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Expert Opinion
An APA expert answers common questions about
Men's Mental Health
Bill Callahan, M.D., is a California-based psychiatrist and chair of the APA’s Committee on Public Affairs. Dr. Callahan discusses men’s mental health.
Are men at risk for any particular mental health concerns?
There’s a book called “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.” The title alone would have you believe men are completely different from women, but the truth is that mental health problems generally don’t discriminate. The good news is that common mental illnesses, such as depression, can be diagnosed and effectively treated. The key is to have the courage to seek help; seeking help is a sign of strength.
There are some differences in men’s and women’s mental health. For example, it appears that women are more likely to experience depression. Tragically, however, men are more likely to complete a suicide attempt. From my vantage point, untreated depression is a big problem. Men: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Usually your primary care physician is a good starting point.
Is there such a thing as men’s midlife crisis?
Men’s midlife crisis is very real. The clichés involve red corvettes and new, young wives, while trading a corporate job for sandals and a Caribbean island. For anyone who has been on the receiving end of this kind of midlife crisis, I know just how upsetting these abrupt, seemingly irrational changes can be.
But men’s midlife crisis does not have to be this way and in fact, can actually be helpful in 3 main ways:
- Men almost need an excuse to talk about feelings or disappointments in our society, and men’s midlife crisis gives them that chance. It is ok and courageous to show emotions – and not just at funerals, natural disasters, and perhaps if our favorite football team gets defeated!
- It’s a chance to get healthy if we’ve slipped. This is a chance to get that long delayed complete physical and mental health check up with your doctor. Make preventing health problems a priority by finding out where you are. I myself turned 47 this year and decided I had 30 pounds that needed to go.
- Men can use this time in their lives to renew friendships, reinvent themselves, and reconnect with their spouses and partners. Recognize that both men and women face biological changes at this time. Talking about the changes and seeing your doctor are critical to work through this.
What are the emotions that men feel at this time?
One’s we don’t want to, including fear, grief, and anger. We are trained to cover these up and to not admit them, but this is bad for our health. We may fear the aging process. We may become sad about hopes and dreams that we gave up while pursuing others. We may be angry that we’ve worked hard but are still not happy in our everyday lives. When we face these feelings we can change them. Think about it like re-writing your business plan as conditions change at work.
Some men find that midlife is a time of great confidence, and that they are happier than they have ever been, having made corrections all along. Having achieved the life and health they want, it is a time of great happiness, which is something we can all work toward.
Why does it seem not OK for men to express their emotions like women can?
Many men don’t think expressing their emotions is very masculine; stereotypes still do exist. But there’s been a lot of progress in the last few decades. It is important – instead of shutting down when you feel nervous or upset – to look for ways to open up.
Talk to other men who are good models of this, whether in your family, neighborhood or workplace. Share how you feel during times of real pressure and learn healthy ways of expressing your emotions. It may take time, but it’s an important skill to learn.
By the way, many studies have confirmed a link between emotional and physical health. With so many worries about heart disease, cholesterol and stroke, opening up and dealing with your stress level may be the best start of all!
I live in “Hurricane Country” and I’ve heard people talking about the next storm season. The sad thing is, I’m not really over Hurricane Katrina. Is this normal?
You don’t say how directly you were impacted by the storm, but certainly many people experienced great loss from the 2005 Hurricane season, including Katrina, Rita and Wilma. A whole range of reactions to natural disasters is understandable – including some anxiousness, dread or even resiliency. But some people may be dealing with a more serious condition, like posttraumatic stress disorder (link to LTF brochure on subject). I would especially encourage you to seek help if you are experiencing flashbacks or nightmares, are having difficulty sleeping, or are feeling detached or estranged.
The federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has an excellent public information campaign on this issue. Check it out. They have also provided a toll-free number to those affected by the storms: 800-789-2647.
What do mental health professionals have to say about homosexuality?
Every year, Americans celebrate Gay Pride Month in June to acknowledge the diversity of people in our country and a call to support civil liberties and civil rights for all Americans. But the debates about gay and lesbian equality and civil rights are infrequently about science alone: political, religious and cultural dynamics are also in play.
The American Psychiatric Association, which sponsors this Web site, has posted a question-and-answer page on gay, lesbian and bisexual issues here. In short, all of the major professional mental health organizations have gone on record to affirm that homosexuality is not a mental disorder. Some people have likened sexual orientation to the many other aspects of life that are the product of biological and environmental factors, like being left-handed. Science at this point in time cannot explain why some people are homosexual while others are heterosexual.
To locate
a psychiatrist in your area, visit www.psych.org and click on "District Branches & State Associations"
to contact your local APA District Branch. You may also
visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org
to locate a depression screening site near you.
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