“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).”
Mental Health Awareness month is observed in May and according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 Americans is affected by a mental health condition. Many suffer from anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When speaking on mental health, suicide ideation, and addiction, men are often reluctant to seek help due to the stigma around being a “strong-minded” male. This stigma can make them feel like they are looked down upon should they show any sort of “weakness.” According to the latest figures from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), men are responsible for 76.92 percent of all suicides. That means about four out of every five completed suicides is a male. Data courtesy of the CDC reports that the suicide rate among males remained nearly four times higher (21.3 per 100,000 in 2016) than among females (6.0 per 100,000 in 2016).
Men who suffer from mental illness often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Using drugs or alcohol puts a person at high risk of developing an addiction, worsens symptoms of mental illness, and can lead to serious health issues. The stigma of mental illness can lead to discrimination. Some may think a person is unsafe to be around or could suddenly become violent due to a mental illness.
If you suffer from a mental health condition and addiction:
- Get treatment. It can be difficult to admit you have a mental health disorder and addiction. Get help from a professional who can treat your condition, prescribe medication if necessary, and manage your treatment.
- Do not feel ashamed. Do not let the stigma of mental illness and addiction prevent you from getting help. Learn about your condition. Mental illness does not equate to personal weakness.
- Do not use drugs or alcohol to cope. Using drugs or alcohol can increase the symptoms of mental health conditions and are destructive for your mental, physical, and spiritual health.
- Join a support group. There are support groups and forums for mental health and some are for a specific illness. This is a great way to meet others who share similar experiences and prevents isolation.
- Do not isolate yourself. Surround yourself with supportive, encouraging sober people. Family and friends can learn more about mental illness and addiction in support groups.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD often coexist with substance use and addiction. If you or a loved one is battling a mental health condition and addiction, get help today. At Cypress Lake Recovery Addiction Recovery Center, our men’s residential addiction recovery program meets every client’s individual needs. We combine the latest clinical and medical techniques with our twelve-step immersion for substance abuse (completion) program. Our program guides you to freedom through recovery.
Cypress Lake Recovery specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204
