Why is men’s mental health important? This seems like a silly question to ask, because of course it’s important! Yet our society today does not value vulnerability in men and that includes being open about their struggles. Almost 1 in 10 men report depression or anxiety, but only half have sought treatment. Men are also 3.5x more likely to die by suicide than women. 49% of men have also admitted to feeling more depressed than they admit.
This is why we’ve called upon the expertise of Steven Sharpe Jr, a content creator and mental health advocate. Using his own platform, and his podcast “Sanctum,” Steven opens the dialogue between men and their mental health. Read on to understand the societal norms and stigmas of mental wellness.
Q
What are some misconceptions people have about men’s mental health?
A
The first one that comes to mind is the misconception that men aren’t as affected by mental health symptoms as women. That’s simply not true. Second, seeking help for your mental health is a one-stop magic cure. It’s not. Healing trauma takes time and it’s not linear. You may feel real progress one week and feel back to square one another. Finally, that mental health is candles and incense. While that can be part of your self care, it’s only a supplement.
Q
Why do you focus on men’s mental health as a separate sect? Where does it differ from women’s?
A
Before I answer, I want to clarify that I believe our emotions to be genderless. We all experience emotions. What creates a distinction is our environment, social constructs, and past experiences.
I specifically focus on men’s mental health because of my experience, really. Not seeing men speak up about their mental health experiences when I was younger. I want to be the person I wish I had when I was working through my own mental health.
Q
How do our social norms affect the way men portray emotion, how does that affect their mental health?
A
We live in a patriarchal society where men expressing their emotions is still seen as weakness so men will bury emotions in an effort to be seen as strong. Well, emotions, more specifically – emotional trauma, lives in the body, and over time, until it’s addressed, it will continue to negatively affect behavior.
Q
We discuss body standards a lot for women but not for men, could you reflect on this?
A
I think this is telling of how much our society critiques women’s bodies, firstly, but it also does a disservice to men who experience body dysmorphia. We need more people speaking openly about male body standards because it can literally save someone’s life. I was struggling with an eating disorder for years before I realized it was an actual eating disorder. Why? Because there wasn’t anyone, especially any men of color, speaking out about men’s body dysmorphia. From the conversations that I’ve had with men, nearly every single one of them has struggled with or currently experience body dysmorphia. It’s why I’m open about my experience and why I hope more people speak up.
Q
What are some tips you have for men trying to be more open about their mental health?
A
Start with finding words to describe to yourself what you’re experiencing. One of the main reasons, I’ve seen, that men keep quiet about their mental health is that they don’t have the words for what they’re experiencing. Which is a completely valid response! So, find the words to describe it and take your time. It’ll be worth it, trust me.