Mental Health Stigma and Men

Mental Health Stigma and Men

Due to cultural expectations, men have a harder time seeking treatment and often suffer in silence. The surrounding stigma and what being a “man” is, makes it difficult for men to admit that they really need to seek help and many do not even believe that there could be a chemical component to their mental health. “It’s all in your head” one may say and men are frequently expected to be strong, independent, and stoic, which can cause them to experience feelings of shame or embarrassment if they are unable to measure up to these expectations.

Because of the social standards of masculinity men are less likely to seek treatment for their anxiety and depression compared to women. On top of that men and women may have different symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many of us can think back to a movie or show that we have seen where a depressed woman may seem sad, crying, maybe even helpless or emotionless, and those are the standards we go by. However, men may appear more angry and irritable in a depressed state, which furthers the drift between seeing the possibility of a mental health need and seeking treatment.

Without assistance, many men can turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms and remain within a toxic cycle of a double-edged sword as they refuse to seek help and worsen their condition.

We understand that it may take some time for a man to warm up to a therapist. There are confidential support groups and telehealth or other online tools that can prove to be an easier first step.