Properties with Purpose
October is my birthday month, I'm a year younger now than I will be next year!
It’s a time for reflection. It’s truly remarkable how we navigate through countless potential obstacles that could end our time on this earth. If you ever struggle to find something to be grateful for, consider being thankful for the things that haven’t taken your life. Shifting our perspective in this way illuminates just how fortunate we really are.
"Gratitude is when the memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind."
Tackling Men's Health Issues Head-On
As we enter October 2024, it's time to start gearing up for men's mental health month, the annual event that puts men's health in the spotlight.
The State of Men's Health
Men's health continues to be a pressing concern:
Men die on average 4.5 years earlier than women, often due to preventable reasons.
Prostate cancer affects approximately 10.8 million men globally
Testicular cancer remains the most common cancer among young men worldwide
Every minute, one man dies by suicide, with males accounting for 69% of all suicides
Depression In Men
Depression in men can manifest in various ways, often differing from how it presents in women. Here are some key signs to look out for:
Emotional and behavioral changes are often the most noticeable indicators of depression in men. Many men experience increased irritability, anger, and aggression when depressed.
They may become more easily frustrated, have a shorter temper, or lash out at others. Some men might engage in reckless behaviors like dangerous driving or substance abuse. There may also be a tendency to withdraw from relationships, avoid social situations, or lose interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Physical symptoms can also be prominent in male depression. Men may report fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, or unexplained aches and pains more readily than emotional distress. They might experience changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain. Some men may notice a decrease in libido or sexual performance issues.
Work-related changes are another area to watch. Depressed men might become workaholics, using work as an escape, or conversely, they may struggle to meet work responsibilities. There could be a noticeable decline in productivity, concentration, or decision-making abilities.
It's important to note that men are often less likely to recognize or acknowledge their depression, sometimes viewing it as a sign of weakness. This can lead to attempts to mask the depression through increased alcohol consumption, drug use, or engaging in risky behaviors. If you notice a combination of these signs persisting for more than two weeks, it may be indicative of depression, and professional help should be sought.
Mental Health Support-Impact Of Homelessness
Homelessness can exacerbate mental health problems and make it difficult for men to access necessary healthcare services.
Homelessness often exacerbates existing mental health conditions and can trigger new ones:
The stress and trauma of homelessness may worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other disorders.
Lack of stable housing makes it difficult to maintain treatment regimens or medication schedules.
Homeless individuals face higher rates of substance abuse, which can interact negatively with mental illness
The constant stress of meeting basic survival needs takes a toll on mental wellbeing.
Barriers to Accessing Care
Homeless men face numerous obstacles in obtaining mental health treatment:
Lack of health insurance or financial resources to pay for care
Transportation difficulties in getting to appointments
Lack of a permanent address or contact information for follow-ups
Distrust of healthcare systems or authority figures
Competing priorities like finding food and shelter
Compounding Effects
There is often a cyclical relationship between homelessness and mental illness:
Mental health issues can make it harder to maintain housing and employment.
The experience of homelessness frequently leads to increased psychiatric distress
This creates a "never-ending loop" that is difficult to break without intervention.
Higher Prevalence Among Homeless Men
Studies indicate that homeless men have particularly high rates of mental illness compared to the general population:
Up to 86% of homeless men report experiencing mental illness at some point in their lives
Common disorders include depression, substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder, and psychosis.
Addressing the mental health needs of homeless men requires comprehensive approaches that combine housing support services like Help Inn Folk, accessible community-based treatment, and programs to address underlying factors like poverty and lack of social support. Providing stable housing is often a crucial first step in enabling individuals to engage in mental health care and begin recovery.
Be a man of more words: Engage in meaningful conversations beyond small talk.
Use resources like American Counselling Association
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-82555
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