> "Mental health issues are not a measure of your identity. They are experiences you go through. You may feel the rain, but remember, YOU ARE NOT THE RAIN." > — Matt Haig

Today, there's an abundance of resources available online for those grappling with mental health issues, not just for themselves but also for those supporting friends or family. No one should navigate these challenges in solitude or silence.

Personally, I find that reflecting on quotes regarding mental health can be quite enlightening. Realizing that others have traversed the dark paths of life and emerged into the light can be incredibly reassuring, reminding us that we are not alone.

Let’s initiate conversations around men and mental health.

• Men are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women.
• In the UK, men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates.
• According to a national well-being survey, men report lower life satisfaction than women.
• Men are less inclined to seek psychological therapies, with only 36% of NHS referrals for talking therapies being male.

Societal expectations and traditional gender roles contribute to men being less likely to discuss or seek help for mental health issues. While stereotypes about women can be harmful, it’s crucial to recognize that these societal norms can also negatively impact men. Men often feel pressured to be the providers, strong and in control. While these expectations can have positive aspects, they can hinder men from seeking help and expressing vulnerabilities.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, “Men and Mental Health” (Last updated: 1st October 2021), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) noted in January 2017 that while both men and women can experience depression, their symptoms might manifest differently. Men may display anger or aggression instead of sadness, leading family, friends, and even medical professionals to overlook these signs as symptoms of depression. Furthermore, men are generally less likely to acknowledge, discuss, or seek treatment for depression.

The factors that can lead to depression in men can be summarized in three key areas:

1. Genetic Factors: Men with a family history of depression may be more susceptible to developing it.
2. Environmental Stress: Life challenges such as financial troubles, loss of a loved one, relationship issues, significant life changes, and work-related stress can trigger depression.
3. Illness: Depression can coexist with severe medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson's disease. Sometimes, medications for these conditions might have side effects that exacerbate depression.

Reflecting on my own past, I battled Brain Stem Cancer at the age of three. This was a significant strain on my family and me, and the situation worsened when my father took his own life seven years later. For years, I dealt with low moods, opting to "fight through it" rather than express my emotional pain.

As I matured, this silence gradually eroded my well-being, leading to a severe depressive episode that required inpatient care and long-term medication. It was a lonely and dark experience.

However, opening up and engaging in therapy led me toward a path of hope and recovery.

The most crucial takeaway is the combination of medication and talking therapies. You can explore more on this topic in a previous article I published, linked below.

Losing Loved Ones. We have all experienced loss, whether it's friends, colleagues, or beloved family members. It’s essential to recognize the profound impact of grief.

Don’t misunderstand my perspective on anti-depressants. While medication can alleviate symptoms, accessing talking therapies concurrently is vital for recovery.

We all need to listen and express our feelings. Bottling up emotions can lead to a sudden and overwhelming outburst, much like a boiling kettle.

Medication can help regulate:

1. Serotonin: Affects emotions, bodily functions, and is a natural mood stabilizer.
2. Dopamine: Enhances mood, motivation, and attention, regulating emotional responses.
3. Norepinephrine: Works with adrenaline, providing energy during stress.

These chemicals work best when combined with therapy. It’s essential to identify the underlying issues that trigger depression—something no medication can achieve alone. Talking therapy provides a safe space to explore these negative emotions.

Don't hide your feelings; there’s no shame in reaching out.

The discussion around toxic masculinity has gained traction, appearing over 123,640 times on Instagram, highlighting that men are equally affected by societal expectations. The pressure to remain "strong and silent" can inhibit necessary conversations that could foster a healthier mindset for men.

Let’s introduce platforms like “Let’s Get Men Talking” on Twitter, initiated by The Marie Keating Foundation Campaign to raise awareness about men’s health issues and combat the stigma surrounding them.

Who is responsible for shaping these perceptions of masculinity? Look no further than the media, which has long portrayed the "ideal man" as tough and emotionless, similar to its damaging representation of women’s body image.

Learn to communicate. Learn to listen.

There’s absolutely no shame in doing so.

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Jonathan Townend, RMN - Medium Read more from Jonathan Townend, RMN on Medium, a mental health nurse turned writer.

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