Hello friend,
This is Dr Omerine and I hope you are having a wonderful day. YES, Black men cry too. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 4 in 10 men with daily feelings of anxiety and depression took medication or sort psychotherapy. While the black men are seen as larger, more threatening than same-sized white men, there’s one thing you can’t take away from them – emotions. They’re caring and could go any length to make you happy but they could also experience mental health disorders. So as women it is important to recognize the signs of possible mental illness.

But how do you know that your man is undergoing mental illness? These five tips will help you know.

Let’s get started!

#1 When he becomes quiet or withdrawn
It is true that we crave for a quiet moment amidst the highly demanding daily schedule. However, when you notice a major change in your man’s lifestyle, where he’s beginning to withdraw from life, it could be an indicator of mental illness. When he is constantly isolating himself from you and his friends, or refusing to join social activities, then he could be dealing with psychotic, bipolar, depression or another mental health issue. He needs your help.

#2 When you notice abnormal changes in his Sleep pattern
On the average, it is expected that every normal person should observe about 7 to 9 hours of sound sleep per night. However, when you notice a constant change in your man’s sleep pattern, probably he sleeps too little or too much, it could be a clear indicator of an underlying problem – mental illness. Also known as insomnia, sleeping disorder could be a sign of substance abuse or anxiety.

#3 When he displays emotional outbursts
At one point or the other, we have different moods, which, in most cases, are dependent on the environment. However, when your man begins to display some dramatic and sudden changes in mood such as anger or extreme distress, then you could be sure that he’s dealing with mental illness. You don’t have to wait until he starts acting, as such emotional outburst could be a symptom.

#4 When he feels depressed or unhappy
When you notice that your man has suddenly lost interest in something, probably a hobby that you share together, it could be a red flag. If he seems to lack energy and motivation or seems irritable and sad for a few weeks or appears sober all the time, then he might be struggling with depression. Black men are known to be more emotional.

#5 When he feels anxious or worried over a period of time
It is true that everyone gets worried or stressed at one point or the other. But when you notice that your man gets anxious and it becomes constant and interferes almost all the time, then it could be a sign of mental illness. Other anxiety symptoms may include restlessness, headache, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, racing mind or diarrhea.

Other signs you could also look out for include;

• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Weight or appetite changes
• Substance abuse
• Changes in behavior or feelings

As much they’re regarded as the stronger vesicles and act as such, black men also experience anxiety, social awkwardness, bipolar disorder, and depression. As a lucky lady, you got a role to play; you need to be sensitive. Always remember that black men cry too.

XOXO
Dr Omerine