Mental Fitness
Accidental injury (including auto accidents, drug and alcohol related deaths, and occupational injuries), suicide, and homicide are the leading causes of death form men under 45. These causes are all associated with mental health and male socialization, and they represent a growing issue. After decades of improvement, since 2016 overall life expectancy in the U.S. has decreased. This trend is becoming increasingly attributed to "diseases of despair." Specifically suicide and drug and alcohol related deaths.[1]
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Joiner's Theory of Suicide/Self-harm provides a useful framework for considering these diseases collectively.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that hyper-masculinity might be the single greatest reason for the poor health of men. Another recent report by Cable News Network (CNN) highlights the importance and value of men working to help one another to transform in adjustment to a healthier and more balanced world.
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The following graphic provides some guidance for moving from a conditioned and unhealthy state of hyper-masculinity (black ring elements) to an equitable, less stressful, happy and healthy way of living (gray ring).
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Parmet, Wendy E. and Huer, Jennifer, Introduction to 'Diseases of Despair: The Role of Policy and Law' (July 25, 2018). Northeastern University School of Law Research Paper No. 328-2018. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3220024 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3220024