Summer is often associated with vacations, sunshine, and relaxation.Summer can also be a challenging time for some. The “summer blues”- feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression during the warmer months- can be a real issue.
As we make our way through the summer, it’s important to continue the conversations around mental health. Mental health is as crucial as physical health, yet it often gets less attention. Many people think mental health issues are rare, but they’re more common than you might expect.
According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives (WHO 2022). Mental health issues can range from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Growing up I was taught to keep mental health topics as “at home conversations”. And here I am writing about it online for all to read.
Mental health is important to talk about, so we can continue to share resources and find our safe spaces. My girl friends and I have these types of conversations often but not so much with my male friends. So allow me to shed additional light.
Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Silence
Did you know June is Men’s mental health awareness month? Men’s mental health, in particular, is a topic that needs more awareness and discussion. Societal expectations often pressure men to be stoic and self-reliant, leading many to avoid seeking help. This stigma can have serious consequences.
Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues (AAMC 2024), and they’re more likely to die by suicide (AFSP 2024) . According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men die by suicide 3.63 times more often than women. It’s essential to create an environment where men feel comfortable talking about their struggles without fear of judgment or ridicule.
How can we create space for these conversations?
Let’s face it: men often feel like they need to be the Hercules of their households, lifting the weight of the world without breaking a sweat. But even Hercules needed help from at times. It’s time we reframe the conversation and understand that asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.
If you’re thinking, “I’m fine, I don’t need to talk about my feelings,” consider this: even Batman had Alfred, and Tony Stark had Pepper. Superheroes need a support system too. So, if you feel like you’re drowning, it’s okay to reach out for a life raft instead of trying to swim on your own. As a partner, friend, reader, brother, sister, how can we support the men in our lives?
Creating a Safe Space
How do we make it easier for men to talk about mental health? By creating an environment where vulnerability is seen as strength, not a weakness. It’s like going to the gym: no one judges you for lifting lighter weights if it’s your first time. Research has found that when asked, 78% of people say that they’re fine even if they’re struggling with a mental health problem (Rethink 2023).
Concerns like
- Only talking to someone they feel confident wanted to listen
- Doubting whether people really want to hear the honest answer
- Not wanting to burden others were cited as the main reasons people avoided these conversations.
However, that second ask might be the opening someone has been waiting for to finally talk about it.
Mental health should be approached with understanding and patience. Start by having open conversations with your friends and family. It doesn’t have to be a heavy, dramatic talk. It can be as simple as checking in with a friend over a beer or while watching the game. A casual “Hey man, how’ve you been feeling lately?” can open doors to deeper discussions.
Racism, Trauma, and Mental Health
Black Americans develop mental health conditions at a rate equal to anyone else. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared racism a serious threat to public health that has placed communities of color at greater risk for poor health outcomes.
When considering the mental health of Black Americans, it is important to view their experience through a historical and cultural lens. The Black community has shown resilience in the face of adversity for centuries, but that doesn’t mean the struggles should be ignored or minimized.
Racism and discrimination are not just social issues; they are public health issues.
The chronic stress associated with experiencing or anticipating discrimination can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD (UCLA 2016). This isn’t just anecdotal—studies show that structural racism affects everything from housing to employment to healthcare, creating an environment where stress is a constant companion (CDC 2023).
Breaking the Stigma
Breaking the stigma starts with each of us. Talking openly about mental health is crucial in breaking the stigma. Just as with physical health, we need to be proactive in taking care of our mental well-being. Encourage open conversations about mental health in your community, support friends and family who may be struggling, and advocate for mental health awareness.
If your feelings of sadness or anxiety are overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists, counselors, and support groups can provide the assistance you need to navigate challenging times
Practical Steps for Improving Mental Health
- Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma within the Black community can encourage more people to seek help. (Codjoe 2021)
- Community Programs: Implementing community-based mental health programs can provide support in a familiar and trusted environment.(Castillo 2019)
- Advocacy: Advocating for policy changes that address health disparities and promote mental health resources in underserved communities is essential.(Tulane 2024)
- Self-Care: Encouraging self-care practices that include physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being can help manage stress and improve overall health.
Compassion and Empathy
Show compassion to yourself and others. Everyone has bad days, and it’s okay to not be okay all the time. Just like you wouldn’t push a friend to bench press 300 pounds on their first day at the gym, don’t push yourself or others to carry emotional burdens alone. Share the load, and let compassion be your guide.
Remember, you don’t have to go from 0 to 100 overnight. Start with small steps: talk to a friend, write down your feelings, or even just acknowledge that you’re struggling. Each small step is a victory towards better mental health.
Your mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. Don’t neglect it. Whether you’re dealing with the pressures of everyday life, facing the summer blues, or struggling with more severe mental health issues, remember that help is available and it’s okay to ask for it.
Stay strong, stay connected, and always prioritize your mental health.
Until next time,
Aliyha Hill
