May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
While 21 News offered stories throughout the month on ways to seek help for depression and other mental health issues, there is one particular group that is still hesitant to reach out… and that is men over 30.
In today’s Cover Story, Matt Stone takes the time to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, speaking with all three surrounding county mental health boards about one particular group who may be struggling to reach out: Men over 30-years-old. Stone shares more about what resources are available.
The numbers are staggering! The most recent suicide figures from the three local counties show that the victims are almost 3 to 1 male.
“Right now, about 75% of the people who have taken their lives in Mahoning County are men,” said Duane Piccirilli, Exec. Director, Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board.
“Within the last two years, specifically, we’ve noticed men between the ages of 30 to 69 are most at risk. That’s the age group where we are seeing the most suicide deaths,” said Lynsi Beagle, Dir. of Prevention, Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
Men die by suicide primarily due to a combination of untreated mental health conditions and the use of highly lethal methods like guns.
But why are men less likely than women to seek help?
“I think a lot of it has to do with losing independence, just not wanting to show weakness, you’re supposed to be the breadwinner, there’s a lot going on today,” said Piccirilli.
Mahoning County is starting an ad campaign called “Man Therapy” in an effort to make therapy look more acceptable for men.
“It kind of makes humor out of the whole situation. It talks about having a check-up for your mind, a tune-up. It’s proven to be very effective,” said Piccirilli.
Just making that call to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 211, the Help Hotline Crisis Center, could change everything for someone suffering from depression or contemplating suicide. Seeing a counselor or therapist is easier now than ever before due to easier access and funding.
“It really turns the corner for a lot of people. They really start to realize, hey this isn’t what I thought it was and it’s really helping me. I am able to develop coping skills, I can improve my relationships and I can see a more positive outlook for my future versus the doom and gloom a lot of people get stuck in,” said Beagle.
Not seeking help and bottling up emotions could lead to disaster, say some therapists, because eventually everything spills out. And it’s never pretty.
“In unhealthy behaviors, it comes out, and it affects your relationships. If you’re angry and irritable, if you’re unable to say what’s really bothering you, that’s going to spill over in all of your relationships,” said Renee Klaric, Valley Health Services.
There’s hope out there! 24/7. Just call 988 or 211.
“As bad as you think it may be tomorrow will be better. It’s ok to ask for help. With telehealth, you can set something up and talk to someone in your living room,” said Picirilli.
“The first step is always the hardest, but once you walk through that threshold, you realize the threshold was an invisible door. It’s not a blockade, it’s not a barrier,” added Klaric.