DEPRESSION-FOCUSING ON MEN

By Ellen E. Grant, PhD, LCSW

Though the stigma about talking about, receiving help for mental health of any kind is still with us, one in five people suffer from a mental illness.

Ellen E. Grant, PhD, LCSW

Just in case, here’s a basic definition of MENTAL HEALTH. The Center for Disease Control states-“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.”

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more men than women die by suicide.

The Health & Human Services department states that in 2021, White men live 76.4 years. Black men live 70.8yrs-almost a six-year difference. Further, The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more men than women die by suicide.

Though all people regardless of sex, age, color may suffer from any form of mental health, for this article, I will focus on MEN AND DEPRESSION. I am also emphasizing the need for Men to be aware of their own mental health needs so they can do their best to be a guiding light for our boys-too many who are at risk and are in fact experiencing depression younger ages and at higher rates.

Famous people, our family members, people in our community can suffer from any form of mental illness-especially depression, the topic for this article. Stephen A. Smith, host of his podcast and a sports commentator has teamed up with the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council to get more Men interested, educated about taking care of their mind. It is called the “Love Your Mind” campaign began in 2023 developed to “reach people in the U.S. who experience mental health challenges while also holding attitudes and beliefs that may discourage them from seeking help.” Though Mr. Smith is no doubt a sports ICON, his campaign has documented “over 222 (thousand) visits to LOVEYOURMINDTODAY.org for “free mental health resources.” (All people may find useful resources here).

Why are Black men in particular “fearful” of seeking mental health services? Perhaps a lack of trust in the system dating back to the Tuskegee syphilis study-1932-1972. Black men were tricked into believing they were being treated for syphilis when in fact they weren’t treated and died from the disease. Some men may fear they will be “experimented on” and so won’t seek treatment.  Perhaps some men grew up with the theme “Black men are strong, don’t cry, show their emotions when in pain”. If they finally do seek treatment, they go to the Emergency room if medication is prescribed, some may be reluctant to take it due to suspicions. Some men may not have the money to pay for the medication due to a lack of health insurance. Another issue regarding getting mental health care may be transportation. Perhaps you don’t have a car, can’t afford Uber and or related transportation to get to the services- If in fact there are services in your community.

A great article I read by Patrice Douglas called “Our Brother’s Keeper:6 Signs of Depression in Black Men”. In this article she highlighted some of the signs of Depression in Men. These can include:

Increase  in physical pain of any kind and related to illness such as Sickle Cell Anemia, cancer, leukemia, HIV other illness and having difficulty dealing with it

 anger as depression can slow down one’s ability to process information received

Substance abuse alcohol, drugs

Sexual dysfunction

Thoughts of self-harm( suicide)

I would also include the concerns re financial instability; discrimination, micro-aggressions. Also, being exposed to violence within your own family, neighborhood can have long term negative effects on your emotions.

Some self-care tips I recommend is to first take care of you by getting the help you need. Recall I mentioned 988 to seek resources for care. Some other websites for assistance by GOOGLING  are:

LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color Directory

Psychology Today Directory of African American Therapists

Mental Health America lists a book-“Healing Racial Stress Workbook for Black Teens”

Physical activity of any kind -gym, running, walking enhances positive hormones

Mind involved games-crosswords,etc.

The African American Cultural Center may offer “drumming lessons”

Gratitude Journaling. I suggest again writing three things you’re grateful for

Music-listening to, singing

Socializing with friends and or family. Isolation further increases depression and anxiety.

My Societal Recommendations  include:

Increasing the number of therapists of color. Though there’s research that indicates that the empathy a therapist has regardless of color is the most important factor, many clients choose to have a therapist of their own ethnicity.

Our Justice System must ensure more attention to equal care regardless of color and or ethnicity. In many jail systems in the US, there is a lack of mental health professionals to treat those with a mental illness who have created a crime. Thus, an increase of these professionals is necessary.

Increasing the number of mental health professionals in our educational systems to identify and treat those children in need.

Provide the necessary family supports to children identified in schools.  These services are called “wrap around services.” The family is assessed and then given direct and in-direct supports to strengthen the entire family. For example, if the Father is without a job, assistance is given for a referral to accomplish this. If the Mother hasn’t finished high school, a referral is given for this. If a child needs a psychological evaluation for autism, the appropriate psychological referral is made.

A healthy community is as strong as the people in it. I’ll close with a quote from a sister social worker/therapist for further support of my statement.

“When we take care of our mental health, we are also doing an act of service to our community and family unit. Healing allows us to break cycles of dysfunction within our families since unhealed trauma and other untreated mental health issues can have intergenerational effects and disrupt the family unit. Intergenerational trauma can look like a range of things, such as coming from a family of alcohol and substance misuse or from a lineage of family members who are emotionally undeveloped and immature. When we heal ourselves, we are healing for the next generation and creating new scripts and traditions that uphold positive experiences over oppressive and dysfunctional ones.” —Minaa B., LMSW