Newsletter Vol 1. No 14

There is often a strong focus on men’s physical health — fitness, annual checkups, and heart health — but mental well-being is equally as important because mental health is health!

Just as the body needs care and attention, so does emotional and mental well-being. Yet, there is a silent crisis in men’s mental health — one that too often goes unnoticed or unspoken. Tragically, men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, underscoring the urgent need to break this silence and seek support.

Men and Mental Health

It is important to remember that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call, chat or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Remember your insurance covers mental health and Medicare covers many mental health services to support you.

June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to remind men of the health issues we face and what we can do to take charge of our health. Men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a health care provider. Only sixty percent of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine check-up, and forty percent of men do not go until something is seriously wrong. Despite the statistics, twenty percent of men report they only go to see the doctor so their significant other or a loved one “will stop nagging them.”

Small steps can lead to significant change, changes that we all can lead together. Let us build a culture where men and boys feel safe speaking up and reaching out. As a community, we can break the stigma, support one another, and ensure no one struggles in silence.

How Can You Help?

• Start a conversation:A simple conversation can spark transformation. Whether a father, brother, uncle, son, friend, or colleague, check-in with the men in your life.
• Share resources:Help normalize seeking help by sharing information about mental health support services such as Inspire Behavioral Health, national hotlines, and local organizations. Let others know support is available and that it helps.
• Create safe spaces:Encourage environments; at home, work, school, barbershop, gym, church, or in the community — where men feel comfortable opening up without judgment. Sometimes, just knowing it is okay to open-up, makes all the difference.

In need of help or support?

You are not alone! If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health, Inspire Behavioral Health is here for you. Connect with us by calling 703-592-4600 to make an appointment to see one of our caring providers today.

Here are some other important facts about men’s health to know:

• The overall mortality rate is 41 percent higher for men than women, and it’s higher for men for 8 out of 10 leading causes of death—including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.
• 31 percent of men suffer depression in their lifetime and 9 percent of men have daily feelings of depression or anxiety. But only 1/4 talk to a mental health professional, and only 1/3 take the medication they were prescribed. Pay attention to signs of depression and don’t be afraid to seek help.
• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. A man is 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother or son had it. Talk to your doctor about having your PSA and DRE levels checked.
• Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 30 million men of all ages across the United States. If you’re having problems, see a urologist and make sure it’s not an early warning sign for something more serious, like heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar. If there is no organic reason found, then see a psychotherapist for help.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Program, is home to a lifestyle change program because American Men on average have a higher incidence of Type 2 Diabetes than women, and nearly thirty-seven percent of men have prediabetes. 

General upkeep with a car, like keeping the gas tank full and air in the tires is a must. Did you know that certain healthy living tips could make an impact on male urologic health? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Drink Water. Just as cars need oil, your body needs water. Drinking six or more cups of water daily may prevent painful kidney stones.
• Get Exercise. Cars that sit idle may fail over time; this is also true of our bodies. A healthy heart can lead to a healthy urologic system, so try for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five or more days a week.
• Reduce and learn to manage Stress. You would not let your car engine rev all day, and so you should not do that with your body. Try to de-stress. Even relaxing for just 10 minutes a day can lower blood pressure, which may help improve erectile dysfunction.
• Eat Healthy. You would not put dirty fuel into a car, so consider what you put in your body. Caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can irritate your bladder, and red meat and high-fat diets can increase the risk of kidney stones and prostate cancer. Try for “high-octane” foods like fruits, vegetables and fiber.
• Do not smoke and if you do, stop. If an engine smokes, it’s bad news, the same is true for our bodies too. There are many urologic conditions impacted by smoking including bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction, infertility, kidney cancer, kidney stones, painful bladder syndrome and urine leakage.

What are the symptoms of mental disorders in men?

Men and women can develop most of the same mental disorders and conditions, but they may experience different symptoms. Some common symptoms include:

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
• Increased worry or feeling stressed
• Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both
• Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness
• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
• Engaging in high-risk activities
• Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause
• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
• Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
• Feeling lost and without direction

Mental disorders can be treated: A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist, who can help you figure out next steps.

How to Find a Counselor

Once you decide to get professional health for a personal struggle, whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, a mood disorder, an addiction, sexual or relationship issue, finding the right type of provider and service can be daunting. We can help because Inspire Behavioral Health is home to many caring professionals, and we are confident you will find the provider who specializes in addressing your particular issues. Please visit our website to read about our providers and their expertise. If you are in a rural area, you may have difficulty finding a mental health professional nearby, so remember that all of our clinicians are available to you virtually.