In 2016, Kid Cudi shared on Twitter that he was seeking treatment for his depression and anxiety. What began as a single post prompted black men across the internet to ask each other “#YouGoodMan” and share resources on mental health.
Personal Story: Preston, Bipolar Disorder
Personal Story: Mares, the Strength of a Family
Personal Story: Michael, Alcohol Addiction
Male Gender Role Stress and PTSD
“Each society has its own rules about what's considered appropriate behavior for men and women. In Western societies, men have traditionally been expected to be self-reliant, not emotional (except with regard to the expression of anger), confident and strong. This is the traditional masculine gender role. Men differ in the extent to which they follow these rules. However, some of these rules go against basic and normal human responses to stress. So it's not surprising that a number of studies have shown that men who try to strictly adhere to these rules and who fear violating these rules may be at risk for a wide range of negative outcomes including PTSD.”
Dads Can Get Depression During and After Pregnancy, Too
“Depression in dads is, in fact, a relatively common phenomenon―affecting anywhere between 2% and 25% of them during their partner's pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this rate can increase to 50% when the mother also has perinatal/postpartum depression. And it can take a serious toll on the family's wellbeing, specifically their children's.” Check out the full article from HealthyChildren.org for the full article including risk factors, symptoms, screening, and information on getting help.
Food Became my Best Friend- Males with Eating Disorders Share their Stories
In this video, three men share their stories of eating disorder recovery along with with male eating disorder expert, Dr. Nicholas Farrell. The National Association of Eating Disorders (NEDA) says, “Despite the stereotype that eating disorders only occur in women, about one in three people struggling with an eating disorder is male… But due in large part to cultural bias, they are much less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorder. Several factors lead to men and boys being under- and undiagnosed for an eating disorder,” one of which is double stigma “for having a disorder characterized as feminine or gay and for seeking psychological help.” Click “Read More” for more from the National Association of Eating Disorders.
Mental Health Stigma Kept this Man in the Shadows
As an Iowa community discussed the construction of a new inpatient mental health hospital in 2018, Marty Parrish responded to their stigmatizing remarks by sharing his personal story with mental health and addiction issues and the importance of inpatient treatment for his recovery. "I was always afraid of being judged because of the stigma against people with mental health," he said in a recent interview. "But after that very hostile meeting in Clive, I had to tell my story. I had to talk."
Real Men, Real Depression
“Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition -- a brain disease -- that can strike anyone, including men. In America alone, more than 6 million men have depression each year.” The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH)’s Real Men, Real Depression campaign includes brochures and videos of a wide variety of men speaking candidly about their experiences with depression. Follow the “Source” link to access the full campaign archive from NIMH.