Men’s Counseling
In much of the world today, men are still raised to be some mythical human – strong, capable, unfazed by life’s problems, able to solve every issue and handle any concern without blinking an eye. At the same time, they’re also expected to express their feelings and clearly communicate how much they love their partners, family, and friends. They’re supposed to contribute to their communities and do all of this without breaking a sweat. It’s a tall order and our expectations set us all up for failure.
The cliche that most men don’t like to ask for help, is unfortunately, true. Not asking for help and needing to communicate their feelings creates a dilemma most men don’t want to venture into. When a man asks for help communicating his feelings, it’s a brave and deliberate step setting him up for a happier and healthier life.
That sort of vulnerability takes a great deal of courage.
What Is The Biggest Mental Health Issue In Men?
The biggest mental health issue facing men is often considered to be depression, alongside underdiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems due to our collective societal expectations, stigma, and a tendency to internalize emotions or express distress through anger or substance use.
This reluctance to address mental health concerns can exacerbate the severity of conditions like depression, leading to higher rates of suicide among men compared to women. Addressing these issues requires societal changes to normalize mental health discussions among men, encouraging them to seek support and treatment without fear of judgment or emasculation.
Don’t wait. Call me now!
I have a heart for men’s issues and support men to discover greater possibilities of aliveness and confidence. If you want to learn new tools and ultimately have more fulfilling relationships, working with me can be a “game-changer”. Why don’t you give it a shot?
Achieve the Life YOU Want
Despite advances in understanding that men are human too, there are still many misconceptions about how therapy can help men. I’d like you to throw the concept that therapy is simply “talking about our feelings” out the window because therapy can actually help you live the kind of life you want and help you answer deep life questions.
There are many reasons to see a therapist, including:
- Life transitions (starting or ending a relationship, new job, moving)
- Difficulties with partner regarding intimacy and affection
- Numbing or pushing away emotions
- Non-medically explained sexual issues
- Difficulty focusing or low motivation
- Challenges related to fatherhood
- Changes in mood or energy level
- Feeling restless or “on edge”
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Anger and irritability
Therapy for men doesn’t have to be boring and it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Do any of these questions resonate with you?
- Have you achieved everything you ever wanted and still feel like you haven’t accomplished enough?
- Does your partner tell you she wants to connect with you, but you don’t know what she means?
- Are you confused by your role as a man, particularly in meaningful relationships?
- Do you feel extremely tired and don’t feel like yourself anymore?
- Do you feel like you are caught in a rut?
If any of this strikes a nerve, you’ve made an important first step: admitting there may be an issue. Let’s take it a step further and recognize you may need help in becoming the man you really want to be.
Think of men’s counseling as any sort of routine maintenance, like with your car or your home: you know it’s important to do and it often takes a professional to get it done. You don’t need to be in crisis-mode to see a counselor.
Men’s Mental Health In America
Men’s mental health in America is a pressing issue, with societal norms and stigma often preventing men from seeking the help they need. Statistics reveal concerning trends:
- Men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
- Additionally, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that men are more likely to engage in substance abuse and less likely to access mental health services.
Despite experiencing similar rates of mental health disorders as women, men often struggle in silence, contributing to a cycle of untreated mental health conditions.
The importance of seeing a therapist or getting counseling for men cannot be overstated. Therapy offers a confidential and supportive space to explore and address mental health challenges, break down harmful stereotypes about masculinity, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Mental health professionals can provide men with tools to manage stress, depression, anxiety, and other issues in a constructive way, ultimately leading to an improved well-being and quality of life.
Encouraging men to seek mental health support is crucial in changing the narrative around masculinity and mental health, helping to ensure that men do not face these challenges alone.
What Percentage Of Men Have A Therapist?
The percentage of men who have a therapist is not precisely defined, as it varies by region, age, and other demographic factors. However, studies and surveys consistently show that men are less likely than women to seek mental health treatment, including therapy. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that approximately half as many men report using mental health services as women.
When Is Men’s Mental Health Month?
Men’s Mental Health Month is observed in June in the United States. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues specifically affecting men and promoting the importance of mental health care, including therapy. The month also serves to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health discussions among men, encouraging open conversations and support for those struggling.
Benefits of Seeing a Men’s Therapist
Research shows that men benefit highly from talking to a professional – even more than women do. Men’s therapy, like any counseling, should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. The work of a therapist is tailored to fit your needs and based on the challenges you’re facing like divorce, stress, fatherhood, or trauma, there are many ways therapy can help:
- Manage Stress & Anger: Discover ways to manage your stress and anger more effectively with tools that improve how you feel & your emotional output.
- Improve Communication & Relationships: Learn the tools to improve dysfunctional relationships while becoming more present and reliable as a partner, father, son, friend, or leader.
- Increase Motivation & Energy: Understand how setting limits with work and boundaries in interpersonal relationships can help free up time while increasing motivation and energy.
Men’s Counseling: Frequently Asked Questions
How can men improve their mental health?
Men can improve their mental health by prioritizing self-care, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet. Building a support network of friends and family, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and engaging in activities they enjoy can also significantly boost well-being. Importantly, seeking professional help from a licensed therapist when needed, whether through therapy or counseling, is a crucial component of maintaining and working towards mental health recovery.