Men & Mental Health: The Conversation Matters

Conversations about if we are okay or not are important. As mental health statistics and suicide rates increase, it is more important now than ever to ask ourselves and our loved ones.

Globally, every minute, a man dies by suicide. In Canada, men make up 75% of suicide victims. With November ending it is important to reiterate that these mental health conversations need to continue even as the media begins to focus on other things. In order to talk about mental health, you have to be able to self-reflect and monitor for the warning signs not only of yourself but of family members or loved ones as well.

The National Institute of Mental Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that men are more likely to die by suicide than women and men with mental illness are less likely to seek treatment than women. Some signs and symptoms to look out for as red flags can be:

• Anger, irritability or aggressiveness
• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
• Increased worry or feeling stressed
• Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
• Sadness or hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty feeling positive emotions
• Aches, headaches, digestive problems without a clear cause
• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviour

It's important to keep in mind that everyone has mental health but not everyone has mental illness. However, everyone can suffer with struggling mental health. By keeping the lines of communication open, the stigma of mental health lowers and people become more comfortable discussing their minds and moods. 

Some phone numbers you can have on hand for local Edmonton are:

• Mental Health Help Line - a 24-hour anonymous phone line for mental health concerns: 1-877-303-2642
• CMHA 24 Hour Distress Line: a short-term crisis intervention, emotional support and resource to people in distress. Also a supportive phone line for family, friends and caregivers. 
• Alberta 811 - just as easy to remember as 9-1-1, Alberta Health Link phone line is easily accessible by dialing 8-1-1 and automatically being connected to a certified Registered Nurse.

Remember the importance to:
TALK.
ASK.
LISTEN.
ENCOURAGE ACTION.
CHECK IN.

Resources:
https://ca.movember.com
https://www.nimh.nih.gov
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth