National Men’s Health Week is observed the week leading up to Father’s Day each year. Typically, attention is paid to habits men can take to prevent physical health conditions. For example, reminding men to eat more fruits and vegetables to prevent chronic diseases is common advice shared during Men’s Health Week. As with each post Top of the World Ranch has written up until now, we want to stress the importance of minding mental health, and recognizing and preventing substance abuse. Men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol in the first place. 11.5 percent of males over 12 have a substance abuse disorder, compared to 6.4 percent of females. They are also more likely to develop a dependence after using drugs for a social means–to “fit in” or be part of a group. According to DrugAbuse.gov, In men who frequently use marijuana, men tend to do so more severely when compared with women. They also tend to have more antisocial personality disorders and frequently use other substances. In 2016, one million more men than women reported past-year misuse of prescription pain medicine. Substance abuse often occurs in individuals with co-occurring disorders. Some begin to experiment with drugs and alcohol to cope with their mental health. Others have behavioral health affected by their initial use of drugs and alcohol. Of the entire U.S. population, 6 million men are affected by depression, which can often go misdiagnosed by health care providers. Instead of reporting feelings of sadness or worthlessness they are more likely to report fatigue, irritability, or loss of interest in work or hobbies. Seeing as there are a great deal of men who experience depression, and knowing that many people begin to abuse substances to cope with mental health, it is important to understand how imperative mental health can be to one’s life. Other symptoms of depression, anxiety, or related conditions in men include:
- More physical symptoms such as backaches or headaches that don’t seem to respond to physical treatments or medications
- Digestive disorders that also don’t seem to respond to treatment
- Irritability or sensitivity to criticisms
- Exhibiting road rage, short tempers or violent tendencies
- Engaging in reckless behaviors like participating in extreme sports, driving recklessly, or compulsive gambling
Tishanna Dillard, Marketing Operations Specialist
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, give us a call at the Top of the World Ranch in Milan, Illinois. Come join us at our beautiful ranch. We can be reached at (844) 814-8885, or you can email [email protected].