BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — November is recognized by some organizations as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time focused on the emotional well-being of men.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths in the United States.
Stigma and seeking help
Mental health advocates say stigma and societal expectations can make it difficult for men to open up about their struggles or seek help.
“Mental health is still stigmatized as a whole. Especially for men,” said Britney Nicholas of Premiere Professional Counseling Services. “Studies show that one in five men will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. One in five is a big statistic. That’s a parent, that’s a sibling, a grandparent, that’s a co-worker, that’s a neighbor.”
A veteran’s perspective
Ulysses Chavez, a veteran, said he was taught growing up to suppress his feelings.
“I think a lot of things have changed lately that allows us to be able to kind of share what’s on our mind, whether it’s the family aspect or the work aspect,” Chavez said. “Everybody wants to, you know, be a good dad, a good husband, a good person in general. And when you’re able to talk things out, I think it does help.”
The message this month is simple: It’s okay to speak up, ask for help, and know you’re not alone.
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