The War On Men’s Mental Health
By Nathan Soden
Men’s mental health is something that is overlooked in society. Millions of men are fighting mental health issues and not enough people have the awareness to help with their struggles. People assume men do not have mental health issues, because the stereotype in society is that men are supposed to be mentally tough. Many men in today’s society are fighting depression, but that is not the only mental health issue that men are struggling with. Many men are struggling with alcohol dependency, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse, which are only a few of the issues. However, more awareness for men’s mental health has started to arise in the past few years, because more people are starting to realize how severe this issue is. According to an article by GiShawn Mance of Howard University, “There is a growing acknowledgment of mental health as an aspect of overall health.” For example, artists like Logic are releasing music that raises awareness, like his song “1–800–273–8255,” titled after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number. Around 6 million men struggle with some sort of depression each year. According to “Men’s Mental Health”: “40% of men won’t talk about their mental health issues.” Is this caused by a stereotype in society? Men’s mental health issues will sadly always be a problem, but hopefully, more people realize the true mental struggles that millions of men are facing and try to help people they know. Furthermore, society is at blame for holding to the stereotype that men do not struggle with mental health, which diminishes awareness around their challenges.
Men are struggling with multiple mental health issues, primarily depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Male depression often goes undiagnosed. According to the infographic “Mental Health for Men”: “Over 6 million men suffer from depression each year” (Sec 1.2). Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has openly come out and talked about his battle with depression. The way he got past his depression was by realizing that he was not alone and that people are there to help. Even celebrities, who you might think have perfect lives, can have mental health struggles. Everyone is vulnerable, and it is okay to have problems. People are always willing to help. Anxiety is one of the largest mental health issues for men and according to the infographic, “3,020,000 men have a panic disorder, agoraphobia, or any other phobia” (Sec 1.2). Bipolar disorder is when someone experiences extreme mood swings and based on the infographic, “The age for onset in men is between 16 to 25 years old” (Sec 1.2). Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder where people who are affected interpret reality abnormally. In the infographic it states, “Ninety percent of people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia by age 30 are men” (Sec 1.2). Eating disorders are serious, and if not treated, can lead to severe injuries or even death. For eating disorders, the infographic states “Men are less likely to seek professional help than women” (Sec 1.2). Statistically, men feel more embarrassed to seek help than women due to the stereotypes that society has of men. It is important for people to be informed on this issue, so that they can help.
Knowing the signs of someone struggling can save a life. Signs include loss of interest in everyday life, suicidal thoughts, and inability to meet the responsibilities of important activities. A person who is facing these struggles needs to take medication or go to therapy. Waiting to help someone could be too late and could result in that person taking their life. If you see someone going through a crisis get help quickly and call an emergency service.
Doctors are still trying to discover the true causes of mental health issues. According to “Mental Health Issues Among Men”: “Genes, Hormones, and Stress” are the three main causes of depression. Men with a family history of depression are more likely to develop depression in their lifetime. Hormones in men that control moods and emotions can affect brain chemistry. Any stressful situation that a man goes through can trigger depression in some men.
Music has been scientifically proven to help many aspects of the brain. It is the science of ordering tones or sounds in combination to produce a composition. I believe that music can be a cure for men struggling with mental health issues. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, “Music acts as a medium for processing emotions, trauma, and grief — but music can also be utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety” (Sec 1.2). More research needs to be done to figure out how music can help more people with mental health, because music has such a powerful effect on the brain.
Music can also raise awareness for mental health issues. In the past few years, many music artists have come out with songs to raise awareness for mental health and how people can be helped if they are facing issues. In Logic’s song “1–800–273–8255” mentioned previously, he sings about how people who are struggling are not alone and that there is always help. Logic’s powerful message has reached millions of people and has more than 1 billion streams on Spotify alone. Music brings people together during any situation whether good or bad.
