CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - Over six million men struggle with depression and anxiety. Yet male depression remain largely underdiagnosed because less than half of the men suffering from depression do not seek help. Why?
Justin Johnson, psychiatrist in the U.S. Army Reserve and Veterans director at HopeWay, said the societal expectation for men to not express emotion and to “be the man” has created a major obstacle for men seeking help. Because of social pressure, men are more likely to ignore or hide their symptoms of mental illness than to find treatment.
Another reason why men might ignore signs of negative mental health is that these signs do not match the stereotype of mental illness. Rather than feeling sad, men experiencing mental illness or PTSD are more likely to experience:
- Increased irritability, anger, or aggression
- Fluctuations in mood, appetite, or energy levels
- Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
- Intensified feelings of frustration
- Engagement in risk-taking behaviors
Someone struggling with mental illness should know that they are not alone and that they can ask for help. Treatment solutions and support are available to sustain a healthy and satisfying way of life.
To learn more about identifying and dealing with mental illness visit hopeway.org.
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