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Men’s mental health has long been overlooked, even as awareness around mental health in general continues to grow. According to a recent article in Psychology Today, the issue of mental health care for men remains a little discussed and widely misunderstood issue.
And so as we celebrate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we seek to train a spotlight on what has for too long been hidden in the shadows.
The Masculinity of Mental Health Care
Although we’ve come a long way, many mental health practices still focus largely on women. That leaves men searching for help, struggling to find answers and often feeling misunderstood. They may find themselves unable to express the stressors, burdens, and traumas they’re laboring under from day to day.
But there’s a definite link between mental health conditions and trauma. That is not only true for women, but for men, too. Consider issues like childhood abuse, violence, and various other past events that could shape mental health development.
Cultural norms surrounding masculinity can put unnecessary pressure on males seeking assistance.
With society frequently telling men to be strong and work through issues, the advice sometimes turns to men looking for unhealthy ways to cope. That may mean using drugs or alcohol to numb the symptoms and avoiding the problems of developing anger issues and becoming violent. Without a healthy support system, these men may not know how to channel their emotions.
There is a growing awareness surrounding mental health and how crucial it is to find treatment. Still, men may feel stigmatized and avoid being vulnerable. Some have expressed concerns with providers who don’t seem to understand or specialize in men’s issues.
Reversing the Stigma of Men’s Mental Health Care
So, what is needed to help men get the help they need? The critical aspect seems to be more awareness. Challenging long-held stigmas and old beliefs regarding how men are supposed to behave can dramatically change how mental health care for men is approached.
The more communities and families recognize that mental health is not gender-exclusive, the sooner we can work together to find viable solutions to these problems. The goal is to include mental health care across genders in order to deconstruct cultural stereotypes that claim that men’s mental health care undermines their masculinity.
When men feel accepted and safe opening up, it could lead to better healthcare accessibility and a healthier and happier future for men and the women and children who love them. If you are struggling or you know someone who is, you can use our platform to access gender-specific mental health and dual diagnosis care, or reach out today at
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