TRUE OR FALSE: Men are less likely than women to seek help for stressful life events
TRUE- Most men downplay their symptoms and fear the social norms about masculinity
What is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 years old?
Suicide
Males make up 50% of the population, but nearly 80% of suicides
What is the number one cause of death for men who live in America?
According to the CDC the number one cause of death in American men is heart disease
What percentage of Incarcerated Persons have been diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder?
37%
According to data from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 37% of this in prison have been diagnosed with a mental illness
Men who sleep 7-8 hours a night have about 60% less risk of fatal heart attack, than those who sleep 5 hours or less.
What can help you sleep better?
1. Create a sleep schedule- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends
2. Exercise- Get 20-30 minutes of exercise each day, but avoid strenuous workouts within 90 minutes of bedtime
3. Avoid Caffeine- These stimulants can keep you awake and can take hours to wear off
4. Limit Naps- Keep naps short and avoid napping late in the day
TRUE OR FALSE: Women are 3x more likely to be chronic drinkers
FALSE- Men are 3x more likely to be chronic drinkers
According to Harvard Medical School, men metabolize alcohol more quickly than women, which allows them to quickly breakdown any alcohol they consume- which in turn, can lead to drinking more
Who attempts suicide more, men or women?
Women attempt suicide more often than men
BUT men are more likely to complete suicide due to their choice of means (more violent)
What month is Men’s Health Awareness?
June
Developed in 1994, Men's Health Month is celebrated every year in June. It is dedicated to raising awareness of the health issues men face and encouraging them to be proactive about their health
Name 2 adverse effects on a person’s overall health while incarcerated…
Poor Nutrition
Violence
Substance Use
Poor Ventilation
Infectious Diseases
Only 30% of a man’s health is determined by genetics. 70% is controllable through lifestyle.
What is one way you can change your lifestyle?
1. Better Diet
2. Abstinence from Drug and Alcohol Use
3. Exercise
4. Engage in Mental Health Treatment
TRUE OR FALSE: Mental illnesses only affect the mind
FALSE- Mental Illness affects both the mind and the body.
A mental illness can change a person’s thinking, feelings or behavior
What is the 4th (out of 10) leading cause for someone in the United States to file for disability
Mental Health Disorders
Which include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder
What is the average life expectancy of men in the United States?
74 years old
Men are more likely to die from chronic and serious disease. Their mortality rate is 41% higher than women.
Name 2 mental health issues men in prison are likely to develop...
Depression
Anxiety
Major Mood Disorders
Substance Abuse
PTSD
Men are less likely to seek mental health treatment than women, even though they have higher rates of suicide, substance abuse and violent behavior.
Name 2 reasons men are less likely to seek treatment...
1. Social Barries such as fear of judgement
2. Societal stigma (seen as weak- "Man Up")
3. Lack the skills to communicate emotions
TRUE OR FALSE: Mental Illness and Intellectual disabilities are the same
FALSE- Mental illness affects a person’s thinking, mood and behavior. Whereas those with an intellectual disability experience limitations with certain skills
How many Americans experience a mental illness?
60 Million
Statistics from 2024 estimated 60 million adults (18 and over) experience at least one mental health illness in their lifetime
How tall is the average adult male?
5 foot 9 inches
When is the risk most high for a person in prison to overdose?
Immediately after release
People recently released from incarceration face a risk of opioid overdoes 10x greater than the general public
Approximately 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression at any given time.
Name two coping skills that can help with anxiety and depression
1. Exercise
2. Breathing and Meditation
3. Art and Music
4. Reading and Journaling
TRUE OR FALSE: According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 6 million men in the United States suffer from depression every year
TRUE- Due to social factors and the pressure to conform to traditional masculine ideals, men tend to have difficulty acknowledging and addressing mental health issues and the stigma around men seeking help, making them more likely to suppress their feelings
What percentage of people with mental illness, experience significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life, when engaging in proper care and treatment
90% of people with a mental illness, report an improved quality of life when getting proper treatment and care
Medication and therapy significantly improve one’s overall well-being
What is the most common type of cancer for men in the United States?
Prostate Cancer
From birth to death, men in the US have an 11% chance of developing prostate cancer
What percentage of individuals with a serious mental illness spend time in prison and/or a corrections facility?
40%
According to available data, approximately 40% of individuals with a serious mental illness have spent time in jail or prison at some point in their lives. This means a significant portion of the incarcerated population has a diagnosed mental health disorder, with rates much higher than the general population.
Men manifest mental health symptoms differently than women.
How do men often display symptoms of depression?
Men with depression may experience higher levels of anger, aggression and irritability, instead of the "typical" sadness or persistent low mood