Men S Issues And Men S Mental Health

Fewer men than women are diagnosed with depression and treated for depression related disorders and other common mental health problems. This is partly due to the real prevalence of depression being lower in men, which is thought to relate to biological differences between the sexes. However, there is also the compounding challenge of men not seeking help for psychological issues, delaying engagement with therapeutic services until problems deteriorate and being diagnosed with other conditions (e.g. psychosomatic) - that is, depression is hidden or masked by men and is, therefore, under diagnosed. In addition, health professionals and significant others may not recognize mental health issues in men and may not recommend mental health services when they do. It is important to note that gender norms intersect with wider social change and challenges, including economic hardship, limited mental health service provision, racism and discrimination against marginalised groups of men. Although rates of depression are 50% higher in women than men, suicide rates are approximately three times higher in men than in women and are linked to traditional masculinity factors (e.g. limited emotional disclosure and help-seeking) that are disproportionately experienced by specific groups of men(e.g. gay men, rural men, divorced men, and unemployed or indebted (i.e. who feel they have failed in the traditional breadwinner role) men)

The first of its kind, this book reflects progress in a too-little explored corner of psychiatry to show that gender plays an integral role in mental health issues for men. Textbook of Men's Mental Health provides clinicians with the information they need for understanding how certain disorders manifest differently in men -- and for recognizing how treatment responses in men differ from those in women. Multidisciplinary coverage in this groundbreaking guide draws from fields such as public health and substance abuse to create a well-rounded approach to addressing men's specific mental health problems. With contributions by today's experts in men's mental health, this work gathers the latest research about men's psychiatric issues, from the difficulties in diagnosing male depression to strategies for engaging men in marital therapy. First addressing developmental issues specific to childhood, adolescence, and old age, the text then presents treatment options for an array of problems, from anxiety to sexual disorders to posttraumatic stress disorder. This volume then addresses psychosocial issues as they apply uniquely to men, such as fathering, marriage, aggression, and overcoming the stigma of mental health treatment -- as well as a chapter on how men's ethnicity influences the effectiveness of therapy. Among the topics discussed are how men behave in intimate relationships with women -- and the mental health considerations unique to gay men psychiatric disorders more prevalent in men than women, such as substance abuse, antisocial personality, and conduct disorder up-to-date facts on male sexual functioning, covering erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and male orgasmic disorder why disorders less common in men -- anxiety, depression, PTSD -- require different treatment than for women coverage of compulsive disorders seen in men both more frequently, such as pathological gambling and compulsive sexual behavior -- and less frequently, such as kleptomania and compulsive buying insight into how body image, a problem usually associated with women, has become a serious health issue for men, as evidenced by eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, and steroid abuse No previous text has addressed such a wide range of issues concerning men's mental health, presented here in evidence-based coverage featuring case vignettes, key points, practice guidelines, and an extensive reference list in each chapter. Clinicians who wish to make more prudent decisions regarding the care of men with mental health issues will find this text indispensable to their practice -- and to the well-being of their male patients.

Traditionally, men’s mental health woes have been attributed to male stubbornness and rigid notions of masculinity. However, there is growing recognition that mental health issues in men are socially determined by a range of factors including family, educational, occupational, and legal issues. These and a variety of other social issues have been collectively labelled ‘men’s issues’ and are being increasingly linked to negative men’s mental health outcomes. This book gives an overview of men’s mental health as well as related men’s issues, adopting a public-health-inspired approach examining the research linking social exposures and mental health outcomes. The book is unique in that it synthesizes and explores men’s issues, men’s mental health, and social determinants in a holistic and integrated manner through assessment of the social scientific and psychiatric literature. In this book, the author discusses the social determinants of men’s mental health and accompanying psychosocial interventions, moving beyond one-dimensional discussions of masculinity. Among the topics covered are: The Social Determinants of Male Suicide Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Young Males: The Medicalization of Boyhood? Why Do Men Have Low Rates of Formal Mental Health Service Utilization? An Analysis of Social and Systemic Barriers to Care, and Discussion of Promising Male-Friendly Practices The Gender Gap in Education: Understanding Educational Underachievement in Young Males and its Relationship to Adverse Mental Health Employment, Unemployment and Workplace Issues in Relation to Men’s Mental Health Men’s Issues and Men’s Mental Health: An Introductory Primer is essential reading for healthcare practitioners and social service providers including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, counsellors, teachers, charity workers, health promotion specialists, and public health officers. It is also a useful text for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in health care, social services, public health, epidemiology and social sciences, particularly sociology, psychology, and gender studies. Finally, the book can be read and understood by an intelligent lay reader, making it accessible for the wider public.

