Imagine if it was only socially acceptable for women to get treatment for cancer? For example, if treatment was available to men, but there was so much societal stigma around it that most men just went without. In fact, they just never sought medical intervention?
Unfortunately, this is how it often is when it comes to men and mental health treatment. Since it’s currently much more “acceptable” for women to share emotions and discuss feelings than it is for men.
Statistics around men’s mental health are pretty bleak. Suicide rates in males are 4 times what they are in females.
June is men’s health month. Mental health is a huge determining factor in overall health. Here we’ll touch on the issues that arise when mental health goes unaddressed. Then some ways we can all help to break down the stigma. So that everyone who needs therapy can participate, without any feelings of shame.
Danger of Not Processing Feelings
If you actually break it down, it’s pretty silly. Why are feelings, a big part of what it means to be a human, only traditionally “acceptable” for women to share and display?
In fact, one of the most damaging aspects of this message is that some men lose touch with their feelings altogether. Men’s default emotion may be anger, but often they don’t even know why they’re angry. They’ve lost touch with the emotion the anger is filling in for.
When you don’t process, explore or even understand feelings it leads to you being emotionally devoid and unavailable. In turn, you live an unbalanced and unfulfilled life.
Burden of Unprocessed Feelings
Just like a garage is often stacked with haphazard boxes, tools, and all sorts of random junk. The task of organizing it, then purging what’s no longer needed can feel completely overwhelming. It’s tempting to just close the door and ignore it all.
However, when the project is started, bit by bit, order is restored. Useless unwanted or broken items are disposed of properly. Like-items are neatly stacked together. The floor is swept and now there’s space to park the car.
Mental health is similar. On the face of it, sometimes what’s going on may seem so overwhelming. So overwhelming, that it’s tempting for you to shut the proverbial garage door.
Instead box by box, issue by issue, one traumatic incident or limiting self-belief at a time, you drag it all out into the light. Afterwards, it can get sorted and worked through accordingly.
How We Can Help
Further, we continue to erode the stigma surrounding men and mental health. It’s important we teach children of all genders how feelings play in the overall human experience.
Kids should not be punished for feelings, or encouraged to “suck it up.” By labeling feelings and understanding why they’re there, children learn to connect with themselves. Then with their needs, and learn to express them appropriately.
The sad truth is as a parent, when you don’t understand your own feelings, you are unable to properly teach your kids about the deeper, more complex emotions.
For those in a relationship or who have close male friends, it’s vital to be open and supportive. When they choose to be vulnerable and share how they feel, be there for them. Encourage them to be open. Ask questions, and listen.
In addition, let’s continue to put a stop to these silly outdated stereotypes. We only get one shot at this incredible life. All of us should be given the chance to freely experience the depth of what it means to be a human.
Begin In person in Roseville, CA, Fair Oaks, CA, or Therapy Online in California:
Individual therapy provides many benefits for both your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. From handling challenging life events to learning to live with ongoing mental health issues. As well as to simply getting help with everyday stress, seeking counseling can help you live your best life.
If you are ready to start individual therapy, we have a variety of exceptional therapists ready to help you. Take a look at their bios and if you would like to schedule a free 15-minute consultation give us a call.
Other Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to Individual therapy for adults Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones heal and grow.