Discussing mental health concerns is important, but we should avoid seeing them as a monolith. Specific mental health concerns can impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being differently, but also their ability to recover and rehabilitate.
Although challenges with mental health can impact anyone, we must recognize that dealing with specific mental health issues can be uniquely different, and recovery and treatment can vary between people.
Your mental health is incredibly important and can have a big impact on your physical and emotional well-being as well as your recovery and rehabilitation. The challenge is that usual coping methods may not work as they used to, and the way you see yourself and interact with the world has changed.
Everything you think and feel is valid – this can be scary when you are feeling negative or hopeless and don’t entirely know why, or you feel different and don’t know what to do to feel better. Whether you find your own support system or have a caregiver develop one on your behalf, mental health support is critical. This is when you need a team of people behind you to help you take care of your mental health and manage ongoing challenges like anger, impulsivity, anxiety and depression. To manage your mental health and well-being, you need a team made up of healthcare and mental health professionals such as doctors, neuropsychologists, rehabilitation therapists and caregivers in your corner that can help with different aspects of your well-being such as counselling, physiotherapy and medication.
Mental health is ongoing, and many individuals receive help for their mental health for the rest of their lives – even if they feel better most of the time. Consistent care and therapies over the long-term with mental health professionals and caregivers who are familiar with you and your needs are what help you continuously improve.
Mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression, affect men too, but they can be hard to talk about, especially with their health care providers.
“Traditionally, many men are taught not to express their feelings, such as sadness or anger,” says Siraj Abdullah, D.O., a Piedmont family medicine physician. “In addition, some medical providers don’t bring up mental health during routine visits and men aren’t as likely to mention these issues.”
Dr. Abdullah shares the signs of depression and anxiety in men, how to improve your mental health and when to talk to a health care professional.
Signs of depression and anxiety in men:
“Anxiety is common in both men and women, and I’m starting to see more men in my clinic for depression and anxiety,” he says. “I see mental health issues in men of all ages, from college students to older adults.”
Depression and anxiety can sometimes manifest differently in men than in women. He says the following can be signs of depression in men:
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Irritability and anger
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Becoming more reserved and talking less
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Avoiding social activities and hobbies they once enjoyed
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Changes in eating habits
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Decreased sex drive
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Changes in sleep patterns
Anxiety can present with symptoms like:
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Racing heartbeat
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Shortness of breath
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Difficulty sleeping
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Social anxiety
Factors that worsen mental health:
Dr. Abdullah says the following factors can contribute to poor mental health:
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Social isolation
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Lack of physical activity
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Overeating junk food, particularly processed, high-sugar foods
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Major life stressors, such as job loss, divorce, financial issues, illness, the death of a loved one, a move or a new job
Dr. Abdullah says the COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to the increase in mental health issues.
“Many people experienced trauma and major life changes, such as working from home full-time, lack of socialization, homeschooling children, dealing with illness, the death of a loved one or relationship issues,” he says.
Mental health tips for men:
Here are Dr. Abdullah’s tips for improving your mental health:
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Build social connections. “We’re all social beings,” he says. “It’s important to have a good social support group, whether that’s your family or your friends. Look for people who are positive, have an open mind and are supportive.”
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Engage in a hobby. Having a hobby you enjoy can also support your mental well-being. So, whether you love hiking, woodworking, cooking, sports, working out, swimming, gardening, traveling, reading or watching movies, make time for the activities you enjoy.
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Get regular exercise. Multiple research studies show that getting 20 minutes of physical activity three times per week reduces the risk of depression and anxiety, he says. This includes any form of exercise that increases your heart rate, such as walking, running, hiking, swimming, cycling or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
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Nourish your body. Eat fresh, whole foods as much as possible. This includes lean protein, healthy fats, vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Limit alcohol, sugar, processed food and refined carbohydrates.
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Consider counseling. “Counseling is a great place to talk about your feelings,” he says. “A counselor can give you tips for managing stress and different situations in your life.”
When to talk to your health care provider about your mental health:
If lifestyle changes don’t make a difference, have a conversation with your health care provider. They may recommend counseling, medication or other lifestyle changes to help you feel better.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, contact your health care provider, call 911 or visit the emergency department right away. You can also contact one of the following emergency hotlines:
- Canada: CAMH Foundation (Centre for Addiction & Mental Health)
- Canada: CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Canada: Crisis Line
- Canada: Government of Canada Resources by Province
- America: National Insitute of Mental Health
- America: Mental Health America
- Global: Health Central
On our final note: Mental health takes a village. Please look out for yourself and your village, and utilize resources if needed. If your cup is full, please consider giving to an organization to help others.