Why are men with mental disorders more difficult to get treatment?

Mental problems (psychiatric disorders), such as depression or anxiety disorders can happen to anyone, be it a man or a woman. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), men with mental disorders are known to be less likely to get treatment than women. What's the reason, huh?

Why is it more difficult for men to get treatment for mental disorders?

One of the male figures who are known to have mental problems is Zayn Malik. The former One Direction vocal group member has indeed been known to have mental problems in the form of anxiety disorders.

Based on a 2017 report from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men with mental disorders were 3.54% more prone to suicide than women. Likewise with alcohol and drug abuse.

Upon further investigation, both suicide, drug and alcohol abuse occurred due to depression and other mental disorders. They are known not to have received treatment to cure the condition well.

Dr. Raymond Hobbs, psychologist at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, explains to Health Line, the reason why men find it more difficult to get treatment for mental disorders. "I think most men don't want to admit their condition because depression is seen as a sign of weakness."

This is also in line with what Zayn Malik expressed in an interview with the BBC, "Anxiety is something that one does not want to show, like weakness."

Without your realizing it, the stigma of "depression is a weakness" in men has been widespread in society. Not to mention, the image inherent in men, namely tough and strong.

All of these things bring pressure, which makes a man even more heavy-hearted, embarrassed, and guilty about admitting his condition and asking a doctor for mental illness treatment.

What to do if friends / family experience this condition

Many men mistakenly think that they have to be tough and tough to solve all their problems on their own. If they ask for help, it means they are pointing out their weaknesses.

This mistake turned out to be able to cause them to deny that there was a problem at hand. For example, already feeling signs and symptoms of depression, but trying to cover up and even deny having the condition.

This reason is also what ultimately makes most men with mental disorders not undergoing the treatment they should be and lead to suicide.

The only way to overcome it is to help men with this condition, which is to remove the stigma and correct any mistakes that have occurred.

Then, you as friends and family encourage them to keep trying to find information about mental disorders and their treatment.

Also give them an understanding of the bad possibilities that can occur if the condition is not treated. For example, suicide, substance abuse that can lead to heart disease, cirrhosis, and other life-threatening diseases.

That way, men with mental disorders will find it easier to open up and accept doctor's care. So the first step you need to take is to discuss this matter heart to heart with the patient and encourage him or her to seek appropriate treatment, without judgment.

When to ask a doctor for help?

Any disease will certainly be easier to treat if it is treated more quickly, including mental disorders. If you see someone closest to having trouble or maybe even yourself, do not hesitate to immediately see a doctor.

Watch for the following signs and symptoms of mental problems as a warning to immediately see a doctor, such as:

• Mood (mood)change easily, especially feelings of sadness, disappointment, guilt, and helplessness
• Cannot work properly because it is unfocused and tired easily
• Feeling disinterested in things you used to like
• No appetite so you lose weight
• Feel the symptoms of insomnia, headaches, and digestive problems more frequently

Don't ever hesitate to ask for help if you think you have a mental breakdown just because the male stigma has to be strong. Expressing what you feel can help you recover from this problem more quickly.

“I feel really relieved. "Anyone who feels that when he has something wrong with (mental disorders), you should talk about this condition," said Zayn Malik in an interview in US Weekly.

Hopefully that can motivate you, men, to share your anxiety with those closest to you so that your mental disorder can immediately get the right treatment.

Photo source: Pixabay.