If you follow conversations about mental health, you’ve probably heard that men are much less likely to go to therapy than women. Unfortunately, this is not a myth.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 20 percent of American adults experienced mental illness in 2019. Of those adults, nearly 50 percent of women with mental illness received mental health care, but only about 37 percent of men.
There is a stigma around men’s mental health, but the conversations are changing. There is an effort to bridge this gap and help men get therapy when they need it. If he’s a man considering therapy, he’s not alone.
Remember that talking to a therapist is not a sign of weakness. It takes strength and determination to face your mental health head-on.
Therapy can be used to manage a wide range of problems and mental health concerns. For example, therapy helps people cope with job stress and relationship problems, overcome past trauma, and manage anxiety and mood disorders such as depression. These core issues and concerns are genderless and can affect anyone.
but men are least likely to seek therapy. They may resist seeking help for many reasons and may have trouble fully participating in therapy when they seek it. Some therapists and researchers believes that it is beneficial to use different techniques and approaches to therapy when working with male patients.
Has been He suggested that some current therapeutic practices may actually aggravate feelings of depression in some men. As of now, this conclusion is neither proven nor investigated. More research is still needed to determine the best strategies to ensure that men can receive the full benefits of the therapy.
It’s an important conversation to have. Barriers between men and therapy can have significant consequences. Studies have shown that men are more likely than women to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
Furthermore, suicide is 10th most common cause of death in the United States, but there is a large gender difference in suicide rates. On 75 percent of all suicide deaths are men.
There are numerous reasons why it is often difficult for men to seek mental health help. Social messages still tell many men that talking about their feelings and asking for help is a sign of weakness and makes them less of a man.
From a young age, some boys are told that crying is something only girls do and that they should do things “like a man.” Men are often taught to stay strong at all times and are told to face their problems quietly and independently.
This lifelong message is a lot to get over. It creates a serious stigma around men’s mental health. It makes it difficult for men to admit that they have struggled with their mental health even to their closest partners, family or friends. It can make men feel guilty about asking for help or seeking therapy.
Fortunately, this stigma is slowly beginning to diminish. Education about the importance of mental health is growing. Multiple initiatives that aim to reduce the embarrassment of seeking help have begun in recent years.
On social media, men are increasingly talking about their mental health and encouraging other men to do the same. Furthermore, studies show that millennials and members of Generation Z of any gender are more like than members of previous generations to seek therapy.
Men often have different symptom of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions than women. These signs can go unnoticed by the men who experience them, their loved ones, and even some doctors and therapists. These symptoms are just as valid and it is important to be aware of them so you know when to seek therapy.
Signs that it’s a good idea to seek therapy include if you have:
- felt more irritable than usual
- been having angry outbursts of aggression
- felt low or depressed
- felt overwhelmed or like you were under a lot of pressure
- unexpectedly lost or gained weight
- been drinking or using drugs more often than usual
- have been relying on alcohol or drugs to get through a difficult time
- lost interest in things you normally enjoy
- had trouble concentrating at work, school, or at home
- had more headaches or days feeling generally unwell
- been sleeping too much or too little
- felt drained or exhausted even after a good night’s sleep
Remember that you are not alone and that these symptoms are nothing to be ashamed of. It’s common to feel that talking about your problems won’t do any good, but that’s not the case.
Talking to a therapist is one of the most effective ways you can take action and start feeling better. They can help you work through the feelings you have and find solutions that work for you.
While it is not necessary to work with a male therapist, it can be helpful to connect with a therapist who understands the stigmas and challenges men face when it comes to accessing health care.
This may be especially important for men who belong to historically marginalized groups or are part of a low-resource community. Feeling safe, comfortable, and accepted by your therapist is a key factor in making therapy an effective treatment.
To connect with therapists near you, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline at 800-662-4357.
If you’re looking for a more specific guide, you can start by checking out some of the directories below:
Research has consistently shown that therapy is an effective way to treat mental health. Therapy can help men overcome mental health conditions, improve their relationships, and make positive life changes. The therapy is widely considered to have a positive impact on the men who participate in it.
It can be hard for men to ask for help and talk about their feelings. The social stigma surrounding men’s mental health has made it difficult for many men to consider therapy as an option. But seeking therapy can be very helpful for men.
It is not a sign of weakness to need to talk to someone, it is a sign that you are taking charge of your mental health and your life.
.
