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 feel like your feelings matter less than women’s or you’re not supposed to talk about your feelings?

Unfortunately, men are less likely to seek out therapy, but that certainly does not mean that they never need to go to therapy. According to a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey, the number of men that seek mental health treatment is significantly lower than women with the same concerns.

Why is this?

From a young age, men are taught to be strong and not talk about feelings. Or they may feel that their feelings are unimportant. These methods for coping often lead to men feeling isolated, anxious, and depressed. Instead of seeking help, they will often stuff their emotions down and try to manage them on their own. It can often feel like a better option to manage their emotions alone instead 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.
• Economic factors – Sometimes careers do not go as planned, you lose your job or you are overwhelmed by child support, or just generally paying the bills and many men tie their worth and value into being a provider. 
• Bullying – Many men are victims of bullying and violence.
• 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. Many times new fathers are trying to balance work and adjusting to being a new parent with little time off. 

There is no denying that 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 results in them bottling up their emotions, which often leads to a manifestation of a physical disease or illness, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

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