Top 3 Mental Health diagnosis in Men

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By: Hailey Robertson

In the United States, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health problem each year (www.NAMI.org). The top 3 mental health diagnosis in men are Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Substance Use Disorder. 

Depression: 

  • Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. (www.mayoclinic.org)
  • Over 6 million men suffer from depression each year. Men typically experience symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work, rather than feelings of sadness or worthlessness. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that occurs following witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event (www.mayoclinic.org)
  • According to the VA, six out of every 10 men experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. PTSD can develop weeks, months, or even years after the experience. 
  • Trauma related accidents are more likely to occur in men than women.

Substance Use Disorder: 

  • Substance Use Disorder is characterized by excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications, or illegal drugs. It can lead to physical, social, or emotional harm.
  • According to the CDC, men are twice as likely to binge drink than women. 
  • One in 5 men develop alcohol dependency during their lifetime. This results in men having a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths. 

Resources for help: 

  • Psychiatry: A psychiatrist can allow you to get the medications needed to treat your disorder. 
  • Therapy: A therapist can allow you to process your diagnoses and receive techniques available to use for treatment  
  • Support: A Client Support Specialist can allow you to build skills needed to help reduce the effects of your disorder 

Resources & References

https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp

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