Mental health often goes undiagnosed in men
THE stigma associated with mental health prevents a lot of men from seeking help when they most need it, according to Affinity Health.
With November being Men’s Health Awareness Month, Affinity Health CEO Murray Hewlett said while both men and women are affected by mental illness, the prevalence of mental illness in men was often undiagnosed.
“Recognising the symptoms of a mental disorder in yourself or someone you care about is the first step towards treatment. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be,” said Hewlett.
Men are less likely than women to open up about their emotional struggles, such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness. Instead, male mental health frequently manifest as: Violence and aggression. High-risk pursuits.
Abuse of substances. Suicidal thoughts.
Sadness or hopelessness. Physical problems such as persistent headaches or stomach aches. Restlessness, difficulty to concentre. Changes in appetite, weight. Fatigue.
Obsessive thoughts.
Hewlett said: “Mental health issues in men are frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, implying far more men are suffering than statistics indicate.”
Helwett said according to the most recent “Monitoring the Future” survey of young adults, young men were more likely than young women to abuse drugs such as marijuana, hallucinogens and prescription painkillers.
Men were nearly twice as likely as women to binge drink and had consistently higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalisations.
“Problematic drinking and other male substance abuse are socially acceptable and even considered ‘masculine’. They are less frequently recognised as a symptom of a male mental health condition,” he said.
Helwett said treatment options were available. “Consult your primary care provider or a mental health professional if you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness. Mental illnesses do not improve on their own, and if left untreated, they can worsen over time and cause serious problems.”