Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Silence and Supporting Wellness at Clarvida
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month — a vital time to spotlight an often overlooked but critical area of men’s wellness and mental health. At Clarvida, where health and wellness are at the core of our mission, understanding and supporting men’s mental health is essential. Mental health challenges don’t discriminate by gender, yet societal pressures and stigma around masculinity often create barriers to seeking mental health support.
Why Focus on Men’s Mental Health?
Men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women, making this an urgent issue within workplace mental health and beyond. Many men struggle in silence due to cultural expectations around toughness and self-reliance, which contribute to mental health stigma.
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD affect millions of men across the U.S. However, men are less likely to access mental health services or share their struggles. This gap highlights the need for mental health awareness and education, especially within organizations committed to employee wellness like Clarvida.
Common Barriers to Men Seeking Mental Health Support
- Stigma and Shame: Traditional masculinity norms often discourage men from showing vulnerability or admitting they need mental health support.
- Lack of Awareness: Many men do not recognize symptoms of mental health conditions or may dismiss them as stress or fatigue.
- Limited Support Networks: Men tend to have fewer close confidants or support systems, increasing risk of isolation.
- Access Issues: Work demands, privacy concerns, and cost can prevent men from seeking professional mental health care.
Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Men
Recognizing signs of men and depression or other mental health issues can be challenging because men often express distress differently:- Increased irritability, anger, or aggression
- Withdrawal from social interactions or hobbies
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Risk-taking or reckless behavior
- Physical complaints like headaches or chronic pain
- Increased substance use or alcohol consumption
How Clarvida Employees Can Support Men’s Mental Health Awareness
As a health and wellness company, Clarvida employees play an important role in fostering a workplace culture that supports mental health and breaks down stigma. Here are ways to champion men’s mental health:
1. Encourage Open Conversations
Normalize mental health discussions by sharing experiences and listening without judgment. This helps reduce stigma and builds trust.
2. Educate Yourself and Others
Take the initiative to learn about men’s mental health challenges, symptoms, and available resources to improve mental health awareness among colleagues.
3. Promote Work-Life Balance
Encourage practices like taking breaks, using flexible schedules, and prioritizing mental well-being as part of overall men’s wellness.
4. Provide Resources and Support
Ensure employees know about available mental health services, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and counseling options.
5. Check In Regularly
Simple check-ins like “How are you really doing?” can create safe spaces for men to share and access mental health support.
Self-Care Tips to Improve Men’s Mental Health
Encourage men to take an active role in their mental health through practical self-care strategies:
- Stay physically active to boost mood and reduce stress
- Maintain meaningful social connections
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to support emotional wellness
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid substance misuse
- Seek professional help when symptoms persist
- Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements
Join Clarvida’s Commitment to Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month
This June, Clarvida invites all employees to join in recognizing Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. By fostering mental health awareness and support in the workplace, we contribute to a culture of care that benefits everyone’s well-being. Whether through conversations, sharing resources, or simply listening, each action helps break the silence and stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
References
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Men and Suicide. https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Men’s Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
- Mental Health America. Men’s Mental Health. https://www.mhanational.org/mens-mental-health
- Mayo Clinic. Depression in Men: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/index.html
