Anyone can have mental health conditions. It doesn’t matter what gender, race, or age you are. Anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and other mental health conditions can happen to anyone. However, these illnesses may look different based on gender in some cases.
A combination of stigma and gender stereotypes may make it more difficult for men and their healthcare professionals to realize when mental health support is needed. However, men need to be aware of their mental health and take care of it the same way as their physical health.
Common Men’s Mental Health Conditions
Men can experience a variety of mental health issues, but some are more common than others. A few that are most likely to be seen in men include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Social anxiety disorder
It’s common for people to believe that women are more likely than men to have mental health conditions. However, that doesn’t mean men aren’t affected. In 2019 alone, men in the USA died to suicide at a rate of 3.7 times more than women.
Experts agree many complex factors come into play in terms of how women and men experience issues with mental health. Of course, biological factors play a role, but clinical bias, coping strategies, and gender stereotypes also impact assumptions about who has mental health issues and how they are experienced.
Mental Health Symptoms Men Should Watch For
When a man and a woman experience the same mental health issue, it can be experienced in completely different ways. Some men’s mental health symptoms include:
- Aggressiveness and anger
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Frustration
- Irritability
- Persistent feelings of worry
- Substance misuse
- Thoughts of suicide
- Trouble concentrating
- Unusual behavior that gets in the way of daily life or concerns others
In addition, some conditions like depression and anxiety also come with physical symptoms that men may not be aware of. This can include changes in energy and appetite, sleeping more than usual, new pains and aches, difficulty sleeping, and digestive problems.
Family members and friends often notice these symptoms first since it may be challenging to see these things when you are the one experiencing them.
Seeking Help for Men’s Mental Health in Pasadena, California
There are options if you need help with your mental health. For example, you can speak with your doctor about recommendations, search through online directories, or send out some emails after researching therapists in your area who specialize in men’s issues.
Provide information about what you’re looking for and see if the person is appropriate for your needs. For instance, explain what you want in a therapist, what you need to address, and what support will work best. This is the time to find out which therapists match your needs.
What to Expect During a Therapy Appointment
The first session or two will often involve the therapist getting to know you better. This is also a time for you to learn more about their approach and ask any questions that will make it easier for you to determine what future sessions might be like.
You should choose an expert whom you feel comfortable with. If you aren’t clicking within a few sessions, consider other options. Many people work with several therapists before they find one that is a great fit for them.
Depending on your struggles, you may be referred to a psychiatrist for medications like antidepressants. This medication is taken for life in some cases, but that is not always the case. Instead, it may simply give you the lift you need to work through what is causing your mental health condition symptoms.
After the first one or two sessions, you and your therapist can delve into your problems, and they can provide insight into how to get feeling better. Your therapy goals and mental health conditions will determine how long you may need therapy. It’s different for every person.
Therapists are trained in various techniques to help you handle mental illness, create personal life changes, and resolve personal issues. Learning what techniques a therapist offers can give you better insights into what to expect as you visit the therapist (or talk to them on the phone or through video conferencing software).
Therapy for Men’s Issues in Pasadena, CA
At SandovalTherapy, Alejandro Sandoval brings 12 years of practice in men’s mental health issues. He focuses on working with men, especially those with emotional intimacy, relationships, and connection problems. In addition, he specializes in racial identity, trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, and more.