Men’s Health Month is a time to discuss mental health

In the United States, men account for 80% of suicide deaths and die by overdoses two to three times greater than women, according to the National Institutes of Health. While mental illness and substance use affect all genders, men are less likely to seek mental health services for a variety of reasons.

One factor leading to the disparity between men and women is societal norms that amplify the misconception that men experiencing mental health illness are considered weak, broken, and inadequate.

We can work collectively to erase the stigma associated with seeking professional help by encouraging men to speak openly about where they are struggling and reinforcing that entering treatment takes strength and courage.

“When we can’t find the words to express how we feel, our emotions often manifest in ways that are harmful to our health and our overall wellbeing,” said Dr. Raymond Garcia, Vice President of Medical Services at Rosecrance. “We can help men find those words by encouraging them to talk about what they’re experiencing and by reinforcing the idea that taking care of their mental health is anything but weak – it is a strength.”

As a leader in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, Rosecrance offers individualized treatment across a full continuum of care.