Men’s Mental Health

By Dan Guarino

On Friday, March 7, St. John’s Hospital/Episcopal Health Service (EHS) held an “Empowering Men’s Minds” panel discussion at Rockaway’s Queens Community Justice Center. For two hours, the eight-person panel, led by EHS Vice President of Behavioral Health Tanya Barros LMHC, interacted with the sizeable crowd, who one attendee remarked was double that of their first such event months earlier.

The session was a lively one, as both professionals and the public wrestled with answers to important questions affecting the Rockaway peninsula and the world at large. That is, what issues, struggles and barriers are men in particular dealing with when it comes to their mental health. It is an often difficult topic for many men to face.

“When we refer to ‘mental health issues/problems,’ we are describing conditions that can affect how individuals think, feel and behave,” Barros says, “…we are talking about an individual’s overall well-being.”

The intensity of the issues, she notes, can range from mild to moderate to severe, depending on how significantly a person’s day-to-day life is impacted. “Mental health issues cover a broad spectrum, including common conditions such as depression and anxiety.” But help, such as therapy “can also benefit those dealing with interpersonal relationship issues, life transitions, or stress management,” Barros says.

As far as the peninsula goes, panel member Dr. Andrew Riggert, EHS Psychiatry Resident, says, “Substance abuse disorders are also prevalent. In the Rockaways, some of the most common issues we see have to do with significant socioeconomic stressors, generational trauma,” and significantly “a reluctance to engage in emotional self-care practices.”

Part of that reluctance is generational, as different groups of men hold varying views, attitudes and assumptions about mental health and help. The EHS panel states though that, in general, younger generations are “more likely to seek therapy due to the growing normalization and destigmatization of mental health care. This cultural shift has made accessing support more acceptable, and in many cases, even encouraged.”

However, men in particular still face any number of societal pressures, stereotypes, and expectations every day. “Men are supposed to be tough,” Dr. Riggert notes, “and being tough means not being emotional. In reality, emotions are normal, healthy, and essential parts of being human. Men also face the expectation of being seen as the rock of the family or breadwinner, which can add to their mental and emotional burden.”

Unfortunately, EHS Employee Michael Robinson LMSW adds, there does remain a stigma around men seeking mental health support, particularly in underserved communities. Generational mistrust in the healthcare system and discomfort with accessing resources and services may further discourage men from getting the help they need. But, he says, “it is important to remember that seeking support is a strength not a weakness.”

Along with shifts in expectations, attitudes, roles, finances and society, the early 2000s have brought other changes. For one, says Dr. Riggert, technology has had both beneficial and detrimental effects in modern times. “On a positive side, it has increased awareness and access to care, such as through telehealth services. However, it has also introduced new stressors,” Dr. Riggert says. “Social media, for example, can create unrealistic expectations around body image, success, and life milestones.” And it has made bullying inescapable, extending beyond school or work into online spaces.

And, says EHS Dr. David Statman, while online conversations about mental health have helped normalize and educate, “they can also spread misinformation about diagnosis and treatment. This is why it is crucial to speak with a health professional, such as your primary care physician or a therapist regarding your care and concerns.”

What are some of the signs and symptoms men should look out for? Dr. Statman says “Changes in behavior can be a sign that things are not okay. These include irritability, anger, outbursts, or sudden changes in sleeping and eating patterns. Men may also exhibit isolation, social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enjoyment in activities they once enjoyed.” Most concerning, he says, “are any signs of suicidality, such as expressing thoughts of dying or engaging in risky or impulsive behavior.”

Although men might seek to be alone when dealing with issues, though it may feel difficult, this is the best time for them to reach out for help, whether it’s through counseling, in-person or online support groups, speaking with spiritual leaders, trusted friends, or even now calling 988, the new suicide and crisis helpline. The service’s website notes, “we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.”

Additionally, Dr. Statman states, “When mental health struggles significantly impact day-to-day functioning to include suicidal thoughts or dangerous behaviors, immediate evaluation by a mental health professional is critical.”

On a day-to-day basis, EHS’ experts agree men can benefit from practicing regular self-care. This includes caring not only for their physical, but also emotional and spiritual well-being. Getting regular check-ups, addressing health concerns directly, staying connected with friends and family are all important. As are eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.

In the Rockaways, EHS’ Behavioral Health Services offers care for specific individual needs for adults, as well as children, adolescents, and families, by calling 718-869-8822.

Though men often put others first and quietly carry great burdens, they are not alone. Help, even just to get through the day-to-day, is just a hand reach away.