Men's mental health

[Elisabeta]

Hi everyone, 

I'm wanting to hear more specifically from men who struggle with their mental health.
Please feel free to add on some extra information or don't answer them if they are too direct.
Sorry if anything comes across as being naive, I'm just after some insight into this and would like to understand it better.

1. Why do men seem to isolate themselves?
 
2. When isolating yourself would you like it if someone reached out to you? Or gave you some space and time?
 
3. Why is it that men seem to turn to anger when going through a difficult time?

4. Would men like to be more open about their feelings with people and loved ones? Or do they feel like they need to 'man up'?

5. When they don't respond to calls or messages are they choosing to ignore their loved ones or are they just overwhelmed by everything and need time and space?

6. When going through a difficult time is it common not to seem interested in a loved ones day/hobbies/personal life etc? Not that they're not interested in these things but are they more focused on their own stresses that they can't seem to see what others are doing/going through?

7. What are some things people have done that you have appreciated when you've been going through a difficult time?
Or, something you wish someone did to help you through?

Thank you 

[Elisabeta]

Hi P12,
Sorry I'm not very good with conversations. The reason why I posted the original message is because I was trying to get more insight into mental health as I started seeing someone again I was with last year. He was pulling away from me like he did last year. I decided to ask him why and he told me that he's now seeing someone.
I think now he was using mental health as an excuse, he completely used me. I tried so hard to be there for him, only for him to slap me in the face one more time.
I do agree that society favours social connections. I quite enjoy being on my own also and often have people tell me that I'm a hermit but I don't see anything wrong with this. I think it shows how strong you can be by not having to always be around others.
May I ask what way God has helped you? I'm not religious but I'm part of another anonymous group who often talk about this and I'm curious to know more.
I think as big as mental health is now it's still sadly frowned upon when people open up to others about how they're feeling. The world would be a better place if people were more open minded.

[P12]

Hi Elisabeta,

I appreciate your kind reply.

I fear I do not have an immediate suggestion about your situation because I think I am not well skilled in the subject. I have never had a relationship or close friendship. I assume my values are simply not wanted or effective.

However, I hope I can share some of my insight. God has helped me by being the only real friend I have. I have long searched for a human friend but never really succeeded. A few times I have felt close to making a human friend, but I have been unsuccessful. I love God and enjoy spending time with him because I can feel that he loves me too. He helps me when I am lonely or need advice and he provides feedback to my ideas and actions. I particularly like Nature, which I consider to be part of God.

From P12.