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Mental health for men

• More information on mental health for men

Mental health helps us face the challenges in our life, makes us feel comfortable, supports our physical health, and more. But day-to-day stress and difficult times can wear down our mental health. Major changes like losing a job, the death of a loved one, going off to combat, or coming out as gay can be especially hard. And even happy times — like becoming a father — can take a toll on your emotions.

Today, we know a lot more about ways to promote mental health. Try some simple steps, like making sure to get enough sleep, getting social support, exercising, and finding healthy ways to cope when you feel stressed.

If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. In fact, about 1 out of 4 American adults suffers from a mental health condition each year. Experts don't know exactly what causes mental illnesses, but a combination of genes and life events often is involved. It's important to remember that mental health disorders are real medical illnesses that can't be willed or wished away.

This section describes some common mental health conditions. These include:

• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Anxiety disorders and PTSD
• Body image and eating disorders
• Depression

Other mental health conditions include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

If you think you or someone you know may have a mental health problem, get help. Treatment with talk therapy, medications, or a combination of the two can be extremely effective.

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More information on Mental health for men

Explore other publications and websites

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - This detailed booklet describes the symptoms, causes, and treatments of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It also provides information on getting help and coping.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml
• Bipolar Disorder - This publication provides information on bipolar disorder, the mood swings that accompany it, and where and how to receive treatment. It also lists organizations to contact for more information.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm
• Factsheet: How Do I Find Treatment? (Copyright © Mental Health America) - This fact sheet provides directories of treatment centers and individual health professionals that can provide help. It also gives links to organizations for specific populations.
  http://www.nmha.org/go/find_therapy
• Factsheet: Mental Illness and the Family: Finding the Right Mental Health Care For You (Copyright © Mental Health America) - Finding help can be difficult. This resource provides an overview of where help may be offered. It also tells about different types of health professionals and what type of treatment they may practice.
  http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/farcry/go/information/get-info/mi-and-the-family/finding-the-right-mental-health-care-for-you/mental-illness-and-the-family-finding-the-right-mental-health-care-for-you
• Mental Health Services Locator - This website will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.
  http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator
• Psychology Help Center (Copyright © American Psychological Association) - This website provides brochures, tips, and articles on the psychological issues that affect your physical and emotional well-being, as well as information about referrals.
  http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/
• Schizophrenia - This booklet discusses schizophrenia, including information about what causes it, how it is treated, and how friends and family can help.
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/schizoph.cfm
• Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know (Copyright © Mental Health America) - This fact sheet provides information on the different types of schizophrenia and their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
  http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-what-you-need-to-know/schizophrenia-what-you-need-to-know

Connect with other organizations

• American Association of Suicidology
  http://www.suicidology.org/
• American Psychological Association
  http://apa.org/
• American Psychological Association
  http://www.apa.org/
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home
• Mental Health America
  http://www.nmha.org/
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  http://www.nami.org/
• National Eating Disorders Association
  http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
• National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, HHS
  http://www.nimh.nih.gov
• National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
  http://www.mhselfhelp.org/
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  http://www.samhsa.gov/

Content last updated January 10, 2011.

Resources last updated January 10, 2011.

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