Society paints men as strong, dependable and resolute individuals. They serve as the foundations at home and in the community. However, discussions about men and mental health issues remain a hush because these highlight their emotions and vulnerability.
Men are susceptible to mental health issues the same as everyone else. They need to be given an opportunity and a safe place to talk about their problems without being condoned, judged and ridiculed. They need to learn how to take the reins in handling their mental health issues.
Why do men not talk about their mental health issues?
It is not just society but even men want to uphold their dominant image. Unlike women, they find it a hurdle to discuss their troubles at home, their worries at work or their issues in relationships. Based on data from the National Health Interview Survey, 9% of men in the United States feel depressed or anxious every day.
1. Men assume that everything is under control.
Whenever there is a problem at home, men find a solution all on their own. Whenever there is a disagreement at work, they find ways to fix them. Men grow up thinking that they do not need help if they are faced with problems. They feel that talking about their problems to other people does not clear up anything.
2. Men think that asking for help is for the weak.
This gender stereotype pushes men to deal with their problems on their own even if they cannot do it alone. They want people to see that nothing could crack them. For many of them, it is much easier to pretend that their problems do not exist rather than asking for help.
3. Men feel that their problems may be a burden for other people.
Just like the majority of the people, one reason that men rarely discuss their mental health issues is because they may be a burden to them. They feel that once they open up about their issues, their family and friends would feel obligated to help them.
4. Men do not feel comfortable talking about their emotions.
Discussing one’s feelings and thoughts are always uncomfortable and men find it miserable and dragging. For them, it does not look manly when, on every whim, they ask for help or discuss their issues with others. It is enough that they already discuss these things with their partners. Dealing with their emotions is a cross to bear.
5. Men’s mental health issues are not their top priorities.
Men are the breadwinners in the family. Their main responsibility is to provide all the needs of their partners and children. Their mental health issues are the least of their concern because they do not help in paying the bills. They do not see the relevance of addressing their mental health issues and their capacity of being a good provider.
What are the most common mental health issues among men?
When men deal with something serious, they prefer to do it on their own. They refuse to ask or receive help thinking that they can manage their problems better. The constant thought of controlling everything makes them exhausted and more stressed out.
Isolation
Not many people are aware that social isolation is a serious issue that has affected men. Men have the tendency to withdraw themselves from others whenever they have problems. Isolation and extreme feeling of loneliness can be possible causes why men resort to alcohol or substance abuse, violence or even suicide.
Depression
It is hard to picture men being depressed because society is not used to seeing them as emotional and sensitive. Depression among men is still considered a taboo which is why men prefer to keep it to themselves every time they feel down. According to a study, 30.6% of men experience depression at one point in their lives.
Anxiety Disorders
Since there is a certain level of standard among men in society, there is so much pressure and expectations they need to fulfill. Feeling anxious and worried all the time in not meeting these expectations puts men on edge as they provide for their family, do well in their jobs and be responsible citizens in the community.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
One research shows that 60% of men experienced at least one trauma in their lives. Traumas can be in the form of accidents, assaults, natural disasters or dealing with death. Though women have a higher risk of having PTSD, it is not uncommon for men to be diagnosed with this.
Alcohol Use Disorder
For men, the safest way to deal with their problems and issues in life is alcohol. Alcohol lets them forget their worries and pain for a short time. People who are depressed and withdrawn find comfort in alcohol. It becomes their comrade and outlet.
Where to ask for help?
Men think that going to a therapy is unhelpful and expensive. Talking about their mental health issues with a stranger is a strange and uncomfortable idea. However, the need to attend therapy near me and counseling sessions is not just helpful but it will change how you look at your life from a more matured perspective.
Mindshift Psychological Services understands where men stand when it comes to opening up about their mental health issues. Their team of professionals offers helpful therapy near me sessions that allow you and other men to come to terms with their problems and how to solve them.
Some of their therapeutic counseling sessions are Depression therapy near me, Trauma Therapy, Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples and Family Therapy near me. Visit their website for more information or contact them at (714) 584 – 9700.