“1–800–273–8255” by Logic ft. Alessia Cara, Khalid (2017)
“1–800–273–8255” raises awareness for people struggling with mental health. At first, the song is about someone not wanting to be alive, wanting to take their own life. In the middle of the music video, there comes a time when the kid almost kills himself, but then he realizes he needs to receive help. He goes to find help from others and then the video shows him living a happy life. The purpose of the music video is to show people who are struggling that they will always have people that are willing to help.
“Recovery” by James Arthur (2013)
The song “Recovery” was created to tell people that are struggling with mental health to keep pushing forward and that there is more to life after the struggles. In the music video, it starts off as Arthur not wanting to feel the pains in his life and not wanting to “play this game” anymore. Even through all of his struggle, he sings “I designed my recovery!” meaning that he got the help that he needed and is now living the happier life that he’s always wanted. James Arthur’s purpose for the song is to encourage people to keep searching for the positive things in life and to reach out for help when you are struggling.
Men’s mental health is an issue that is continuing to grow in the number of people impacted by it. More awareness is needed around this subject. Logic and James Arthur are two artists who are trying to raise awareness in the music industry, and they are hoping their message can save people’s lives. Logic’s “1–800–273–8255” music video has surpassed over 436 million views, and James Arthur’s “Recovery” video has over 76-million views. Music can reach many audiences and allow people to connect with each other. Music is one of the best ways to raise awareness for topics, and I hope to see more prominent figures in the industry create music to raise awareness for men’s mental health. It can bring people together and let them know that they are not alone.
Personally, I believe that men’s mental health is a huge problem in the world and more awareness is needed around this issue. There are too many people struggling each and every day. Rates for suicide, depression, anxiety, and mental disorders are on the rise every year, and they are not slowing down. The pandemic and the crashing economy have caused increased stress on men to maintain their careers, families, and their mental health. The result is a rise in diagnoses. What are some ways for people to help in the fight for men’s mental health? You can research what is needed to support someone who is struggling, understand the signs and symptoms, and be nice to everyone! I believe that music can lead the way in ending men’s mental health challenges, because of the effect that it has on humans. More leaders in the music industry need to step up and take part in raising awareness. Music brings people together and allows others to relate to each other. Someone that you personally know might be struggling with mental issues, so always make sure to check on the people around you. If you are struggling, do not be afraid to get help. No matter how lonely you feel, people out there are willing to help. You are not alone!
END THE WAR ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH.
- Baker, Peter. “Men’s Health.” Tackling Causes and Consequences of Health Inequalities: A Practical Guide, edited by James Matheson, et al., CRC Press, 2020, pp. 215–223. Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX8241600039/GVRL?u=mcc_chandler&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=242ee80c. Accessed 3 Oct. 2022.
- Group, Priory. “40% Of Men Won’t Talk to Anyone about Their Mental Health.” Priory, https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/40-of-men-wont-talk-to-anyone-about-their-mental-health
- “The Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health.” National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2016/The-Impact-of-Music-Therapy-on-Mental-Health
- Infographic. “5 minute guide to Men’s Mental Health.” Mental Health America. Accessed October 2, 2022, from https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men
- “James Arthur — Recovery.” YouTube, 19 Dec. 2013, https://youtu.be/m9DO3zpdWqw
- “Logic — 1–800–273–8255 Ft. Alessia Cara, Khalid (Official Video).” YouTube, 17 Aug. 2017, https://youtu.be/Kb24RrHIbFk
- Mance, GiShawn. “The Growth of Mental Health Awareness.” Howard Magazine, https://magazine.howard.edu/stories/the-growth-of-mental-health-awareness
- “Mental Health Issues among Men.” Mental Health Disorders Sourcebook, edited by Karen Bellenir, 5th ed., Omnigraphics, 2012, pp. 443–450. Health Reference Series. Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX2048500044/GVRL? u=mcc_chandler&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=2456b965. Accessed 3 Oct. 2022.
- “Men and Mental Health.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
