Movember is Men's Month

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According to the Movember Foundation, the state of men’s health around the world is in a crisis. Men, right across the globe, are dying too young and too often, and unfortunately sometimes it is because men are apathetic about their physical and emotional health.

The Movember Foundation, along with other organisations like it, have spearheaded a movement, which seeks to create much needed awareness about men’s health issues. One such campaign takes place in November every year, when men grow their moustaches to help create awareness about this.

Men and Mental Health

How mental health issues affect men differently

Seeking help is a crucial first step in recovering from any mental health condition.

Mental health issues affect men and women differently in the following ways:

Different influencing factors

Men’s issues can develop from different causes and triggers than those that affect women.

For example, men’s issues often stem from societal expectations and traditional gender roles, which may lead men to think that they must:

  • be the breadwinners in the family

  • display traditional “masculine” traits, such as strength and control

  • rely on oneself and not seek help from others

  • not speak openly about their emotions

Holding on to these traditional beliefs can negatively impact men’s mental health and keep them from accessing support and treatment.

Differences in seeking help

Men are far less likely to seek treatment than women for issues such as depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events.

Common mental health conditions in men

  • Depression

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Schizophrenia

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Substance abuse

Treatment

Although many men are reluctant to seek and continue treatment for mental health issues, it is a vital step in recovery. With effective treatment, people can learn to manage their symptoms and begin to feel better.

Some treatment options include:

Counselling/Therapy

Counselling /Therapy can help men work through issues that have triggered mental health conditions. It can also help them manage their symptoms, change their negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviours, and learn new coping skills.

There are many different styles of therapy/counselling. In order to be effective, it is essential that people find the right therapist/counsellor and type of therapy/counselling for them.

Lifestyle changes

Making positive lifestyle changes can make a significant contribution to mental well-being.

We are here for you

For Professional Confidential Counselling contact us on

Gauteng & Other regions:      0861 776 227                       admin@procare.co.za

Western Cape:                         021- 8 730 532                     procwc@procare.co.za

Read more:

https://za.movember.com/?home

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mens-mental-health#helpful-organizations