Lana's Little Things

LANA'S LITTLE THINGS #189

#healthylifestyle #counselling #seekhelp

Gents!! JUST for YOU! From me👩🏽‍⚕️😊👍🏽

Welcome back!

November is Men's Health Month! 💙

PART 1 of 2 - MENTAL HEALTH IN OLDER MALES

Sadly, this is increasing worldwide, notably among men in general; and older males.

WHY??

3 words: STIGMA ,FEAR, SHAME.🤫🥺😟

👴🏽😟" Real Men don't go to the doctor; only WEAK men do".

This is one of the MAJOR reasons for men , especially older males , from seeking help, seeking a listening ear, and descending into "depth of despair" and , sadly, suicide and substance abuse; feeling unwanted and . unvalidated.

Yet there are several factors which uniquely affect older males and there IS HELP; if we recognise the risks and note the signs and .......be the FRIEND/FAMILY that LISTENS and STICKS together.💖

Please join me as I discuss a few of these and when and where help may be found )more on that next week)

RISKS:

👴🏽😟Major depressive disorder is strongly associated with suicide among older adults

👴🏽😟Previous mental health disorders many of which were undiagnosed when younger

👴🏽😟Chronic physical ill-health is also associated with suicide risk (and the more diseases, the higher the risk and thought : "there is no help".

👴🏽😟Chronic pain appears to be a more important factor in male than in female suicide.

👴🏽😟Stressful life events – especially loss of a spouse or best friend

👴🏽😟Loss of your social circle

👴🏽😟Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

SIGNS:

👴🏽😟Social withdrawal

👴🏽😟Talk of wanting to die; saying " I'm old and no use to anyone"; "it's time for me to go"

👴🏽😟Substance use/abuse (especially silent

👴🏽😟Change of sexual identity

👴🏽😟Abuse as a child ,which was never reported or raised until very late in life; tus no help was sought or available.

👴🏽😟Retirement or loss of a job

HOW TO HELP?

👴🏽😟💙LISTEN! If your friend or relative is exhibiting any of these signs , listen to the unspoken word; take them seriously (suicide among older persons IS increasing)

👴🏽😟💙Don't just "bring it up"; start with general conversation and again: ;let them TALK!

👴🏽😟💙 Form a "men's only community- "MANSHED" - mentor, provode a safe space to talk freely and .... gradually suggest seeking help.

Gents; older or younger:

WE NEED YOU!💙💙💙

YOU MATTER!💙💙💙

What action step will you take TODAY?

💙Prevention, Preparation, Protection💙

Good vibes always!💗

From my heart to yours💗

Dr. Lana

(Disclaimer: this is not meant to dictate medical information; please see full advice from your medical doctor)

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Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com

For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as physicians on my website:

lanaslittlethings.com

If you're a Family Caregiver at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call-also by email -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on lanaslittlethings.com.

I always look forward to meeting Fellow Family Caregivers- we gotta stick together!💯

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