The severity of coronavirus has taken numerous lives, but its reach goes well-beyond a positive COVID test. Mental health is also being tested right now as the global pandemic continues to keep people isolated and anxious. This situation isn’t easy for anyone, but men, in particular, are having a hard time coming to terms with their emotions and anxiety. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 80 percent of all suicides are committed by men. During these uncertain times, counselors and therapists have noticed an increased occurrence of suicidal thoughts among their male patients. It’s understandable why so many people are feeling despondent. The pandemic has heightened anxiety, depression, isolation, and loneliness for countless people. Men, however, often have a harder time coping with these feelings because of societal pressures surrounding the male identity.

Men and Masculine Expectations

According to society’s expectations, men are supposed to be stoic and strong. Men have had the “boys don’t cry” mentality drilled into them their whole lives, and it makes expressing emotion extremely difficult. The constant pressure to bottle feelings of anxiety, loneliness, fear, and worry can lead to depression and numbing of all emotions. It’s healthy to express emotions and release some of the pent-up frustration and anxiety you’re feeling through tears or talking. Humans come with a complex range of feelings, and it’s unrealistic to expect men not to complain or get emotional when experiencing pain and hardship.

Another societal pressure that’s causing issues right now is the idea that men are the breadwinners of the household. Countrywide business closings have resulted in high unemployment rates. People who were previously gainfully employed have now been without work for many months. The loss of a job can feel like the loss of purpose and security for anyone, but it hits men especially hard because they feel pressure from society to provide for their family.

Men who conform to traditional masculine rolls are also known for not seeking medical help. The idea is that you should be able to tough it out, rub some dirt in it, and keep pushing forward. This go-it-alone behavior also carries over into mental health for many men. Guys believe they have to tough through their low periods and keep their spiraling emotions and thoughts to themselves. The idea that one must be self-sufficient has made it incredibly difficult to reach out to others when in need of help. 

Coping With Emotional Distress

Feeling anxious, confused, depressed, powerless, or overwhelmed is not uncommon right now. Navigating these strong emotions can be difficult, which is why below are a few steps you can take to improve your mental health. 

Connect with people

Isolation and loneliness are taking a drastic toll on mental health. Connecting with your loved ones can make you feel less alone during these tough times. It might be difficult to see people in-person right now, but you can always facetime or talk on the phone. A socially distant walk in the park is another option if you need to see someone face-to-face.

Set a media limit

The news is full of shocking, sad, and enraging information. Scrolling through pages of news announcements will only make you feel worse during an already uncertain time. Set a media limit so you only consume 30 minutes or so of news every day. Give yourself enough time for the highlights then put the phone away or close the browser.

Get enough sleep

Disrupted sleep patterns can leave you with only five or six hours of rest every night. Your body needs at least eight hours of rest sleep each night to keep your mind clear and your body strong. Start setting a regular bedtime and stick to it.

Seeking help for suicidal thoughts

If you’re past the point of emotional distress and experiencing suicidal thoughts, the first thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Suicidal thoughts don’t make you crazy, or weak, they just mean you’re experiencing a lot of pain and need help coping with it all. You can overcome the problems and pain you’re experiencing; it just takes time and support.

If you’ve been having suicidal thoughts, the first thing you should do is tell someone you trust. You need to let someone know how bad things are. It could be a friend, family member, religious leader, therapist, anyone you know that makes you feel safe. A lot of people want to support you through this difficult time, you just have to reach out.

If you’re interested in talking to a professional about your suicidal ideations, please visit our depression page for more information.