{"id":36732,"date":"2024-06-28T12:22:29","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T16:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adhdonline.com\/?p=36732"},"modified":"2024-06-28T12:22:29","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T16:22:29","slug":"attn-attentive-women-june-is-mens-mental-health-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adhdonline.com\/articles\/attn-attentive-women-june-is-mens-mental-health-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Attn Attentive Women: June is Men’s Mental Health Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Shawn Gauthier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"image\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Antiquated but true:<\/strong> In the realm of healthcare, women often take the lead, ensuring their partners stay on top of everything from dental checkups to colonoscopies. Women frequently display exemplary assertiveness, and men benefit significantly from the June-Cleaver-level attention that\u2019s keeping them healthy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On behalf of all men who should be taking care of their own damn selves, thank you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"image\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of June\u2026<\/strong> June is Men\u2019s Mental Health Month. When it comes to mental health, too many men are stuck in the Leave it to Beaver<\/em><\/strong> era. The whole family suffers when sensitive topics go undiscussed. This June, it\u2019s vital for men (and women, please and thank you) to be proactive about men\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cancers vs Answers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A noticeably changing forearm splotch<\/strong> sparks a maybe-you-should-get-that-looked-at conversation.  If men never ask<\/em> about mental health, mental health symptoms go unanswered. Colonoscopy awareness ramps up at age 50 (earlier if there\u2019s a family history of colon cancer). Scatolgical humor may even spur colonoscopy prep talk among dude-friends. #BottomsUp<\/strong>! But mental health<\/em> is different. Men actively avoid conversations about feelings or less tangible symptoms like restlessness, challenges with concentration, or impulsivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Procrastination,<\/strong> itself a potential symptom of ADHD, may lead men to miss a lifetime of opportunities to seek help. ADHD is often viewed as a childhood affliction (another emasculating stigma). If an ADHD diagnosis is missed in boyhood when surrounded by teachers and counselors, having a close, loving, keen observer recommend assessment could be the only hope to get loved ones on board for treatment. This is especially necessary when symptoms manifest not as hyperactivity but as inattentiveness. Markers like forgetfulness, making careless mistakes and being easily distracted get missed all too often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time for a Tune-Up?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as prostate issues<\/strong> often carry a stigma, mental health issues like ADHD are similarly shrouded in embarrassment and misunderstanding. Yet, ADHD is not a personal failing but a condition rooted in neurobiological factors that can be effectively managed\u2014much like fixing a flooded transmission or troubleshooting a smartphone. In fact, one good strategy is to frame mental health conversations around an analogy like needing a software update. ADHD treatment<\/a> can involve recalibrating how your brain processes dopamine, akin to refreshing your device\u2019s operating system. An ADHD assessment is no different than taking your mental software to the Genius Bar.<\/strong> And if your spouse\/boyfriend\/relationship runs better after that, you\u2019ll only wish you\u2019d had a conversation sooner.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sound like anyone you know? <\/strong>Other signs of ADHD, <\/strong>according to the National Institute of Mental Health<\/a>, include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n