Behavioral healthcare expert explains men’s mental health epidemic

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- According to the Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of Behavioral Health, out of nearly 74,000 Missourians who received mental health treatment, 47.8% of them were male.

November is Men's Health Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to the overall health of men in the United States.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2021, just 40% of men with a reported mental illness received mental health care services in the past year, compared with 52% of women with reported mental illness.

Patrick Trapp, a substance use counselor at Family Guidance Center for Behavioral Healthcare, explains why men’s mental health is not often recognized.

“The stereotypical guy doesn't have feelings or emotions and kind of just plows through his work, without really having any problems. I think people my age and younger are starting to understand that mental health is like a real thing that needs to be talked about," said Trapp.

Mental health can impact all ages and demographics in men. On Nov. 6 this year, Marshawn Kneeland, the 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys player, took his own life after sending alarming messages to loved ones.

Trapp urges men who may be struggling mentally to seek counseling or help from family and friends, and that breaking the stigma shows true strength. Bad habits like substance abuse or self-harm are important warning signs to get help or to help someone in need.

For men and women struggling, dialing 988 or visiting Missouri988.org will get them in touch with the mental health and suicide support line.