While men experience mental health issues at the same rate as women, they are less likely to seek treatment. There are many reasons for this, including the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Men may feel they are not allowed to express their emotions, so it’s difficult for them to open up in therapy. Fortunately, there are ways to encourage men to seek therapy services for their mental health.
Job Performance
Often, men’s mental health issues impact their ability to work. They may feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or depressed, leading to problems at home and in the workplace.
Several studies recommend a male-oriented approach to treatment by embracing masculine norms and promoting autonomy over dependency. These strategies were found to be effective at increasing help-seeking.
Another recommendation includes using male-oriented language and avoiding clinical or pathologizing labels for symptoms of psychological distress. Instead, a more general term such as ‘low mood’ or’ distressing experiences’ may be more appropriate to reduce stigma and bolster engagement. In addition, aiming for a collaborative relationship and purposeful leveling of power between client and clinician can increase engagement. Similarly, framing the discussion around wellness activities can also boost employment.
Coping Skills
Healthy coping skills can help men deal with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. A professional therapist like Elevated Counseling provides Denver Men’s Therapy which can teach men how to manage these symptoms and provide strategies for self-care.
Getting help for mental health problems isn’t just about getting better; it also helps prevent the onset of more severe symptoms. That’s why men need to get regular screenings for mental health issues.
Many men struggle to ask for help because it shows weakness. But men need to know that asking for help is not a weakness, and they deserve to be happy and healthy. Processes such as providing information and using role models, psychoeducational materials to improve mental health knowledge, helping men recognize and manage their symptoms, active problem-solving tasks, and motivating behavior change have all shown some promise for improving male help-seeking.
Sex Life
Men can struggle with sexual problems in a variety of ways. Often, these issues are caused by mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
Many of these issues may not be apparent to others, but a man’s therapist can help him find ways to improve his quality of life. Whether he can perform in the bedroom or his overall confidence, therapy can effectively tackle these issues.
It’s also essential for men to have a therapist with whom they can discuss personal feelings without fear of judgment or negative repercussions. A therapist can be a trusted confidant who helps him explore his thoughts and emotions, often not addressed by family or friends. This can be a massive relief for many men.
Confidence
Men can often feel overwhelmed by their emotions and may not understand that they are experiencing mental health disorder symptoms. They can also be discouraged by the negative social stigma surrounding mental health treatment, making them feel like they don’t deserve help or that it will make them less manly.
Studies suggest that interventions that emphasize a collaborative approach and do not rely on a diagnostic framework are likelier to engage male clients. Interventions that framed counseling services as an opportunity to learn skills and increase self-control rather than as a treatment for what is wrong with them were also found particularly engaging for men.
Other ways to access help include asking your primary care physician or a friend for referrals and checking your insurance provider’s list of approved providers. If you cannot afford a therapist, try asking local colleges and universities if they offer low-fee counseling with their trainees.
Mental Health Stigma
Men can feel that it’s not acceptable to show emotions and can be discouraged from seeking help. They may be influenced by the public stigma that creates stereotypes about people with mental health conditions, which can negatively affect their job prospects, housing decisions, and even the quality of healthcare they receive.
They may also internalize this stigma, leading them to blame themselves or hide their condition from others. This can lead to loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness, which mental illness symptoms like depression can exacerbate.
There are many ways that people can help reduce mental health stigma. This includes educating others, avoiding insensitive or hurtful language, and speaking out when someone stereotypes mental illness negatively. Celebrities, politicians, and athletes can also play a role in reducing stigma by sharing their own experiences.
