Men’s Mental Health During the Holidays | Orlando Counselor

As the holidays and the cold weather quickly approaches, it has become increasingly more important than ever to be considerably mindful of those around us. The holidays can be a very exciting time for many but can understandably be emotionally difficult for others. While it is important to spread the holiday cheer, make it a goal to check up on your friends and family to let them know how much you appreciate them. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have collectively been many changes to our personal, social, and professional lives that have affected our mental health in some way. About “1 in 5 adults experience a mental health problem each year” and over “6 million men suffer from depression per year” while the unaccounted population remains undiagnosed (MHA, 2021). Despite strenuous efforts made to destigmatize and improve mental health resources, men’s efforts of seeking out help are still “noticeably absent [such as] the active development, promotion, dissemination, and rigorous evaluation of male-centered treatment styles” (Seidler, et al., 2017) in the mental health field. According to Men’s Mental Health Services, researchers and mental health professionals “argue that next-generation approaches must actively counteract unhelpful stereotypes, instead [of] promoting diverse and healthy masculinities” (Seidler, et al., 2017). 

According to Mental Health America, out of approximately 152 Million men, 6 million men are affected by depression per year, making depression the most prevalent mental health concern amongst men. To better understand men’s mental health, the first step is to know the signs and symptoms of depression as provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

1. Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
2. Feeling anxious, restless, or “on the edge”
3. Loss of interest in work, family, or once-pleasurable activities
4. Problems with sexual desire and performance
5. Feeling sad, “empty,” flat, or hopeless
6. Not being able to concentrate or remember details
7. Feeling very tired, not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
8. Overeating or not wanting to eat at all
9. Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
10. Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
11. Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family, or other important activities
12. Engaging in high-risk activities
13. A need for alcohol or drugs
14. Withdrawing from family and friends or becoming isolated
15. Not every man who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some men experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many.

In the pursuit of making mental health more accessible and accepted, specialists like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and other similar resources have released multiple lists of contacts to assist those confused about where to start and how to begin their journey toward healing and actualization. Here are a few of the many:

• 1in6 is a great resource for men and boys seeking support due to sexual abuse or assault. 1in6 offers online support groups, 24/7 chat, information/resources, and focuses on providing healthy ways to cope with trauma through webinars and training. 
• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: “BLHF has launched the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign to raise money for mental health services provided by licensed clinicians in its network. Individuals with life-changing stressors and anxiety related to the coronavirus will have the cost for up to five (5) individual sessions defrayed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are committed or exhausted”
• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists Provides lists of providers by state/location
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): “National hotline for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Provides connection to local sexual assault programs, safety planning, and self-care; online chat also available. Note: service provided only to adults. Website and HelpLine also offered in Spanish.”
• Domestic Shelters: “Provides information on domestic violence programs and shelters. Website offers a Finding a Local Shelter/resources function. Website also offered in Spanish.”

Additionally, there are great mental health resources that specifically provide support for the Black/African Community such as: 

• The Black Mental Health Alliance offers information and access to resources for finding effective ways to find/match with a therapist which allows the client to “connect with a culturally competent mental health professional” (NAMI, 2020). 

• Brother You’re on My Mind: “An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect African American men and families” 
• Association of Black Psychologists Directory: www.abpsi.org/find-psychologists/ 
• Mental Health Resources by State: www.ebony.com/life/black-mental-health-resources “List of Black-owned and focused mental health resources by State as compiled by Ebony magazine.”

It is important now, more than ever, to offer guidance and support to one another to overcome our challenges as we enter the holiday season. We can incorporate simple habits such as listening, offering advice, and even encouraging others to increase their physical activity and social interactions consistent with their comfort levels. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.

Edited by TLC Intern Maria Abreu.

