Doha, Qatar: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has encouraged men to seek help for mental health issues as more males become victims of anxiety and depression.
A public webinar themed ‘Men’s mental health, breaking the silence,’ yesterday highlighted understanding men’s mental health, common mental health issues in men, and strategies for improving men’s mental health. The event was held as part of HMC’s efforts in raising support and awareness of the mental health struggles often faced specifically by men.
Experts highlighted that men should seek help for mental health issues whenever they experience persistent symptoms such as prolonged sadness, anxiety, anger issues, substance abuse, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty coping with daily life.
“It’s crucial not to delay seeking help, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes,” said Katja Warwick-Smith, Assistant Executive Director of Clinical Service Development and Operational Lead for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Helpline.
The free and confidential helpline 16000 is for anyone feeling low, anxious and depressed. The helpline is staffed by a team of mental health professionals who can provide assessment and support to the callers.
Those in need can call the helpline between 8 am and 6 pm, from Saturday to Thursday. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues and are much more likely to commit suicide.
In a study by the Newport Institute, a network of mental health and addiction treatment centers in the United States, 45% of men feel more depressed than they are willing to admit to people around them, and 45% believe mental health issues can be solved on their own.
In Qatar, mental health issues among men have been increasing, with stress and anxiety being significant concerns, said Ahmed Gamaledin Sallam, a nurse educator for Mental Health Services at HMC.
He also noted that many men are reluctant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It effects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices,” said Sallam.
Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder are classified as the five most common mental health conditions among men.
Highlighting warning signs of men’s mental health, Sallam said that aggressiveness, anger, and irritability, changes in mood or energy levels, changes in appetite or sleeping habits, participating in risky activities, difficulty focusing, feeling sad and hopeless, having aches or pains without a proper reason, obsessive or compulsive thoughts or behaviours, and thinking about or attempting suicide are some of the symptoms.
Sallam said that masculinity and emotions often play a significant part in why men avoid seeking help for mental health issues.
He explained that traditional masculine norms often emphasize self-reliance, stoicism, and the suppression of emotions.
This can create barriers for men in acknowledging their mental health struggles or seeking professional help. Sallam also highlighted the need for positive masculinity encouraging men to recognize, understand, and express emotions healthily.
