Man shares mental health journey to inspire other men to seek help

CLEVELAND — Anthony Stevens mentioned his early 20s introduced him ache. 

“I used to be remoted in my bed room, desirous about harming myself, not socializing with individuals, not socializing with my mom,” he mentioned. 

He mentioned that is why, 25 years in the past, his case employee introduced him to the Magnolia Clubhouse in Cleveland to obtain assist. 

“Once I acquired right here, I discovered methods to work, to register, to stitch, talk higher, to socialize with individuals exterior the clubhouse, in addition to to have extra pals,” he mentioned. 

The American Basis for Suicide Prevention experiences the suicide price was practically 4 occasions larger for males than females in 2020. 

Scientific Director Angel Chapin mentioned this price is the heartbreaking actuality ensuing within the premature deaths of males all through our nation. 

“Society thinks of melancholy as somebody fighting unhappiness,” she mentioned. “However for males, that’s usually not what it appears like. For males, it will probably seem like irritability. It might seem like anger. Whereas a lady would possibly search counseling, perhaps even medicine for melancholy, males are sometimes more likely to search medicine and alcohol or dangerous conduct.” 

Chapin mentioned it’s necessary to understand the state of affairs is dire and encourages individuals to assist break the stigma surrounding psychological well being and males. 

“The opposite issues are to be supportive, to not allow,” she mentioned. “So, if any person that I really like is fighting being offended as a result of they’ve melancholy, I do not wish to say that that is okay, as a result of I do know that they are struggling. I wish to encourage them to get assist. I need them to know the implications of not getting assist, together with the way it impacts our relationship.” 

Stevens mentioned he loves Could as a result of it’s Psychological Well being Consciousness Month. 

“It is an ideal month of the 12 months for me trigger it is particular for me, as a result of it jogs my memory that folks care about psychological sickness and care about me,” he mentioned. 

He mentioned he needs all individuals, however particularly males, to know they’re heard. 

“Do not wait,” he mentioned. “Do not go it alone. Oh, there’s individuals out right here. There are organizations out right here that will help you discover that group and discover a good physician, discover a good individual to speak to. The clubhouse is a good place to start out getting your life again collectively.”