Awareness in June: Why Men Matter
“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it himself.”
-Galileo Galilei
Men’s Health Month
For June, AKUA Mind and Body will be speaking out about the importance of men in society, highlighting how men are affected by both mental health and substance abuse while simultaneously highlighting the importance of these awareness events.
June is Men’s Health Month, and the week leading up to Father’s Day is Men’s Health Week (June 15-21). This important month and week are meant to increase the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage men to seek early screening diagnosis and treatment.
The silent health crisis
There is a silent health crisis happening among men in the United States.
The Men’s Health Network reports that men die at higher rates than women due to these top 10 causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, suicide, kidney disease, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Men are less likely than women to see a physician
Men are more likely to be uninsured compared to women
Approximately 30,0000 men in the United States die from prostate cancer each year
Prostate cancer and skin cancers are the most common types of cancer in men.
Sexual dysfunction is a common health problem in men that can lead to an array of psychological setbacks such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
Sexual dysfunction is usually caused by atherosclerosis, the same process that causes heart attacks and strokes.
Men also die at a younger age compared to women.
In 1920, women outlived men only by one year. Today, CDC figures show the life expectancy gap has widened: Today, on average, women survive men by over five years.
Many men believe that as long as they are working and feel good, there is no need to see a doctor.
Men’s battle with mental health
Mental health and substance use disorders in males are equally as important as physical health.
Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in men.
Women are more likely to attempt suicide compared to men, but men are more likely to be successful at completing it at a 4-fold increase.
Men are more likely to abuse alcohol, prescription medications, and opioids compared to women.
Men are less likely than women to acknowledge they have a substance use disorder.
Men are less likely than women to seek treatment for their substance use disorder.
Six million men each year in the United States are affected by depression.
Men are less likely to seek treatment for their depression than women. As a result, untreated depression can quickly morph into suicidal ideations and substance use disorders, worsening their prognosis.
Gay and bisexual men are at an increased risk for mental health disorders, and suicide attempts compared to heterosexual men.
Why we must care of our male population
Men are less likely to seek treatment due to social norms, unwillingness to talk and share their feelings and the downplaying of symptoms. Our society views men as secure, masculine breadwinners, and unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health often can leave a false perception that mental health disorders are signs of weakness and failure. This untrue view results in men unwilling to seek treatment out of fear they will be stripped of their strength and masculinity. Our society needs to do better by eliminating this stigma and false preconception.
Low levels of testosterone are highly linked to depression, mood swings, and stress, especially in the older male population. As a result, many health practitioners will measure testosterone levels and may even prescribe testosterone, stimulating medications for certain men who are struggling with depressed moods. However, this does not mean that other medications and forms of psychotherapy should be ignored when treating either a substance use or mental health disorder. Treating the mind, body, and soul is a whole-body multidisciplinary approach.
We Are Here For You!
No matter where you are in your journey to recovery, AKUA can help. We understand that life in recovery can be tough. If you are afraid of a relapse, seeking help for the first time, or trying to get back on track, we have a program for you. AKUA Mind and Body offers gender-specific treatment programs that focus on men’s needs. We want you to feel healthy and strong, so when you return home to your family, you can fully function within your family unit.
We are committed to the health and safety of you and/or your loved ones, and we are FULLY OPEN & OPERATIONAL. At AKUA Mind & Body, the safety of our Clients is our top priority. We are aware of the increased fear and anxiety among most people regarding the current pandemic. Hence, we are doing everything that we can to keep healthfulness and safety.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health illness or substance use and addiction disorder, we can help now more than ever! AKUA Mind & Body provides an integrative treatment approach with multiple levels of care from detox, residential to virtual outpatient programs. With several facilities throughout the Sacramento Region, Los Angeles & Orange County Region, and San Diego Region, we aim to provide our clients with a solid foundation for healing and transformation.
Call our 24/7 admissions helpline to seek help today!