Talking to Men about Mental Health

By Sarah Johnson, M.D.

While visiting with my dad for Father’s Day last month, I was inspired to write about the importance of talking to the male species about mental health. When I was a medical student coming home over Christmas (hyper-vigilant about all potential medical issues as most med students are), I noticed a mole on my father’s forehead that looked cancerous to my post-dermatology rotation eyes. After nearly a year of “reminders” to go to the doctor and have it checked, he finally agreed and luckily it was benign.

Now that I’m a psychiatrist, I often get calls from patients and friends who are worried about the mental health of men in their lives (fathers, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, friends) but have met resistance when trying to talk about their concerns with these men.

Reflecting on my personal challenge of getting one of the important men in my life to have something as minor and non-stigmatized as a mole checked out, I would like to offer some suggestions to help start the mental health conversation with a man or anyone you believe may be suffering from a mental illness.

• Use “I” statements. People are less likely to feel attacked and be open to suggestions when approached with “I” statements. For example, “I am concerned that you seem down, and I would like for you to consider seeing a counselor because I care about you,” instead of “You seem depressed and need to see someone.”

• Present mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression as medical conditions - which they are (your brain is part of your body). Unfortunately, many individuals stigmatize mental illness and do not like to see themselves as suffering from one. One of my favorite questions to ask those who resist getting care for their mental health is, “Would you seek help for high blood pressure or diabetes?” Of course you would!

• Offer factual evidence regarding mental health conditions. Many patient resources are available at www.psychiatry.org/mentalhealth (check out the Let’s Talk Facts brochures you can print). It is helpful to realize that psychiatric conditions are common. Remind him that he’s not alone.

• Be encouraging and reassure him that he won't be seen as “less of a man” if he seeks help. Seeking help is a sign of strength.

• Ask him to consider seeking help rather than telling him. Most people are more likely to follow through with a task they view as unpleasant when they are asked rather than told.

• Be mindful and also take care of your own mental health needs. It can be very stressful and tiring to be close to someone suffering from an untreated mental illness. Use your family and friends for support and don’t be afraid to seek help yourself if you find you’re struggling with excessive worry.

We are lucky to live in a time when there are effective treatments readily available for mental health disorders. Try these tips the next time you start the mental health conversation with the important men in your life. Your support and care can make a big difference in his recovery. 

Tweet

Seeing Stars is a Serious Deal - Sports-Related Concussions

By Claudia L. Reardon, M.D.

Concussions in athletes have received increased media attention recently.  More and more evidence shows that there can be serious short- and long-term consequences of concussions if athletes return to physical activity too soon.  A concussion is a brain injury and must be treated very seriously. 

How do you know if someone has sustained a concussion?  Signs and symptoms of a concussion after an athlete hits his/her head include:

• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dizziness
• Vision changes
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Feeling confused or groggy
• Concentration difficulties
• Inability to remember events before or after the hit
• Mood, behavior, or personality changes

Importantly, most athletes with concussions won’t experience all of these signs and symptoms.  Some of them might not appear for hours or even days.  If you, a coach, a game official, or medical provider suspect a concussion, take the following steps:

• Remove the athlete from the game/practice immediately.
• Seek medical attention.
• Do not return to physical activity until cleared by a physician.  Returning to activity too soon can cause long-term physical and psychiatric problems and even death.
• When returning to play, do so gradually, under the guidance of your health care provider.

Sports participation has many positive physical and mental health benefits for children and adults alike.  In the spirit of competition, athletes and coaches often want to do everything they can to win.  However, if a concussion is suspected, it is not worth it to risk long-term brain damage to stay in the game to help the team.   
Tweet

Dads Get Postpartum Depression Too

By Gariane Phillips Gunter, M.D.

Over the past several years, with great help from Brooke Shields and others sharing their stories, postpartum depression in new moms has become well known. However, recent evidence suggests that new dads may be suffering too. A recent study in the May 19th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that “14% of American men develop depression, either during their partner’s pregnancies or in the first year after delivery”.

Unfortunately, dad’s depression may be overlooked as the symptoms may not present as sadness but as irritability, anger or isolation from their loved ones. Without identification and treatment of dad’s depression, negative outcomes for the new baby and family can occur.

New babies need secure, healthy attachments for their physical and emotional development and these attachments are strained when either parent is suffering from their own depression. If you are a new mom or dad and feel you may be suffering from depression, please talk to your doctor and ask for help.
Tweet