month for men in general because there’s still a stigma around being so-called ‘manly,’ and I think a lot of men in society are struggling with issues that they feel like they have to deal with on their own,” said Jason Black, program director of Coast Horizons’ Adult Residential and Community Treatment Services.
Since 2010, more than four times as many men as women have died by suicide in the United States, and there are a number of warning signs, according to Kathleen Young, a clinical psychologist at Novant Health.
“So if someone is more irritable or withdrawn than usual, that might be something to watch out for. Also, changes in appetite or sleep are things to look out for.”
One of the best ways for men to deal with mental health issues is to find someone they can open up to and talk to.
“Relationships are huge and that’s a benefit in itself. If you’re in a relationship with someone who notices these symptoms or recognizes there’s a problem, that’s the first step,” Black said.
Young said while people need to seek help for themselves, it’s also important that we all become more educated about the issue.
“I think from a public perspective, there needs to be a certain level of vulnerability, so if we can talk openly about our feelings, I think it will go a long way.”
