Men’s Mental Health by Cary Sabados, former FSG Clinical Intern

All people – regardless of gender, race, or class – will at some point face mental health challenges, with some suffering from significant or persistent symptoms. Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges, there are differences in who accesses help.t Presently, women are between 1.5 to 2 times more likely to seek mental health treatment than men. Addressing this gap is important, as is broadening our notion of the ways men can support their emotional and psychological well-being in their day-to-day lives.

Mental health is intimately tied to relationships, both with others and ourselves. A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General highlights the connection between social isolation and negative health outcomes, summarizing the threat to long-term health of those with low social connection as being equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. More worrying, trends over the last several decades point to Americans becoming less connected on a variety of measures, from companionship to social engagement with friends and family. Given the outsized risk of self-harm and suicide for men, increases in social connection can be especially beneficial to our wellness.

There is also good reason to believe that tending to oneself and one’s physical well-being can aid in mental health as well. Staying physically active through exercise, engaging in outdoor leisure activities, and getting a good night’s sleep have all been shown to have positive benefits for both our body and mind.  Caring for oneself and sharing in quality time with friends and loved ones are two simple ways to boost physical and mental health.

Sometimes, though, we find ourselves with challenging thoughts, feelings, and symptoms that persist or overwhelm despite our best efforts. In these cases, connecting with a mental health professional may be appropriate. While popular representations of therapy often portray a long, exacting trip through one’s childhood and past, it is important to note that there are a wide variety of approaches that clinicians practice. From short-term, solution-focused therapy to motivation-centered work to relationship-based sessions focused on couples and families, therapists are eager to work with you to find the type of treatment that is going to best align with your needs, interests, and aspirations. Family Service of Glencoe boasts a team of therapists with a wide range of backgrounds and approaches that, coupled with a deep understanding of the landscape of care providers in the area, ensures that you will be matched with the support that is right for you.

Men play important roles as parents, loved ones, friends, and colleagues. Tending to our mental and emotional well-being is essential to ensuring we show up as our best selves for those for whom we care and love.