MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Since time immemorial, society has always described or expected men to be strong, tough providers. These predetermined roles never mention that men can also be vulnerable, sad, and ask for help.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 49,000 people die by suicide in the United States. More than 800 people have died in Alabama.
Although suicide does not target a specific gender, Donna Leslie of Calastar Health says men are more likely to commit suicide.
“Because they’re going to go get their guns. They’re going to go for something quick and immediate,” Leslie said.
While women tend to struggle with mental illness internally, there are noticeable signs that men can tell when they’re struggling.
“There’s a lot of violence, a lot of drug use, and a lot of not feeling comfortable asking for help or expressing your feelings,” Leslie said.
“I experienced drug problems in my family. I grew up with my mother taking drugs. My grandparents raised me,” counselor Antonio Givan said.
Givan says his upbringing has influenced the way he views himself and his role in society.
“I often asked God, ‘What is my purpose?’ And I would tell people that my purpose was this, so I would change my answer and ask God, ‘What is His purpose? What is it?’” Givan said.
Givan is currently helping people in need through God’s guidance through the Learning through Faith Counseling program, which provides one-on-one counseling and marriage counseling.
“People often lose faith, and it’s easy to lose faith. But as long as you have that hope, we’ll put you back in place and let you know it’s okay now.” I have love,” Givan said.
Besides faith-based counseling, there are other options for people who need help.
Leslie encourages men to find the treatment that’s right for them, either in one counseling session or in a group.
While you can contact your primary care physician to find mental health resources near you, Leslie acknowledged that Alabama lacks resources specifically for men.
If you need urgent care, call the Suicide and Crisis Line at 988.
Click here to contact Carastar Crisis Center.
For additional resources, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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