Dr. Oz Explains Why Men Rarely Address Mental Health Issues

Although 6 million men suffer from depression each year in the U.S. alone, men’s mental health rarely receives the attention it deserves. That’s not alright with Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Dr. Oz, whose eponymous show began its seventh season this week, explained the underlying stigma of mental health among men during a HuffPost Live interview. As he told host Nancy Redd, men often shy away from discussing the issue.

“Still in some communities it’s very uncommon for men to speak out on these issues,” he said. “Men are supposed to, from a young age, adopt men-like qualities, which is not asking for help. We don’t ask for directions either, by the way.”

In other words, much of the problem stems from the perception of masculinity.

“You’re not supposed to cry and some of the emotions that you feel call for that, and it’s important for us to allow that to be part of the conversation,” he said. “I think it’s a very powerful movement that’s happening and it’s going to get louder and louder.”

Check out the video above for more on men’s mental health and watch the full conversation on HuffPost Live.

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This post is part of ShameOver: It’s Time To Talk About Men’s Mental Health, a HuffPost Healthy Living editorial initiative that aims reclaim what it means to “be strong” by addressing the stigma men face in disclosing and seeking support for mental health issues. Each week we’ll share features and personal stories about men and their caregivers as it relates to suicide, mental illness and emotional well-being. If you have a story you’d like to share, email us at strongertogether@huffingtonpost.com.

  

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