Men Across the Ages
Young Men
Diagnosed mental disorder in school age children (ages 5-15) is markedly more common in boys than in girls (MHF, 2010).
Boys are diagnosed with more developmental difficulties than girls, including autistic spectrum disorders, specific learning disabilities and speech, language and communication problems (Kraemer, 2000; MHF, 2010).
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with behavioural, emotional or social difficulties and three times more likely to be given the label of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Ford, Goodman & Meltzer, 2003; NICE, 2006).
Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, which often coexists with ADHD (NICE, 2006), are diagnosed more often in boys.
The high referral rate of young boys to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the UK, has been attributed to the problems schools have managing boys’ disruptive behaviour (Myttas, 2001; MHF, 2010).
Boys are diagnosed with more developmental difficulties than girls, including autistic spectrum disorders, specific learning disabilities and speech, language and communication problems (Kraemer, 2000; MHF, 2010).
Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with behavioural, emotional or social difficulties and three times more likely to be given the label of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Ford, Goodman & Meltzer, 2003; NICE, 2006).
Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, which often coexists with ADHD (NICE, 2006), are diagnosed more often in boys.
The high referral rate of young boys to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the UK, has been attributed to the problems schools have managing boys’ disruptive behaviour (Myttas, 2001; MHF, 2010).
Adult Men
Men face many challenges in relation to their physical and mental health and well being. Men are more likely to die earlier than women, suffer greater rates of nearly all major illness and injury and have consistently taken their own lives at three to four times the rate of women for at least the last 30 years. One major contributing factor is men's greater reluctance to seek help.
When men do seek help for psychological difficulties they are less likely to be diagnosed with a mental health problem. They access effective psychological interventions less during the early stages of mental health problems and often come into contact with services in crisis if at all. Men express their distress more through their outward behaviour which can include more anger and aggression as well as more risk taking and greater drug and alcohol misuse. This may increase the likelihood of men coming into contact with the more punitive reactions to underlying untreated mental health difficulties.
The focus of interventions for men and boys can sometimes be aimed at problem behaviours rather than the underlying causes. For example, young boys are more likely to be referred to CAMHS services often by teachers and parents who have concerns about their behaviour. In adult services men (and women) who use drugs and alcohol can be excluded from mental health services until the substance misuse has been addressed. It may be that case that from an early age men attract a less compassionate response to their emotional distress which could potentially contribute to a greater reluctance to seek help, exclusion from traditional mental health services, more coercive interventions, homelessness and increased attention from the criminal justice system.
Suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 35 and is the most widely acknowledged problem associated with men’s mental health (DoH, 2002). You can read more about male suicide here but it is worth mentioning that at no point during the last 30 years have the rates of suicide been higher for women than they are for men. MMM is of the view that psychological distress is often the underlying cause of suicide.
When men do seek help for psychological difficulties they are less likely to be diagnosed with a mental health problem. They access effective psychological interventions less during the early stages of mental health problems and often come into contact with services in crisis if at all. Men express their distress more through their outward behaviour which can include more anger and aggression as well as more risk taking and greater drug and alcohol misuse. This may increase the likelihood of men coming into contact with the more punitive reactions to underlying untreated mental health difficulties.
The focus of interventions for men and boys can sometimes be aimed at problem behaviours rather than the underlying causes. For example, young boys are more likely to be referred to CAMHS services often by teachers and parents who have concerns about their behaviour. In adult services men (and women) who use drugs and alcohol can be excluded from mental health services until the substance misuse has been addressed. It may be that case that from an early age men attract a less compassionate response to their emotional distress which could potentially contribute to a greater reluctance to seek help, exclusion from traditional mental health services, more coercive interventions, homelessness and increased attention from the criminal justice system.
Suicide is the most common cause of death in men under 35 and is the most widely acknowledged problem associated with men’s mental health (DoH, 2002). You can read more about male suicide here but it is worth mentioning that at no point during the last 30 years have the rates of suicide been higher for women than they are for men. MMM is of the view that psychological distress is often the underlying cause of suicide.
Older Men
The World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages healthy ageing across the life continuum and later life can make up a third of an individual's lifetime. People are living healthier lives for longer and the vast majority of older people live satisfying and fulfilling lives without experiencing mental health problems.
The ageing process presents psychological and emotional challenges throughout life. For older men it presents unique challenges as they approach later life.
Relationships are key to a healthy mind, body and soul. As men age they need to ensure that they have supportive, accessible, caring and kind relationships with families, friends or others in their communities. Doing so will be protective for older men.
As a society we also need to better and more willing to support the older people in our communities. If we can do this we're sure we'll all benefit from the collective efforts.
The ageing process presents psychological and emotional challenges throughout life. For older men it presents unique challenges as they approach later life.
Relationships are key to a healthy mind, body and soul. As men age they need to ensure that they have supportive, accessible, caring and kind relationships with families, friends or others in their communities. Doing so will be protective for older men.
As a society we also need to better and more willing to support the older people in our communities. If we can do this we're sure we'll all benefit from the collective efforts.
Retirement
Retirement may be the first hurdle for many older men because it can be a direct challenge to their identity. It often involves considerable life adjustments that can take many years. There may be financial adjustments too.
New activities and interests are often needed to make use of the extra available time. Moving back into the family home full time may be difficult because of the impact it can have on other members of the household, including wives or children. Trying to find a new identity within the home may not always be possible or welcomed. For many men retirement may be the most challenging of life transitions.
New activities and interests are often needed to make use of the extra available time. Moving back into the family home full time may be difficult because of the impact it can have on other members of the household, including wives or children. Trying to find a new identity within the home may not always be possible or welcomed. For many men retirement may be the most challenging of life transitions.
Isolation
Whilst it may not be the case for all men, some men find themselves quite isolated in their later years. As men age they are less likely than women to have developed any social networks so there is less to fall back on when work stops. Those without families or partners may find themselves without any support networks.
Without such support men are less likely to be able to find support if mental health problems emerge. Isolation is a major risk factor for mental health and those men who have struggled throughout life to build supportive relationships may be at greatest risk.
Without such support men are less likely to be able to find support if mental health problems emerge. Isolation is a major risk factor for mental health and those men who have struggled throughout life to build supportive relationships may be at greatest risk.
Loss
Vulnerabilities can become more apparent in later life as bereavement and loss enter into people’s lives more frequently. Inevitable deteriorations in physical health and mobility can limit opportunities to stay in touch with enjoyable activities and more adjustments may be needed to find enjoyment.
