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Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in June, highlights a crucial issue often overshadowed by societal expectations. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly one in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, yet less than half seek help. This deeply ingrained aversion to seeking help impacts many lives, as evidenced by Mental Health America’s report that more than four times as many men than women die by suicide in the United States.
The statistics hit close to home for New Hanover County, which reported a suicide rate nearly double the national average last year. Heartbreakingly, 83% of the 36 reported suicides in 2021 were men, a number that rose to 75% of the 55 reported suicides in 2022. The reluctance to seek support among men is evident, with Jeffrey Jordan from Wilmington Mental Health noting, “Seeking help, for men, is usually one of the hardest things because we’re usually supposed to take care of other people.”
One poignant example of this struggle comes from the story of Marie and Joe. Tragically, Joe’s battle with his mental health culminated in self-harm just months before his graduation. Marie, left grappling with the aftermath, expressed her deep sense of loss and regret in not recognizing Joe’s internal struggles. His hidden pain serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many men face in expressing their emotional distress, reinforcing the urgent need for increased awareness and support.
In Georgia, with June marking Men’s Mental Health Month, counselors Lisa Ibekwe, Anthony Potter, and Tony Jenkins offered their expertise on men’s mental health. These professionals play a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by men when it comes to seeking help for their mental well-being. Their insights provide a guiding light in the effort to break down the stigma that often surrounds men’s mental health and the act of seeking support.
As the month of awareness draws to a close, it’s imperative to acknowledge and continue the conversation around men’s mental health. Creating a society where men feel not only encouraged but comfortable in seeking help for depression and anxiety is essential. By examining the underlying societal expectations and offering a safe space for dialogue, we can strive to bridge the gap that impedes many men from accessing the support they desperately need.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the urgency in shifting attitudes and fostering a community that embraces vulnerability and prioritizes mental well-being. Through open conversations, increased support systems, and destigmatization efforts, we can work towards creating a world where men feel empowered to seek the assistance they deserve in navigating their mental health challenges.