This book makes a highly innovative contribution to overcoming the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness – still the heaviest burden both for those afflicted and those caring for them. The scene is set by the presentation of different fundamental perspectives on the problem of stigma and discrimination by researchers, consumers, families, and human rights experts. Current knowledge and practice used in reducing stigma are then described, with information on the programmes adopted across the world and their utility, feasibility, and effectiveness. The core of the volume comprises descriptions of new approaches and innovative programmes specifically designed to overcome stigma and discrimination. In the closing part of the book, the editors – all respected experts in the field – summarize some of the most important evidence- and experience-based recommendations for future action to successfully rewrite the long and burdensome ‘story’ of mental illness stigma and discrimination.

A complete and accessible textbook covering current understandings about how mental health issues affect men, and the available treatments.

This Handbook represents the first concerted effort to understand male mental health in a way that facilitates a positive step forward in both theory and treatment. An alarming number of men experience serious mental health issues, as demonstrated by high rates of suicide and violent offending. Despite these problems, the study of male psychology has either been overlooked, or viewed as a problem of defective masculinity. This handbook brings together experts from across the world to discuss men’s mental health, from prenatal development, through childhood, adolescence, and fatherhood. Men and masculinity are explored from multiple perspectives including evolutionary, cross-cultural, cognitive, biological, developmental, and existential viewpoints, with a focus on practical suggestions and demonstrations of successful clinical work with men. Throughout, chapters question existing models of understanding and treating men’s mental health and explore new approaches, theories and interventions. This definitive handbook encapsulates a new wave of positive theory and practice in the field of male psychology and will be of great value to professionals, academics, and those working with males through the lifespan in any sector related to male mental health and wellbeing.

A welcome and important contribution to a thankfully growing debate. Mental illness remains in some ways the last great taboo in our society, a taboo which leads directly to stigma and discrimination which for some can be even worse than the symptoms of their illness. This book in part is about encouraging men who have reached crisis point to seek help. Equally it's about prevention, and sets out some of the excellent work being done on that. I hope it can inspire practitioners and policy makers to initiate similar interventions, develop new ones and lift the promotion of men's mental health much higher up the agenda, both in the UK and abroad.A" - From the Foreword by Alastair Campbell Men - in all their diverse groups, settings, lifestyles and stages of life - can face considerable challenges to their mental wellbeing from specific cultural and societal factors, causing difficulties for themselves and those who live and work with them. In addition, these men may respond better to certain approaches and treatment. Promoting Men's Mental Health outlines the breadth of the challenges and provides guidance for those working in primary care on targeting and helping men who need support. Good mental health is more than the absence of mental illness, and this book therefore highlights methods to promote positive mental health by increasing psychological wellbeing, competency and coping skills, and by creating supportive living and working environments The book highlights examples of best practice throughout the UK, Europe and America, and will be essential reading for primary care and mental health professionals, and all those with an interest in men's mental health. 'We need to be more innovative in the way we try to reach men. This book will help stimulate further discussion and hopefully encourage men to seek help or support.' From the Foreword by Louis Appleby

How often do you put on a 'coping' front, when in reality you're troubled with insecurities and anxieties? Do you find it difficult to open up about how you're feeling? You might be surprised to learn that you are not alone, and that many men find it challenging to talk about their worries. From tips on how to reach out, to advice on navigating mental health issues, this volume is full of guidance on how to look out for your well-being. Topics covered include: Anxiety and depression Stress Suicidal thoughts Dealing with traditional gender expectations Self-care and mindfulness methods How to open up and communicate Where to seek help With personal experiences and insights, this book will improve your awareness of mental health, offer tools and techniques to enable you to manage it better, and help you to live a happier, healthier life.