During the month of June one of the celebrations that we look forward to is Father’s Day. Father’s Day is a great reminder of the importance of mentally healthy dad/men. A father who makes his mental health a priority is more present with his children, happier at home, and a more supportive partner.
Mental health affects men and women. However, the prevalence of several mental illnesses is lower in men than in women. Also, certain symptoms are more common in men than women, and the course of the illness can be affected by a person’s sex. Women are more prone to seek help than men. Most men are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to die by suicide than females. Men have long faced challenges regarding their mental health. Feeling pressure to conform to the traditional ideals of masculinity can lead to significant internal conflict. Some men may feel that if they admit having mental health issues this will somehow weaken their stance as being dominant. So instead of reaching out for the help they need, many will turn to other coping mechanisms like substance abuse or suffer in silence which lead to higher rates of untreated mental illness, according to research.
BARRIERS THAT MEN FACE SEEKING HELP FOR MENTAL ILLNESS
One of the biggest barriers preventing men from seeking help is the fear of being judged or perceived as weak. Some other barriers include:
· Poor mental health knowledge, being unable to effectively communicate that there is a need for psychological help
· Societal and self-stigma, this can cause shame about being seen as being weak.
· Clinician biases, stereotypes, and discomfort due to rigid assumptions regarding common male behaviors and responses
STRATEGIES OTHERS CAN USE TO SUPPORT MEN MENTAL HEALTH
There are four strategies listed by psychologists Clayton and Rucker to support a man’s mental health:
· Lend an ear. Recognize that your interactions matter. Be willing to listen and understand.
· Recognize effort with thoughtful affirmation and recognition. Everyone loves to be appreciated. Often time men do not feel appreciated unless they are sacrificing for the sake of others. Be willing to recognize and verbalize good efforts.
· Collaborate to solve problems: empathize and understand the perspective of the person. A collaborative spirit can decrease loneliness and boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
· Get more minds on the case. If a man is troubled by things that go beyond your capacity to help, honor the importance of his health by seeking professional guidance.
It is a fact that being a father can be very demanding which can manifest in having fathers feel ashamed to openly talk about their mental health. Being a father comes with all types of emotions and questions; therefore, it is important for dads to know that it is ok to feel all these emotions. Even though society has taught that men should not be emotional.
When a dad’s mental illness goes untreated, then the whole family suffers, so it is important for him to talk about the issues with his partner and doctor. Acknowledging that problems exist is an important first step in the right direction as well as finding an effective treatment that works for you.
The following are some practical ways a father can support his mental health:
· Connect with your children
· Reach out to family and friends
· Prioritize self-care
· Communicate openly
Father’s Day is about celebrating dad. As the celebration moves forward, please be reminded that men can struggle with mental illness and proper treatment can improve their lives. A healthy dad makes a healthy family.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Resources:
www.nimh.org
Jeannetta Stephens-Jones, Ed.D., retired educational diagnostician/speech pathologist and president of NAMI Ruston Board of Directors. Contact her jjones79_aka@yahoo.com