June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. With six million men in the United States experiencing serious mental health issues, like suicidal ideation, anxiety, severe depression, alcoholism or drug dependency, or eating disorders, the need for more resources is on the rise. Across the country, an average of one in five men needs help, yet most are unwilling to talk about it or reach out for help because of social pressures and stigmas related to a false perception of weakness. Downplaying symptoms or feeling reluctant to discuss a struggle with mental health is normal. What is not normal is the steadily increasing number of men suffering alone, resulting in the stark increase in the number of suicides among the male population.
White Pine County is far from free of the dark reality and tragic consequences of undiagnosed or missed mental health issues among young men. Now a leading cause of death among men in the United States, guys are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Suicide rates are also climbing among men older than 80, military veterans, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Being more aware of these statistics is an important first step in the process of coordinating a broad and effective strategy that offers our loved one’s better support.
Locally, resources Ely Mental Heatlh Services can ensure that you are taken care of through assessments and guidance. Call EMHS at 775-289-1671. William Bee Ririe Hospital also has services available if you are in need. Call WBRH at 775-289-3001. For immediate help, there are outside organizations that can speak with you directly and anonymously, dial 988 or 1800-273-8255. The White Pine Chamber of Commerce can also be a local place to go for resources.
Talk about it. Reach out for help. You are worth taking care of yourself. Connecting with others can also come in the form of getting outside of yourself and into a group, a volunteer organization, a club that peeks your interests, or starting one if the community has that gap.
Every day is a renewed opportunity to make sure the men and boys in your life are okay. Our community can overcome the bullying, harassment, prejudices and bigotry that often contribute to diminished mental health in others. Be part of the solution in creating a better local quality of life, by being aware of the silent battles that others are facing, and help the men in the community find help before they get lost to the overwhelming silent killers of mental health issues. If you need help, please reach out for some help. You are worth it and the world around you needs you here.
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