Generally speaking, mental health has been an overlooked topic. Up until recently, mental health has not been discussed, or even acknowledged, publicly. Slowly but surely, times are starting to change but these changing tides do not always include all groups of people. More specifically, men are often exempt from the discussion on mental health issues.
The mental health of boys and men is rarely talked about even though it can take a heavy toll on their lives. When mental health issues go untreated, it can have serious impacts on one’s quality of life and physical health, going as far as to impact their life expectancy. Ignored emotional and mental health problems impact a man’s ability to fully function in society and within his family.
Anchor Therapy is a counseling center in Hoboken, NJ with mental health therapists specialized in helping children, teens, adults, and couples with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, and more. Anchor Therapy is accepting new clients and is now providing in-person sessions and teletherapy sessions to residents of New Jersey, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Utah.
Why should we care about men’s mental health?
Mental health disorders impact both men and women. Depending on the mental health disorder, the prevalence can be lower or higher for men. For example, men are often diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, at higher rates than their female counterparts. If you have ADHD, check out our blog “CBT for Adult ADHD” for more information.
On a more serious note, men are more likely to die by suicide in comparison to women. If you are feeling suicidal, help is only a phone call away at the free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988.
Some symptoms may be more common in men than in women, and the course of one’s mental health struggles can be greatly impacted by their sex. Every day, more and more research is coming out about the link between several biological and psychosocial factors that can have an impact on one’s mental health.
On average, men are consistently less likely than women to receive mental health assistance and support. Recognizing the signs that you or a loved one may need help from a professional mental health counselor is the first step in receiving treatment and feeling better. The earlier you start treatment, the better you will feel.
What is therapy for men?
Mental health counseling is used to address a wide range of issues and mental health concerns. For instance, someone may come to counseling because of a transitional issue, like a problem in a relationship or a career change. Contrastingly, another client may seek therapy for deeper issues, like unresolved childhood trauma or managing their Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. These are core issues that do not necessarily have a direct correlation with gender or gender stereotypes. In other words, they can affect anyone.
Regardless, men are less likely to seek the support of a mental health counselor. There are many reasons why men may be resistant to seek help.
It is suggested that men reach out for professional mental health care if they are struggling. For male clients specifically, clinicians find it helpful to use an array of therapeutic techniques and approaches. However, more research needs to be done to prove the effectiveness conclusively.
It is important to discuss the symptoms of men’s mental health issues and how they differ from what is commonly witnessed in women. Additionally, the barriers that men face when it comes to accessing proper mental health care must be investigated as these barriers can lead to significant consequences. For instance, men are more likely than women to engage in self-medication with drugs and alcohol. If a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and addiction, check out our blog “5 Ways to Help Someone Battling Addiction and Substance Abuse Issues.”
What are the symptoms of mental health disorders in men?
While men and women can experience the same mental health disorders, symptoms manifest differently between the two genders.
Some common signs of mental health issues in men include:
Anger, irritability, and aggressiveness
Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Hard time concentrating, feeling restless or on edge
Noticeable changes in mood, appetite, or energy level
Increased worry or feeling stressed
Engaging in high-risk activities
Difficulty feeling positive emotions
Aches, headaches, or digestive issues
Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior (Read “How to Manage OCD Intrusive Thoughts with CBT” for support)
Intrusive thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, and your social life (Check out our blog “6 Ways to Handle Intrusive Thoughts” for more information)
Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people
Please try to remember that your symptoms do not make you a bad person. You are not alone, and your symptoms are nothing to be ashamed of. You may feel like talking about your problems will not fix anything, but that could not be farther from the truth. Talking with a trusted professional who specializes in men’s mental health issues is one of the most effective acts you can take towards becoming your best self.
As mentioned previously, while men and women can get the same mental health disorders, they show up differently. For more specific information, read our blog “Anxiety: Why It Can Be Different For Men.”
Luckily, mental health disorders can be treated. Doing your research and communicating with a professional licensed therapist who suits your needs is essential.
What are some barriers that prevent men from receiving adequate mental health treatment?
We all know about the importance of mental health, and what happens when we ignore mental health concerns. To delve deeper into the world of men’s mental health, we need to understand certain obstacles that men may face when seeking out treatment.
Many of the roadblocks that men come across are common stereotypes regarding what it means to be a “man” in relation to their emotional health.
The following are examples of some misconceptions:
“Strong men do not have emotional issues”
There is a widespread cultural belief that men always need to be strong. In other words, showing their emotions is a sign of weakness while hiding their signs of internal hurt is celebrated and expected. Additionally, some mental health disorders can enhance feelings of vulnerability, fear, weakness, and insecurity.
Some mental health disorders that can increase feelings of weakness include:
Men who want to live their life according to masculine stereotypes will suppress their emotions which, inevitably, leads to unhealthy coping skills.
