Ahead of International Men’s Day, mental health practitioners explain how distinctively mental health issues present themselves in men
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock
November 19 is celebrated as International Men's Day with the aim of shining a spotlight on issues that impact men. There is perhaps none more than the issue of mental health which is being increasingly acknowledged as a global health concern. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 25 per cent of the global population will suffer from neurological or mental disorders in their lifetimes. Mental health conditions have only been aggravated during the pandemic owing to the rise in stressors, and disruptions in mental health services, with WHO estimates indicating the increase in both depressive and anxiety disorders to be more than 25 per cent. Treatment, although available, isn’t sought by nearly two-thirds of people affected by a known mental disorder due to stigma, leading to preventable deaths.