Mental & Behavioural Health

Most people think of health in terms of physical strength or the absence of illness. Little attention is spent on emotional and mental health, especially among men. This may be due to the stigma attached to mental illness. Mental illness is like any other illness, if it goes untreated, it may get worse. Even if you’re embarrassed to speak to someone about the way you are feeling or the things you are thinking, you must - you owe it to yourself. A healthy man considers his physical, emotional and mental health.

Among the adolescent age group, mental issues such as Attention Deficit Disorder and other learning disorders, high-risk experimentation of many varieties, and the development of body image disorders related to physique, acne, penis size, and more can sow the seeds of current and later anxiety, depression and social isolation, as well as video game addiction and more. The development of a young man’s sexuality may also cause him great distress. The pressure to conform is immense and can have a profound impact on the development of a young man’s mental health.

As adolescence emerges into young adulthood, the degree of risk-taking—including physical, sexual, and/or substance abuse—often increases. Concerns about suicide and emerging psychosis are greatest in this age group.

Adult males continue to suffer from many of the above challenges. In addition, they may be dealing with significant stress in their relationships with spouses, children, parents, employers, bankers, etc. Single adult males have different—but just as daunting—challenges to face.

Middle aged males may carry the burdens of relationship issues, including waning sexual performance, their partner’s waning sexual desire, kids with problems of one kind or another, financial and job issues, aging and perhaps ailing parents, and so forth.

Alcoholism, workoholism, sportsaholism (both participation sports and spectator sports), infidelity, separation and divorce, and threatened or actual job loss are some of the possible psychological challenges.

After age 60, we see another spike in the incidence of depression and suicide. Major or minor physical health matters can, bring up questions of mortality, including “What do I really want to do with the rest of my life?”, particularly when retirement approaches or arrives. Biological contributors to these mental health issues can include hypogonadism, thyroid imbalance, heart disease, chronic pain, emerging dementia, and just about every other condition you can name.

After 80, these same challenges may continue or arise. Osteoporosis may lead to falls and hip fractures. Around 90, many people, both male and female, simply lose the desire to live any longer. As mental and physical capabilities wane they may become socially isolated, depressed, and possibly abandoned (or abused) by adult children with problems of their own.

Steps to Improving Mental Health

At any age, find yourself (or your son) a doctor who will listen to your concerns and offer help. Approaches may include psychiatric referral, anti-depressant medication if indicated, referral to a therapist, a counsellor, an educational and support program for ADHD, substance abuse, marital discord, home care, or whatever the situation calls for.
Spend some time examining your life, not just fretting about it. Act accordingly. Don’t expect instant results. Content yourself with knowing that you are generally moving in the right direction (even if it feels like two steps forward and one step back). Small productive changes in your life can bring big improvements to your mood and your life circumstances.
Read about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Get a workbook and start doing the exercises. Talk openly to your friends and families. Start telling the secrets.