SERVICES
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Men tend to neglect their state of mind because of the stigma of depression, sexual dysfunction and porn addiction. Men suffering from depression develop an unpredictable and isolating nature often masked by unhealthy coping strategies that ignore the underlying problem. If left undiagnosed and untreated, depression can have severe consequences and men often turn to alcohol or stimulants to numb their pain. Dr Raksha Singh specialises in diagnosing and treating depression, mood and anxiety disorders in men. As we evolve into a technologically focused society, addictions related to porn, sexual dysfunction and substance abuse are increasing; thus, Dr Singh provides psychotherapeutic interventions for these conditions.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN MEN?
Men and women experience and handle depression differently. Coping strategies and the intensity of the condition are mainly dependent on life experiences, hormones and neurological health. Men suffering from depression adopt escapist behaviour, engaging in distractions at work or in sport. Symptoms of depression may also arise in abusive behaviour; men are often experiencing physical symptoms of headaches, persistent pain and digestive problems.
In a majority of men, depression remains undiagnosed for several reasons. Failure to recognise the disease as a severe medical condition is often the main reason for the lack of diagnosis and treatment of the mental illness. Men with depression are more likely to downplay their symptoms. They mask their emotions for fear of being shamed. Men also engage in distractions to shield themselves from potential attacks on their masculinity.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PORN ADDICTION IN MEN?
Porn through the use of explicit pictures, videos or written material is designed to elicit sexual arousal. Watching porn is often construed as normal behaviour for most men. This habit tends to seep into their daily routine and can become addictive once it starts to consume their life. Symptoms of porn addiction include:
- Not being able to take a break from the addiction
- Constantly craving pornographic material
- Failure to maintain healthy relationships
Those who are addicted to porn always desire unrealistic sexual pleasure and develop anxiety disorders associated with addiction. These men may also perform poorly at work and avoid healthy social encounters with colleagues or neighbours from their community. Porn addiction becomes deadly when it is seen as a reward for work performance, or the patient fails to take care of their basic physical needs due to preoccupation with the addiction.
TREATING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Dr Singh treats depression in men by setting realistic goals and prioritising coping strategies to manage stress through the use of pharmacological treatments. This may also include mindfulness, exercise and meditation techniques to relieve tension associated with depression. Through psychotherapy, Dr Singh identifies unfulfilled sexual desires to develop strategies to cope with psychological distress. Dr Singh will recommend necessary lifestyle changes such as limiting the time spent consuming pornographic material to improve one’s quality of life.