Men’s Issues

Are you feeling lost and uncertain about the way your life is going? Do you suffer from anxiety or depression? Do you wish you had someone to talk to but are afraid that asking for help isn’t “the manly thing to do?”

Men are traditionally discouraged from seeking therapy. The number of men who seek treatment for mental health issues is significantly lower than the number of women with the same mental health concerns.

Why is this?

From a young age, men are taught a narrow version of masculinity – to be "strong" and to keep their emotions in check. This frequently leads to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The very emotions they should seek help for, they stuff down and go it alone. Bearing their emotional pain seems a better idea than opening themselves up to the stigma of seeking therapy.

What are some of those most common mental health issues plaguing men?

• Substance abuse – Men are far more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs in an effort to medicate difficult feelings.
• Economic factors – Unemployment is hard, and many men tie their worth or value to being the breadwinner.
• Trauma - Men sometimes brush major life events off, and this can have a trickle down effect into other parts of life, such as relationships. 
• Relationship issues – Believe it or not, studies have shown that men rely more on their partners for emotional support than women do. This can make relationship problems particularly hard to deal with.
• Challenges related to fatherhood – While it can be a great source of joy, fatherhood can also cause stress and anxiety, particularly for new fathers.

Mental health issues manifest differently in men than in women, resulting in many going completely ignored and untreated. Often men minimize or don’t recognize their own emotional pain. This can result in them bottling up their emotions, which often leads to secondary problems. 

If you or a man love is struggling with mental health issues and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch with me. There is no stigma in seeking help, only relief from the burdens you are currently carrying alone.