Various stigmas Men face
This month Centering Wholeness Counseling would like to shed light on men’s mental health and the factors that influence it.
There is a higher prevalence of women with mental health issues than men with mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, males die by suicide at twice the rate of females.
The stigma men experience can cause them to avoid receiving the adequate help they need. This stigma causes men to not reach out to professionals or their loved ones. Various stigmas can affect a man's mental health, social stigma, self-stigma, and cultural stigma.
Social stigma refers to negative stereotypes or attitudes addressed at a person or group with a mental illness. A negative attitude is attached to an individual suffering from mental health illnesses. This negative attitude or stereotype can feed on the idea that “men don’t cry”, meaning that men shouldn’t let mental health affect them because they will be perceived as weak.
Self-stigma refers to how individuals impose stigmatization internally. A male tolerating self-stigma will internally develop negative beliefs about their mental health problems which lead to judgment and humiliation. Self-stigma present in men can ultimately hold them back from seeking help from a therapist, psychologist, and their loved ones.
Cultural stigma refers to one’s cultural perspective on mental health issues. Culture encompasses social behavior, ideals, and norms that can affect the perception of mental health and how detrimental it can be. Mentioning the Black community and mental health, they are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression but are not always able to receive help.
Earlier this month we invited Luis Resendez Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from @vidaemotional to join the conversations about men’s needs.
Luis brought a great perspective on Emotional and psychological safe spaces for black and brown men. If you missed the Instagram live, you can rewatch it here.
We have put together a few resources for Men to reach out to be encouraged and supported:
Mental Health resources for men to reach out to:
NYC Men’s Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 888-NYC-WELL {888-692-9355}
Ohio Suicide Hotline: 614-221-5445
B-Heard: Mayor Adam’s on site/on call mental health specialist Go to website
Community Center for Alternatives Programs Go to website
Safe Horizon Go to website
Mental Health Support Groups Go to website
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