June is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Silence

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, also known as Men’s Health Month, which became official in 1994. The idea, brought to the forefront by then Senator Bob Dole, was to focus on men’s health, and on the early detection and treatment of health conditions. Today that has expanded to mental as well as physical health. And rightly so. According to afsp.org, in the U.S. “in 2022, men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women.” (https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/)

We can do better as a global community. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often goes overlooked or ignored. It’s past time to break the silence and raise awareness about mental health issues. And to be clear, this is not to take away from Pride month.

There is plenty of room at the table for both Pride and men’s health, especially considering that they often go hand-in-hand. According to a 2021 article published by the American Psychological Association, “Gay and bisexual men who move from a country with high stigma toward LGBTQ people to one more accepting of LGBTQ rights experience a significantly lower risk of suicide and depression…”(https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/11/gay-men-lower-suicide)

Mental health disorders are common, affecting millions of people worldwide. They can range from mild to severe and include conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

The stigma surrounding mental health can make it difficult for people to seek help. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed, or they may fear being judged or discriminated against. This stigma can lead to isolation and loneliness, making mental health problems worse.

It’s important to remember that mental health disorders are not signs of weakness or personal failure. They are treatable conditions, and with the right support, people can live full and productive lives.

We need to create a more open and supportive environment where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health. We need to educate ourselves and others about mental health issues and challenge the stigma surrounding them.

If you think you may be struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you identify the root of your problems and develop coping mechanisms.

Together, we can break the silence and raise awareness about mental health. Let’s create a world where everyone feels supported and empowered to take care of their mental well-being.

Below is a link to a wonderful article about this topic:

https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/importance-mens-health-month