Men’s mental health – gaining back control

A key step is for men to recognise some of the key barriers that may prevent them from seeking support for mental health concerns

Men’s mental health issues often go unrecognised, even by those experiencing them.

While awareness around men’s mental health continues to grow, there are still barriers that stand in the way of many men recognising when they are struggling and feeling empowered to seek the support they need.

Dr Tigue Tozer, Emergency Physician at The Prince Charles Hospital, said mental health issues can affect all generations of men, with a significant rise in younger males now experiencing concerns.

Statistics show that 42% of men have experienced a mental illness at some point with nearly 1 in 5 men having 12-month mental disorder in 2020–2022.

“Compared with women, men traditionally are far more likely to suffer in silence because they believe that showing emotion or admitting they need help will be perceived as unmasculine,” Dr Tozer said.

“Changing social pressures and expectations also play a role in how well people can cope with normal day-to-day stresses and pressure.

“I treat men from all age groups, including many young males who feel like they have no control or ability to navigate their own situation, where it becomes overwhelming and paralysing.

“This situation is the perfect storm for many males not getting the support they need to manage their mental health.”

Dr Tozer explains that a key step is for men to recognise some of the key barriers that may prevent them from seeking support:

• Social norms and cultural expectations pressure them to appear strong, stoic, and independent, with a call for help being perceived as unmasculine or weak.
• Early experiences and role models may teach men to cope with problems alone or use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol and drugs.
• Mentality that influences their willingness or capacity to deal with challenges.
• Limited understanding or awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues.

Signs and symptoms to look for

Dr Tozer explains it’s important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of poor mental health which may include behavioural, emotional and physical changes.

Behavioural

• Using drugs or alcohol to numb pain, cope with stress or low mood
• Taking more risks without clear rewards
• Physical or verbal abuse toward loved ones
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities previously enjoyed.
• Picking fights with others.

Emotional

• Anger without a clear cause
• Irritability throughout daily life
• Aggressive behaviour
• Rapid mood swings
• Constant stress, worrying or anxiety
• Feeling hopeless, persistently sad or depressed
• Suicide ideation.

Physical

• Low energy levels, waking up is hard
• Loss of appetite
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Trouble concentrating
• Unexplained pain or bodily dysfunctions, like digestion issues.

“No two men are the same, so symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s situation and emotional state,” Dr Tozer said.

“Regardless of age, it’s important that men realise that mental health is no more a sign of weakness than going to the emergency department for chest pain – it’s an essential part of being healthy.

“Men have more control over their situation than what they sometimes think. It’s about recognising you can do something about your mental health by being honest and kinder to yourself, and taking it one step at time.”

What can men do?

Dr Tozer says that building the courage to seek help is often the hardest step as many men feel disempowered or simply don’t know where to start.

“I advise men that taking small basic steps to start addressing their concerns is vital in gaining back some control of their situation and improving their mental health,” he said.

Dr Tozer recommends some basic steps:

• Visit your GP
  – get a health check – as men get older, they tend to ignore their physical symptoms
  – be honest about your symptoms – all of them
• Be open to talking to others about your situation – share the load. This includes friends, family or qualified health professionals such as a psychologist.
• Understand that mental health concerns are something most men will experience in their life – you are not alone
• Don’t be so self-critical – more than likely, you are being harder on yourself than others
• Take 10 minutes each day to take care of yourself
• Write down tomorrow’s daily tasks to give you direction and purpose
• Celebrate small wins – remember, you have to walk before you crawl
• Understand that failure is part of life – don’t let it dishearten you and try and learn the lesson.

Dr Tozer says that the world is becoming increasingly challenging and important to remember that many people are experiencing similar pressures and problems.

“There is always a path forward, it’s about having the knowledge and confidence to take the first step and seek help,” he said.

A range of support services are available including:
Beyond Blue – Phone 1300 22 4636
Lifeline – Phone 13 11 14 or text 0417 13 11 14
MensLine Australia – Phone 1300 78 99 78