Hello, fellas.
Wait a second ladies, don’t leave. You can keep reading!
First, let’s talk statistics.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half actually pursue treatment. Also, men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women. Suicide is actually the 7th leading cause of death for men.
If this isn’t striking enough, take a look at this:
Over 6 million men in America experience depression, but most of them go undiagnosed. More than 3 million men have some form of a panic disorder.
If you did not know this already, June is set aside for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month to help men understand the importance of seeking help and speaking out. However, it is my hope that this leads to a healthier rest of the year, better yet, a healthier rest of your life! Please know that seeking help does threaten your masculinity. It does not make you weak! You are human.
1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half actually pursue treatment. Also, men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Before we continue, take a look at this for a quick second: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health.
Now you may be wondering where to go from here?
Let me try to wrap this up before I lose you. Here a few tips:
- Build and utilize a healthy support system.
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Find someone you trust!
- Speak up when you need help.
- Create a self-care routine. You are more than your responsibilities as a father, husband, boyfriend, employee, boss, etc.
- Allow others to help you.
- Speak up!
- Do the things that bring you peace.
Ladies, do not perpetuate the stereotypes. Allow men to be human, and remind them that speaking up actually makes them stronger.
Fellas, I hope this helped in some way. May you acknowledge any struggles you have, and may you find help and peace.
You are more than your responsibilities as a father, husband, boyfriend, employee, boss, etc.
Thank you for allowing me in your space today. Come back often!
Be easy, Kings,
Dr. E
