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MEN URGED TO IDENTIFY MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
It may not be manly to ask for directions, but it
takes strength and courage to recognize when you need emotional support.
In observance of National Men's Health Week, June 11-17, 2007, the California
Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) reminds men to maintain
their health, productivity and quality of life by identifying the early
signs of mental health conditions and understanding what treatment options
are available.
The most common mental health conditions amongst
males are depression, substance abuse
and suicidal thoughts. Studies
indicate men are less
likely to seek therapy than women and often
do not recognize, acknowledge
or seek treatment for their illnesses. It is critical for men to
detect
the early signs that may eventually lead to poor physical, mental
and/or
sexual health. Early
warning signs include:
•
Excessive anger, irritation or violent behavior
• Sleep deprivation
•
Inability to cope with daily activities
•
Abuse of drugs or alcohol
•
Loss of energy and fatigue
•
Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
•
Overwhelming feeling of sadness and grief
•
Decreased sexual interest or activity
At an early age, males are often reminded by friends or family members
that revealing emotions
or showing empathy is a sign of weakness. Men
tend to avoid therapy because they often do not
know how to express
their worries or thoughts.
A Marriage and Family Therapist can help
with communication
and assist with a variety of mental
health conditions such as:
• Developing techniques to manage and decrease mental health symptoms
• Strengthening the ability to heal and recover
• Modifying behavioral patterns that promote the use of a substance
• Offering healthy problem0solving exercises
• Exploring healthy alternatives to deal with life’s everyday
challenges
• Promoting open discussions of an addiction
Therapy is a cost-effective alternative treatment which offers
short- and long-term interventions.
Group therapy may be especially
appealing
to men because it is a safe environment. An interactive
group session
encourages interaction between group members and provides an opportunity
for men to learn to better interact with others.
A mental health professional, such as a licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist (MFT) is trained
to assess, diagnose and treat individuals
with conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression or an
addiction.
To learn more about the services offered by Marriage and Family
Therapists, visit California's online mental health resource, www.TherapistFinder.com.
About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27
chapters throughout the state,
is an independent professional association,
representing the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.
CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource to the public looking
for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. For more information
about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638
or visit www.camft.org.
Media Contact: Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7018 or (603) 219-6088
E-mail: tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
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