by Tyonna Baxter

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — June is Men’s Mental Health Month and it’s sparking conversations on the importance of breaking that silence. Mental health is a crucial, but often overlooked issue.

Often men do not seek help when they are struggling, and there are many reasons for that.

One is the pressure men face to “man up” or “tough it out.”

June is Men's Mental Health Month and it's importance is sparking conversation.

They are also less likely to be diagnosed because of this.

“Men are human and human beings need to talk and they need a safe space to do it,“ said Dr.Erin Leonard, a psychotherapist and owner at Recore Counseling.

A study by Mental Health America found six million American men suffer from depression every year and three million struggle with anxiety.

Suicide is the 7th leading cause of deaths among men.

Asking for help may be hard, but going without treatment can negatively impact not only personal health but the relationships with those around you.

Experts say men are less likely to seek needed help than women.

“Socialized to be brave and put on a brave face and keep your feelings to yourself and not be too sensitive because that’s associated sometimes with being weak and a lot of that has changed,” said Leonard.

As far as where mental health issues stem from, experts say it varies. It could be rooted from childhood, isolation, genetics, traumatic events, drug and alcohol abuse and more.

While effects may be different for everyone, Leonard says the big signs that it's time to seek help are changes in mood, appetite and sleep, loss of joy, and low energy.

Mental health problems will not just disappear, and officials are pushing men to seek counseling, especially if they find themselves stuck in a depressive state.

“It’s a good place to go to sort out what they need to change, how they need to change it what are healthier ways to get themselves to a better place mental health wise and emotionally,” said Leonard.

In addition to therapy, Leonard says there are many other ways to cope, and release built up feelings such as exercise, meditation, bettering your diet, and getting regular sleep.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can call 911 or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

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