References:

1. Men’s Mental Health Services: The Case for a Masculinities Model – Zac E. Seidler, Simon M. Rice, Jo River, John L. Oliffe, Haryana M. Dhillon, 2018 
   1.   Seidler, Z. E., Rice, S. M., River, J., Oliffe, J. L., & Dhillon, H. M. (2018). Men’s Mental Health Services: The Case for a Masculinities Model. The Journal of Men’s Studies, 26(1), 92–104. https://doi.org/10.1177/1060826517729406
      1. Despite strenuous efforts made to destigmatize and improve mental health resources, men’s efforts of seeking out help are still “noticeably absent [such as] the active development, promotion, dissemination, and rigorous evaluation of male-centered treatment styles” in the mental health field. 
      2. Researchers and mental health professionals “argue that next-generation approaches must actively counteract unhelpful stereotypes, instead promoting diverse and healthy masculinities” (Seidler, et al., 2017)
2. NAMI NATIONAL HELPLINE RESOURCE DIRECTORY 
   1. Important phone numbers resources:
      1. Abuse: 
         1. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 422-4453 / www.childhelp.org > Dedicated to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at risk children. Efforts focused on prevention, intervention, treatment, and community outreach. Website offers a “Find a Local Affiliate” locator that offers information on programs. Accepts Spanish-language calls.
         2. Child Protective Services (CPS): (800) 394-3366 / www.childwelfare.gov > Social services program that connects child welfare and related professionals to comprehensive resources to help protect children at risk of or experiencing neglect, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. See page on resources for reporting child abuse: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/Website offers resources in Spanish/Accepts Spanish-language calls.
      2. Domestic violence/Sexual Assault:
         1. National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 / www.thehotline.org 24/7 confidential resource hotline that provides emotional support, local resources, safety plans, etc. for those who are in a domestic violence situation or their loved ones; online chat also available. Note: Additionally, conducting an internet search for “Domestic Violence Hotline [insert location]” will produce contact information to Domestic Violence assistance/hotline resources specific to your area. Website and hotline also offered in Spanish.
         2. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): (800) 656-4673 / www.rainn.org National hotline for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Provides connection to local sexual assault programs, safety planning, and self-care; online chat also available. Note: service provided only to adults. Website and HelpLine also offered in Spanish.
         3. Victim Connect: (855) 484-2846 / www.victimconnect.org Confidential referrals for crime victims to learn about their rights and obtain resources- issues related to case management, mental health, housing needs, compensation, legal services, advocacy, and reporting; also phone and online chat lines that accept calls 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM EST. Resources on Website also offered in Spanish; accepts Spanish-language calls.
         4. Domestic Shelters: www.domesticshelters.org Provides information on domestic violence programs and shelters. Website offers a Finding a Local Shelter/resources function. Website also offered in Spanish.
         5. 1in6: www.1in6.org Support for men and boys experiencing sexual abuse or assault. Offers information, resources, 24/7 chat, online support groups, trauma-informed training and webinars.
      3. AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY NAMI Black/African American Page
         1. Black Mental Health Alliance: (410) 338-2642 / www.blackmentalhealth.com  Provides information and resources, and a “Find a Therapist” locator to connect with a culturally competent mental health professional.
         2. Brother You’re on My Mind: https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/byomm/  An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect African American men and families. Website offers an online toolkit that provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in African American men at: https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/edu-training/byomm/toolkit.html.
         3. Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/african-american  
         4. Association of Black Psychologists Directory: www.abpsi.org/find-psychologists/ 
         5. Mental Health Resources by State: www.ebony.com/life/black-mental-health-resources  List of Black-owned and focused mental health resources by State as compiled by Ebony magazine. 
         6. Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/  BLHF has launched the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign to raise money for mental health services provided by licensed clinicians in its network. Individuals with life-changing stressors and anxiety related to the coronavirus will have the cost for up to five (5) individual sessions defrayed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are committed or exhausted
3. Infographic: Mental Health for Men
   1. Out of 151,781,326 Million, 6 million men are affected by depression per year