Break the stigma: A Q&A about men’s mental health with Essentia Health’s Dr. Alexandra Kohlhase

June is National Men's Health Month and just as men should prioritize their physical health, it's also important that they check in on their mental health.

For many mental health disorders, men are less likely to speak up and get treatment. They are also less likely to be diagnosed as a result. It's important to raise awareness about men's mental health, encourage men to take a step toward getting treatment and validate the feelings men with mental health disorders may be experiencing.

Below is a Q&A with Dr. Alexandra Kohlhase, a clinical psychologist at Essentia Health, who answers some questions around men's mental health.

Why is men’s mental health important?

For generations, men have been socialized to believe that they need to be "strong" and unemotional to be successful and respected. In breaking the stigma associated with mental health in general, a light has been shone on the unique mental health needs of male-identifying individuals. Not only are they just as susceptible to mental health conditions, but they also have to battle this stereotype, which has resulted in dismissing, minimizing and even feeling ashamed of their internal experiences. The more that we talk about the fact that men also have mental health needs and that it is OK to be sad, depressed, tearful, lonely and hurt, the more permissible it is going to feel to ask for help.

Why might men struggle to seek treatment for mental illness?

Many people feel ashamed, fearful or "abnormal" if struggling with mental health concerns. This may be even more prevalent for male-identifying individuals. The perception that men are "weak" or less worthy if experiencing depression, anxiety, grief or self-esteem issues has led to many people suffering in silence, feeling alone and being unable to connect with and gain support from others with similar experiences or the relevant training to help.

Is mental illness more common in men than we think?

Absolutely. Many men simply do not talk about their mental health struggles. Additionally, issues such as anxiety and depression may be more likely to manifest as anger, irritability or emotional outbursts, making it hard to identify the root cause of these behaviors.

Men may turn to substance use, social withdrawal, excessive amounts of screen time or other avoidant behaviors to avoid feeling how they feel. This is often hard to immediately identify as depression or anxiety, especially when those individuals do not feel that it is permissible to acknowledge this.

What can you do if you know someone who needs help?

The most important thing anyone can do for a loved one who is struggling is to listen in a non-judgmental way. Most people with mental health concerns do not want to be told "how to fix it" – they want empathy and support. Let your loved ones know that it is "OK to not be OK," that you love them and are there for them no matter what. Every person is different – some may want to be alone more often, while others may want companionship. Encourage your loved ones to reach out to their primary care provider and obtain resources, such as where to go for therapy, medication or support groups. Do not be afraid to ask questions, as most people truly want to be understood. Remind yourself and others that there is always an answer and that there are very few situations or problems that cannot be improved. Things can get better, and no one has to travel that path alone.

WATCH: In this video interview, Dr. Kohlhase discusses men’s mental health on KVRR.

If you need help

Improve your emotional, psychological and social well-being by partnering with compassionate mental health care professionals at Essentia Health.

Talk to your primary care provider if any of the following affect your daily life:

• Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless or guilty.

• Frequent crying.

• Lack of motivation or energy.

• Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities or hobbies.

• Avoiding spending time with others.

• Changes in your eating or sleeping habits.

• Difficulty focusing or making decisions.

• Compulsive behavior or intrusive thoughts.

• Agitation, anger or paranoia.

• Hallucinations.

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for care.

Learn more about Essentia’s behavioral and mental health services and how to get help and support a loved one at afsp.org/get-help.