ConnectiCare hosts men’s mental health seminar in Manchester

ConnectiCare, in collaboration with Mental Health Connecticut, organized a seminar focused on men’s mental health on Wednesday evening in Manchester. The event aimed to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by men, who are four times more likely to commit suicide compared to women, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Jacquilyn Davis from Mental Health Connecticut led a presentation highlighting the main contributors to mental health issues among men: work pressure, financial difficulties, and health concerns. Davis emphasized that these topics often remain unspoken due to societal stigma surrounding men’s mental health. She urged attendees to practice self-compassion and to avoid the pressure of conforming to traditional masculine norms, stating, “It’s important to remind yourself to be kind, to give yourself space and grace, and not put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect.”

Statistics from Mental Health America reveal that nearly 10% of men experience depression or anxiety, but fewer than 50% seek treatment. This gap in treatment access was echoed by David Richardson from Bristol, who attended the seminar to learn how to communicate effectively with his grandson about behavioral changes he has noticed. He expressed a desire for his family to have open discussions about mental health, saying, “I had a loving family, but we didn’t talk about it very much. I just want it to be different for him.”

Another attendee, Aristede Hill from Bloomfield, reported feeling empowered after the seminar to initiate conversations about mental health with others. He noted, “I can talk to people and let them know that, ‘hey, listen, you don’t look good. You don’t feel well. Maybe you need to get a higher level of care.’ Being a resource for folks is really important to normalize mental health.”

Mark Meador, president of ConnectiCare, highlighted the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, stating, “You can’t just look at one. You have to look at both to really help the individual and our members.” Mental Health Connecticut and ConnectiCare are committed to providing resources and support to promote better mental health outcomes in the community. For more information on available resources, individuals can access a directory provided by Mental Health Connecticut.