ECU Health Experts Raise Awareness Of Men’s Health During The Month Of June

(WNCT, Gabby Sartori) — The month of June is men’s health month and ECU Health experts are digging deeper into both the physical and mental health struggle men face every day.

Signs of mental health struggles in men can be disguised as everyday behaviors. This includes work overload, self-diagnosis, and the inability to accept mental illness. Experts like Glenn Simpson, the behavioral health service line director, says there’s a stigma when it comes to mental health, and some men may feel insecure to open up about it

“Many men were taught to be tough, not complain, suck it up,” Glenn Simpson said. “And so, when we come to looking at mental health, we know that ends up being a little bit more stigmatized for a variety of different reasons”

Simpson also says that overall, there is a need to continue raising awareness about men’s mental health, so the stigma can end, and men can speak up without guilt.

“More men die by suicide than women, significantly more,” Simpson said. “And surprisingly, 10% of men do have anxiety or depressive symptoms, often not talked about. And that we know that if somebody is able to reach out and start asking for help, then that is kind of halfway to recovery.”

If you or a loved one is in need of help, the hotline to call is 9-8-8.

Watch the video below from WNCT for more details.