THE HEALTH | DECEMBER , 2023

MINDTALK

BY DR ROZANIZAM ZAKARIA

Every year on Nov 19 , International Men ’ s Day honours men and their contributions to society . The day ’ s goal is to honour men ’ s accomplishments in politics , business , social work , and culture as well as their contributions to institutions , families , and society at large .

The idea of International Men ’ s Day has been discussed since the 1960s . Still , it was first conceptualised and observed in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh , a professor at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago . Prof Teelucksingh selected Nov 19 to observe International Men ’ s Day as it marked his father ’ s birth anniversary . Since then , it has been celebrated yearly ; currently , nearly 80 countries celebrate the day .

This year ’ s celebration is certainly special from a mental health perspective , as the theme “ Zero Male Suicide ” was chosen as the highlight . This has undoubtedly brought different perspectives to raise awareness of men ’ s well-being , in particular pertaining to mental health .

THE BLIND SPOT IN MEN ’ S MENTAL HEALTH

It is often known that men ’ s health is worse than that of women . Men tend to live shorter lives than women and die at higher rates in most illness categories and in groups older than 15 years old , according to an analysis of epidemiological data from Malaysia . Non-communicable diseases and injuries rank first among the leading causes of death for males in Malaysia . Men were responsible for most suicide fatalities and disability-adjusted life year ( DALYs ) from drug and alcohol abuse , even though their percentage of mental illness is far lower than that of women .

An essential but frequently disregarded component of men ’ s total well-being is their mental health . Rigid ideas of masculinity have historically been imposed by cultural expectations and prejudices , which can deter men from expressing their emotions or getting mental health care .

Because males are often expected to be stoic , tough and independent , it can be difficult for them to admit when they are vulnerable or to seek treatment for mental health issues .

Men may , therefore , adopt more unhealthy coping mechanisms to address their mental health issues rather than seeking help from a medical facility . This is among the reasons why we observe an increase in the number of males who use drugs , act aggressively or experience relationship problems to externalise their worries .

Nonetheless , the necessity to treat men ’ s mental health and dispel the stigma associated with it is becoming increasingly apparent . A variety of mental health conditions , such as depression , anxiety , stress , and substance misuse , can affect men .

The fact that men commit suicide at higher rates than women does not change the need for early intervention and support . The presentation of mental problems in women may vary slightly depending on the circumstances . However , most mental disorders share similar core traits regardless of gender .

A mix of biological , psychological , and social variables can lead to mental health problems in men . The impact of substance abuse , interpersonal problems , financial difficulties , stress at work , and physical health problems are a few of the frequent causes that

have been found .

In addition , men are susceptible to early trauma , abuse and bullying . Creating successful preventative and intervention plans requires an understanding of the complex nature of men ’ s mental health concerns . It draws attention to the necessity of having candid discussions , eradicating stigma , and fostering welcoming situations that enable men to ask for assistance when necessary .

STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MEN ’ S MENTAL HEALTH

Improving men ’ s mental health involves a combination of individual , community , and societal strategies . Here are some effective strategies to

Dr Rozanizam Zakaria is an Assistant Professor and Psychiatrist at the International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ). He is currently pursuing his subspecialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Perth Children ’ s Hospital , Western Australia . promote men ’ s mental well-being :

1 . Promote open communication by encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and create a supportive environment . We must foster an atmosphere where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking help without judgment .

2 . Challenge gender stereotypes that hold notions of masculinity that may discourage men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability . 3 . Educate the public on mental health by increasing people ’ s awareness about mental health issues , symptoms and available resources through educational programmes , workshops and campaigns .

4 . Create supportive communities by fostering supportive communities where men can connect with others , share experiences , and build social connections . This may be done via the existing social , recreational , or even sports clubs that may attract more men to participate .

5 . Workplace mental health programmes may also be a good source of help for men who are struggling with mental health issues . We need to implement more workplace initiatives that address mental health , such as Employee Assistance Programmes ( EAPs ), mental health days and stress reduction programmes . This includes effort to encourage a healthy work-life balance and provide resources for managing workplace stress . Promote physical activity such as regular physical activity whether it is sports , exercise or outdoor pursuits .

Encourage seeking professional help such as therapy and counselling by emphasising that seeking professional help is a sign of strength . To do so , we must ensure that mental health services are accessible and affordable , and provide information on available resources .

Address substance abuse issues among men , given that they are the most vulnerable group . We need to offer support for substance abuse issues , address underlying mental health concerns that may have contributed to addiction and provide resources for addiction recovery programmes and counselling services .

Improving men ’ s mental health requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves individuals , communities , workplaces and policymakers working together to create a culture that supports mental well-being for everyone . By addressing men ’ s mental health , individuals can lead healthier , more fulfilling lives , positively impacting their relationships , work , and overall quality of life . – The Health