5 Shocking Men’s Mental Health Facts For 2023
Today, we’re breaking the typical 'Strong & Silent' way of life and unmasking the ugly side of Men's Mental Health. It is no secret that men’s mental health is sorely under-studied. However, the statistics we do have are shocking!
In today’s article, we’ll be looking at some of the statistics you should be aware of in 2023:
1 in 5 Men Over The Age of 60 Experience Depression
A study published in November 2021 revealed that 1 in 5 (19.9%) US men over the age of 60 experience persistent symptoms of depression. The study looked at multiple factors including health, community, and, social stressors. The results from 1431 men that participated in the study showed that the depressive symptoms can be attributed to less support from friends, more cognitive challenges, and a feeling of having less control in life.
It is important to note that while this study was published in 2021, the data was collected pre-COVID-19. The harsh lockdown rules isolated everyone all over the world and added additional emotional and financial stressors. While there has not been a specific study conducted investigating the mental health of men over 60 post-pandemic, a study showed that generally, depressive and anxiety symptoms have increased.
Another study from 2015 revealed that in addition to the abovementioned stressors, men are not immune to the psychological impact of a changing body. Therefore, when talking about men's mental health, there is an abundance of variables to take into consideration.
While these statistics are sad and shocking, they can also offer some solace to those experiencing depressive symptoms. It is a sign that you are not alone. Chances are you probably know a few men that also feel like you do, but they're not saying anything. Perhaps it’s time to reach out and talk to someone.
Not yet too keen on reaching out to friends and family? That’s okay. Try joining a community where you can talk about your mental health. We have a dedicated Mental Health room in our TBô community that strives to give men a safe space to talk and be part of a community.
Men Are Good At Developing Coping Strategies
Despite popular misconceptions, men are actually good at developing coping strategies during psychologically distressing times. Typically speaking, coping strategies can be divided into two broad categories: avoidance-based and adaption-based.
The healthier way of coping is adapting to your circumstances and the stressors in order to fully process the experience.
A 2022 study by the American Journal of Men’s Health found that during the Covid 19 lockdown, men were more likely to seek out ways to adapt to the circumstances as opposed to avoiding and distracting themselves.
So if you’re reading this and you’ve changed your lifestyle significantly post-COVID, chances are, you may have just been developing coping mechanisms without even realizing it! Comment down below and let us know how you made it through the dreaded lockdowns!
Male Suicide Rates Are 3–4 Times Higher Than For Females
The National Center for Health Statistics reported that suicide rates were 3-4 times higher when compared to female suicide rates (for the period of 2010-2020). Additionally, statistics show that men 75 years of age and higher are at a significantly increased risk of death by suicide.
The question arises: Why? And the answer might come down to social expectations and pressures.
Historically, men have exhibited a reduced inclination to seek assistance for mental health concerns. This tendency can likely be attributed to various factors, such as the presence of stigma surrounding mental health and the prevailing traditional notion of the 'strong male' stereotype in our culture, which discourages emotional expression by associating it with weakness.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out and seek assistance.
Call 988 today and get the help you need.
Men Experienced More Depressive Symptoms Post-lockdown (COVID-19)
A study published in June 2021 revealed that men experienced significantly more depressive symptoms post-lockdown compared to females. However, females were more likely to experience anxiety-related symptoms post-lockdown.
You have to wonder why? This may be due to the weight of social expectations and stigma. Society tends to see men as the “providers”, and while many people are fighting these gender stereotypes, they are internalized to a certain extent.
The stress of financial well-being, provision for family, etc. may play a crucial role in why men are experiencing significantly more depressive symptoms than women post-COVID-19.
Men are less likely to seek out Mental Health Support
Studies have shown again and again that men are less likely to seek out Mental Health support. Some of these studies have shown that white men and non-heterosexual men are getting better at asking for help. A study by the American Journal of Men’s Health found that men's help-seeking behavior is negatively affected by internalized masculine norms.
This would explain the tendency of non-heterosexual men to seek out help more frequently, as they are more likely to break gender stereotypes and expectations.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, while men are still significantly less likely to seek out help, they are getting better at it! There has been an increase in men seeking out mental health professionals, and many men report having had their perceptions on mental health change drastically after consulting with a mental health professional.
While all of these statistics can be frightening, there’s an important thing to keep in mind. You are not alone. There are millions of other men, just like you, struggling with similar thoughts and feelings. But you can start making a chance today. Adapt and survive, reach out now.
