Suicide and Mental Health Issues in Men - By Miguel Giral

For decades, there have been stereotypes and stigmas when it comes to one's mental health and the differences in how it affects men and women. How one goes about getting help has typically been very different across genders, but men of varying ages and backgrounds are a lot less likely to seek help when it comes to all sorts of issues they may be facing. Whether it is stress at work, relationship struggles, or undiagnosed clinical mental issues, studies have shown that men will seek drugs, alcohol, or other vices to suppress their emotions and avoid being vulnerable. [Men and mental health]

The lack of help that men receive has directly translated into men committing suicide at rates significantly higher than women. In Europe, men are roughly 20 times more likely to commit suicide than their female counterparts, and in the US, men are almost 4 times more likely to die by suicide. So despite being 49% of the population, men in the US are responsible for 80% of suicides. [Suicide Data and Statistics]

Even though this is not a problem that can be solved overnight, there are ways to try and go about making mental health awareness a topic that is easily discussed. The whole idea that "boys don't cry" or that one should "man up" is not only an immature way to look at things, but it may be very negative and harmful in the long run. Gender roles and norms don't hold the weight that they used to, which can hopefully lead young men and women to bring about change in the way we try to tackle mental health.

Simply taking the time to genuinely ask your friends how they are doing and being willing to listen and share can make a difference. As fun and distracting as my friends can be, I can remember distinct moments when we shared stories about tough times and addressed problems and concerns that we have. It is also key to acknowledge that it doesn't take a traumatic or life-altering experience for one to need therapy, counseling, or to feel heard. Sometimes everyday anxiety, overthinking the future, or just needing to get something off your chest is worthy of seeking help and talking to someone about it.

Conversations amongst men where they can be vulnerable with one another yet maintain the same respect levels for one another are necessary. Too many men are falling victim to their own thought processes and fears of social scrutiny to not have this problem addressed. Only 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men and 45.4% of Non-Hispanic White men between the ages of 18 and 44 say they've used mental health services before. Considering how many men die every year at the hands of suicide, the percentage of those men who have been to counseling needs to increase. [Black men's mental health matters]

UFC fighter and mixed-martial artist Patrick "Paddy" Pimblett said it best after winning a fight of his when he found out one of his best friends had committed suicide days before, "Please speak to someone, speak to anyone… I know I would rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week." [Paddy Pimblett Post Match Interview]

Miguel Giral is a senior majoring in Exercise Physiology. He is an aspiring Physical Therapist that is currently president of Hofstra's club soccer team, a sports performance coach for Professional PT, and an aide at Northwell's STARS Rehabilitation.