Blog

men and mental health

July 26, 2019  |  Anxiety, Depression, Emotional wellbeing, Suicide awareness, Suicide prevention
men and suicide prevention

There's no denying that mental health issues affect men and women. And research indicates that mental illnesses affect women at a higher rate than men.

But when it comes to getting help, men just don't do it well. According to the Centers for Disease Control, men are more likely to die by suicide than women. Why is that?

Some may say that it's the result of cultural expectations - things like "men don't cry" or being the family "breadwinner". That last one, by the way, gets challenged when the man loses a job.

Regardless of all of that, what matters most is being prepared to recognize - in anyone you know - the signs of suicidal thoughts. Symptoms differ from person to person, but they include things like:

  • anger or aggressiveness
  • noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
  • trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • increased worry or feeling stressed
  • engaging in high-risk activities

There are others, too. Take time to learn the signs. If someone is in crisis, get help right away. Call 9-1-1, our crisis hotline at 877-695-6333, or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273-8255. Keep these close by, and be ready to help.