Research shows that low levels of testosterone are correlated with depression, stress, and mood swings, especially among older men. The five major mental health problems affecting the male population are:
1. DEPRESSION
Male depression exhibit different symptoms than that in women with depression. Men report fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, rather than worthlessness or sadness.
2. ANXIETY
Approximately 19 million adults ages 18 to 54 have an anxiety disorder. Over 3 million, men have a panic disorder, agoraphobia, or any other phobia.
3. BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder affects 2.3 million Americans. Bipolar disorder does not discriminate; it affects both genders equally. Symptoms usually show up in men between 16 to 25 years old.
4. PSYCHOSIS AND SCHIZOPHRENIA
A leading cause of disability is the diagnoses of schizophrenia, which affects approximately 3.5 million people in America. 90% of people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia by the age of 30 are men.
5. EATING DISORDERS
The male makes up for an estimated 10% of clients with anorexia or bulimia and an estimated 35% of those with binge-eating disorder. Men with eating disorders are less likely to seek professional help than women.
FACT ABOUT MALE SUICIDE:
Suicide is the 7th leading cause of death among males. Male suicide has been on the rise since 2000. The highest suicide rates in the US are in the male Caucasian community over the age of 85. Gay and Bisexual men are at an increased risk for suicide attempts, especially before the age of 25. There is a gender disparity when it comes to suicide in that males are four times as many men as women die by suicide. The risk factors are: social isolation, substance abuse, unemployment, military-related trauma, genetic predisposition, and other mood disorders places the individual at a higher risk for suicide.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
According To Mental health America, men are approximately 1 in 5 men develop alcohol dependency during their lives. Military veterans have twice the rate of alcohol and drug use as women and this is despite the branch of service. Gay and Bisexual men are more likely to have higher rates of substance abuse than heterosexual men.
FAMOUS ATHLETES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS:
Athletes also experience mental health issues regardless of their sports field. In 1990 the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Terry Bradshaw was diagnosed with clinical depression and also suffered panic attacks. Keyon Dooling in 2012 NBA suffered from PTSD following years of sexual abuse. Michal Phelps in 2018 announced he was diagnosed with ADHD and depression and anxiety. He is now receiving treatment.