*Increase in mental health disorders in young adult men and how you can make a difference by openly communicating with them*
Author; Autumn Skwiot
November 17, 2019
According to a new study posted by the American Psychological Association, mood disorder and suicide-related outcomes have increased significantly over the last decade specifically among younger age groups, impacting young adult males and those who are wealthier, in particular. These results posted identify a cultural trend rising specifically within the last decade. Increased social media use was identified as a major cause to this rise in mental illness, depression and anxiety as well as increased recreational drug use.
Not only is it appropriate, it’s really important to have a resource, a range of professional and personal supports to address the mental health issues rising amongst young adult males in the college setting. Anywhere people choose to have the discussion, it needs be somewhere they feel secure and supported. Rather than thinking about the minor details such as where to talk about it, think about what they need to feel secure to have that conversation and let their needs control your choices. When it comes to helping people with mental health issues or concerns, you need to give them your full attention and consideration. Find a calming environment that you can work in and not be distracted. This may be harder to do, but it is key to having this conversation. An important matter is that they feel empowered, secure and supported when they express what’s going on in their minds to you.
Bringing up mental health concerns to men can feel devastating, especially if it is from a close friend or family member. Often this arises from the fear of the unknown or looking less masculine, these anxieties and fears can trigger men to stop communicating. Mental health issues can cause chaos, mistrust, fatigue and difficulty interacting with others. While this is how they feel on the inside as a consequence they’re also uncertain of how to tell someone, especially while they are being confronted about it.
Approaching them doesn’t have to be like a “Calling out” method, which puts them on the spot and uncomfortable. It can be a simple statement prompted from them. “I am feeling very uneasy bringing this up with you, I am not confident where to start. I do know i need help right now for the reason that I have been feeling depressed and I do not want to do this on my own any longer. Could you help me to get some support and backing on this situation?”
Broga University can help people find the assistance they need for a helping hand when stuck in difficult situations such as this. Please stay tuned for future blogs regarding information and discussion on helping people with mental illness.
References
Freberg, K. (2019). Social Media for Strategic Communication. Los Angeles: Sage.
Rosenburg, J. (2019, March 19). Mental Health Issues On the Rise Among Adolescents, Young Adults. Retrieved from AJMC: https://www.ajmc.com/focus-of-the-week/mental-health-issues-on-the-rise-among-adolescents-young-adults
Whitley, R. (2017, February 6). Men’s Mental Health: A Silent Crisis. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-men/201702/mens-mental-health-silent-crisis
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