Let’s talk about Men’s Mental Health
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Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness. June is Men’s Health Month and we want to focus on men’s behavioral health - specifically, mental health resources and education.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men died by suicide at a rate of 3.54 percent higher than women in 2017.
Mental Health America reports 6 million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Trusted Source puts the annual number of men dying due to alcohol-related causes at 62,000, compared to 26,000 women. And men are also two to three times more likely to misuse drugs than women.
Depression and suicide are ranked as a leading cause of death among men, and yet they’re still far less likely to seek mental health treatment than women.
Getting Treatment
Self-care does not replace treatment but has many benefits. Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. It can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:
Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help you manage your mental health.
Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more, such as:
Difficulty sleeping
Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
Inability to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
Don’t wait until your symptoms are overwhelming. Talk about your concerns with your CCH healthcare provider.
Ways to Help
Seek Treatment - Campbell County Health Behavioral Health Services provides inpatient therapy, group therapy, counseling, medication management, telehealth services, and peer counseling to assist you with your mental health. Reach out today to schedule an appointment by calling 307.688.5000. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you.
Stay Informed - Campbell County Health BHS offers free QPR Suicide Prevention Classes on the last Friday of every month from 4PM - 5PM in the 5th floor classroom at the hospital. This class teaches you signs that someone might give who is suicidal and gives you the correct language to use to try to persuade them to get professional treatment. This class gives you the power to potentially save a life.
Men’s mental health is important. When we stand together, we stand stronger.
For additional online mental health resources, visit NIH (National Institute on Mental Health): NIMH » Caring for Your Mental Health (nih.gov)
** If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the BHS crisis line at 307.688.5555 or call/text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. **