How is men's mental health affected in a first world country? by Guillermo Villanueva Chavez

wanting to hold their masculine title

1006501 — 2023-11-27 21:59:17 UTC

"The most common interpretation for men’s low rates of service utilization surrounds masculine gender socialization.⁶⁶ It is hypothesized that men are socialized to be stoic, stubborn, and self-reliant in the face of adversity. As such, seeking professional help for mental health issues may contradict these deeply held notions of masculinity that make up a core part of many men’s identities.⁶⁷,⁶⁸ As such, many men make the decision not to use mental health services, as this could be perceived (by themselves and others) as “unmanly” and a sign of weakness" (Affleck, Carmichael, and Whitley).

Not wanting to show weakness

1006501 — 2023-11-29 20:37:26 UTC

"Likewise, men are much more likely to develop SUD than women" (Affleck, Carmichael, and Whitley). "Trauma is an important risk factor for the development of an SUD in both men and women, though the impact appears to be more significant in men. People who experience adverse childhood experiences—abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences before age 18—are at increased odds of developing an SUD, though the relationship between SUDs and previous physical or sexual abuse, and parental separation or divorce, is stronger in men" (Connolly). "Men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol and less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health" (Men and Mental Health).

Divorce and unemployment are the biggest factors

1006501 — 2023-11-29 20:52:23 UTC

"experiencing divorce and being made unemployed are two major risk factors for mental health problems in men. Many men find themselves ill-equipped to adapt to a new reality following these transitions"..." Like employment loss, loss of custody can leave many men feeling bereft of purpose and meaning in life"...." divorce tends to affect men worse than women" (Affleck, Carmichael, and Whitley). With men having to take all these hits they run to something that makes them feel better yet that is when the cycle begin.

Men can be the as strong as they want to nevertheless they should talk about what is damaging them mentally

1006501 — 2023-11-29 21:01:13 UTC

"Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up" (Men and Mental Health).