June is Men's Health Month
With June being Men’s Health Month, we should all remember that mental health is as important as physical health for everyone.
And while many men tend to be reluctant to deal with physical health problems, it can be even more difficult for them to discuss or even recognize their own mental health issues. If you care for a man or a boy, you probably know what I’m talking about.
According to Mental Health America:
Over 6 million men suffer from depression per year.
More than four times as many men as women die from suicide in the United States.
Approximately one in five men develop alcohol dependency during their lives.
90 percent of those diagnosed with schizophrenia by the age of 30 are men.
It’s encouraging that men’s mental health is gaining more public attention. One organization that’s leading the way is the National Basketball Players Association, which recently launched a Mental Health and Wellness program. Many current and former NBA players, including Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers (we LOVE our CAVS in Cleveland!), have come forward about their own mental health issues, ranging from panic attacks to depression to PTSD. By going public, they’re helping to reduce the stigma surrounding these problems and encouraging others to seek help as they did.
If you’re a caregiver for a man or a boy, it’s important to understand that they might not want to tell you everything, so you have to be watchful for signs and symptoms that they might not even recognize themselves.
And, if you’re a caregiver who is male, it’s doubly important that you pay attention to what you might be feeling yourself. Make sure you’re taking time out for yourself to do things that support your own mental health.
Don't forget our three pilot programs will be rolling out soon! Are you on the list for notifications? Let me know and I'll add you!
Take care,
Kristi
Kristi Horner
Founder and Executive Director