By ACSET Community Action Agency
A strongly held social norm in Western culture is that boys don’t cry and real men are tough. Healthy Men Michigan and former Detroit Lions quarterback and FOX NFL color analyst, Eric Hipple, disagree. Eric is a suicide loss survivor and mental health advocate who has dedicated the last 17 years of his life to building awareness and breaking the stigma around depression and mental illness. Healthy Men Michigan is a campaign dedicated to engaging men in conversations about mental health. Together they are working to help save lives in Michigan.
The rate of suicide in Michigan has risen almost 40% since 2000 and is considered one of the top 10 causes of death in our state. The most significant increase was found in working-aged men. This is partially because men are less likely than women to recognize and seek help for mental health issues. Healthy Men Michigan is targeting this group to help them become aware of their mental fitness and address issues before it’s too late.
Healthy Men Michigan is helping men:
Recognize the symptoms
At healthymenmichigan.org, anyone—regardless of gender—can take an online, anonymous self-assessment to see if they have symptoms of depression.
Get rid of the stigma
Depression and mental illness are medical conditions that can be treated. Healthy Men Michigan is offering a free webinar, Tackling Men’s Mental Fitness, by Eric Hipple on Monday, September 25 from 12-1 pm. Participants will learn about his personal loss, struggle and recovery. Interested? Register here!
Connect to Resources
Find a listing of local mental health care facilities and substance abuse services in West Michigan on the Healthy Men Michigan website. Most counties include phone numbers for 24 hour emergency services for those in crisis.
Over six million men in the US experience depression. It is a common condition that is treatable. Seeking help shows strength and courage. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, there is help. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or call 911. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline has confidential, emotional support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
