It is a common stereotype that men don’t like to ask for help, nor do they like going to see a doctor. While this does not account for all men, they are much less likely than women to seek help when they need it, specifically when it comes to mental health. Men aren’t gender-immune to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression; everybody can become affected by these disorders at some point or another in their lifetime.
Outdated and rigid gender roles where a man must be stoic and independent and that they are “weak” for showing emotion may contribute to men not seeking help. However, this display of “toxic masculinity” prevents men from embracing their emotions and overcoming their mental health issues. Others suggest that men who do not seek help don’t feel comfortable doing so. Unfortunately, men might not know how to ask for help or where to look for it.
Recognize When You’re Struggling
Men tend to act out when they struggle to cope with stressful situations. Such behavior might appear as poor impulse control, angry outbursts, or excessive drug and alcohol use. Any one of these behaviors may suggest that a man is coping with difficult emotions that may result from an underlying mental illness. Being able to recognize when these behaviors occur is essential in helping to uncover the issue. However, there are no set rules to follow when it comes to each individual, and it should also be understood that acting out is a sign that a person is struggling, regardless of gender.
Not every male will react the same way when struggling; it comes down to understanding if behavioral changes are not typical of how one usually behaves. When such signs of behavioral change present themselves, it is time to uncover why instead of avoiding it or waiting for it to pass. Seeking help in these times can help combat the further development of negative thoughts and behaviors.
Dismiss the Male Stigma
Stigmas have long affected and deterred people from getting help. However, stigmas only gain power when a person believes it to be true. Still, the idea that men are less emotional and open to talk is a belief than many men subscribe to, thus preventing them from getting help. However, men are emotional beings and should express the range of emotions they have to express themselves. The more men who can openly discuss their struggles and benefits from seeking support, the more it can encourage other men to do so.
Eventually, enough men who open up will normalize this behavior and reduce feelings of shame and isolation from the stigma. If you are a male who is comfortable seeking help and opening up emotionally, you can be a leader by sharing your story in the community. Whether men in your community admit it or not, your words will reach them and could have a positive impact on them. It begins with dismissing the stigma and becoming less afraid to talk about men and their struggles.
Start the Conversation
It might seem hard or even near impossible to find someone to trust when you are struggling. It might be an intimidating thought for men to start the first conversation with their closest friends and family members. While fear and apprehension are validated, getting help for a mental health issue is no different from getting help for a physical ailment – getting help is the logical and smart thing to do. It takes a great deal of courage and resilience to open up and remember, the loved ones in our lives love and support us. Sometimes, understanding that there are people who love and support you is enough to bring comfort and lower the barriers to opening up. However, it all begins with starting the first conversation.
Benefits of Treatment for Men
Everybody wants balance in life; sometimes, it is hard to achieve this alone. Seeking treatment offers many benefits, such as helping to understand one’s condition, reducing symptoms, improving the ability to process stress, and improving relationships with the self and others.
Treatment also helps create peer support, which helps create a safe space to open up but strengthen and destigmatize the beliefs about men and mental illnesses within the community. The best part about seeking treatment is that your life no longer has to be defined by the thoughts and opinions influenced by ignorance. Treatment helps the individual look inward and discover who they are and how they tell their story. By doing so, they can strengthen the connection with self and others, a freeing feeling.
The ability to overcome the challenges of mental health disorders takes work, persistence and the ability to be open to change. At DiscoveryMD, we work with individuals based on their unique needs. In addition to treatment, we strive to expand upon the recovery community and advocate to help break down outdated beliefs about recovery, gender roles and medicine. With 24/7 admissions, there is never a wrong time to reach out. To learn more, contact us. Start your journey to healing today.