Mental health stigma exists within every demographic space. However, among men over age 45 in Greene County, mental health stigma and lack of care seeking has led to a jarring suicide mortality rate. It’s time to talk about it.
Though men make up about 50% of the total population, they account for 80% of suicides. A multitude of factors play into this, including method (men often use firearms, which leads to higher levels of suicide completion), stigma, stereotypes and a lack of resource and care seeking.
Along with self-care strategies and healthy behaviors, connection with friends, family, colleagues and professional help when needed can alleviate a mental health occurrence before it becomes a crisis. It’s important to talk about what you are experiencing, no matter how intimidating it may be.
We want to encourage men in Greene County to check in with other men in their life and to be open and honest about how they are feeling. This conversation can kickstart with a simple question: “Hey man, you good?”
It doesn’t have to be awkward. It may be out of your comfort zone, but opening these lines of communication between the people in your life could be the reason someone you love takes action to better their mental health. They will also know they have someone who is looking out for them along the way.
“Hey man, you good?” campaign goals:
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