Some examples of unhealthy coping mechanisms that men may turn to include:
Anger
Over-working
Other forms of addiction (e.g., gambling, video games, and so on)
Men who withdraw to isolate themselves from other people will struggle internally, and their relationships at home and work could suffer as well.
2. “Real men do not ask for help”
Feeding into traditional masculine stereotypes, it is common for men to resist getting help. There may be a deep-rooted belief that they should be able to handle a problem on their own, or even expect that it will resolve itself sooner or later.
This life-long message can be a lot to overcome. It may constantly linger in the back of your mind, and you may feel like you cannot escape from it. It can be hard to admit that you need help to your partner, family members, or friends. Therefore, working with a therapist gives you an outlet to talk to someone you do not know. An unbiased professional is there to offer refuge from the crazy hustle and bustle of your everyday life, giving you a safe space to declutter your mind.
3. “A man should not need therapy or medication”
Another obstacle to men finding adequate mental health care is the belief that a man is weak if he is experiencing mental or emotional issues. Many men may blame themselves for their mental health issues, believing that it is a personal wrongdoing or a result of lifestyle habits. This can minimize the severity of mental health.
Mental health is influenced by several factors, encompassing…
Chemical imbalances within the brain
Past trauma and/or abuse
Distorted thinking
Relationship issues
Religion and spirituality
Cultural values
And more
Despite all of the barriers that may exist for men when it comes to finding quality mental health care, there is always a reason to remain hopeful. You can learn how to cope with whatever mental health struggles you are experiencing so you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Mental health counseling for men’s issues is a great place to begin your healing journey! Men can find surprising comfort in therapy for men’s issues since it offers a safe space where they can openly discuss any difficult thoughts and feelings they may be experiencing. You do not have to keep your emotions bottled up inside. Therapy is a tried and true method in easing complex mental health issues.
Highlighting the Differences: How Depression Impacts Women versus Men
There is a very real masculinity crisis going on. There are some shocking, widely-reported statistics that shed a light on how severe the male mental health crisis is. For example, it is estimated that men make up 49 percent of the population but account for 80 percent of all suicides.
Men and women view the world very differently and that is for good reason- our brains are quite literally wired differently. Therefore, men and women suffer from depression in different ways. If you think you may be struggling with depression, we recommend taking our Depression Quiz and reaching out to a depression therapist as soon as possible so you can receive the support you need. You can also check out our blog “Sadness vs Depression: When to Get Help” for more information.
For men, general life and career can be existential in many ways. Men need the ability to alter their environment. There is also a pressure to create a lasting impact or legacy. Men feel like they must make their pain have purpose or make it all stop. Adult males are more interested in finding solutions to their issues. Men tend to delve into a deeper depression if they feel like they cannot positively impact their environment.
On the other hand, for females who are experiencing depression, there is a focus on feeling unloved or even useless to their loved ones.
If you know someone struggling with depression, read our blog “3 Ways to Support Someone With Depression” for helpful tips.
Why is Anchor Therapy a good choice for male clients?
At Anchor Therapy, we give our clients the option to choose if they want to work with a male or female clinician. We have two male therapists who are a part of our amazing team! Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find male therapists as many mental health professionals are female.
Data has confirmed time and time again that men respond better to therapy by working with male therapists instead of female mental health counselors. If given the choice, the majority of men prefer to meet with male clinicians.
Our male and female licensed mental health counselors deeply understand men’s mental health issues and are committed to the inclusivity of the mental health awareness movement. Our counselors will center therapy sessions around trying to make you feel better.
How can therapy for male issues help men manage their mental health?
If you follow conversations about mental health, then you know that it is a fact that men attend therapy at smaller rates than women. There is a stigma around men’s mental health but the conversation is slowly changing.
If you are a man seeking mental health counseling for men’s issues, you are not alone. There is power and strength in asking an unbiased mental health professional for help. Please know that meeting with a therapist is not a sign of weakness.
Mental health research has shown that counseling is an effective way to treat a range of mental health disorders.
By attending therapy, men can…
Overcome mental health problems
Improve their relationships
Enact positive life changes
Overall, it can be hard for men to express their emotions and openly discuss their feelings. There is a societal stigma around men’s mental health which can make even considering therapy as an option daunting. However, therapy is always a good choice for self-improvement, especially if you are already struggling with some things.
Please remember that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Instead, try to view therapy from a lens of self-improvement and self-control. You are taking charge of your mental health and your life!
Victoria Scala
is the Social Media Manager, Intake Coordinator, and Office Manager at Anchor Therapy in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is a graduate of the Honors College of Rutgers University-Newark. In her roles, Victoria is committed to managing the office’s social media presence and prioritizing clients' needs.
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