Men’s mental health
“boys don’t cry”, “man-up”, “be hard”,
These are some societal messages that stereotype male behaviour you are most likely familiar with. Cultural message like this make it more difficult for men to seek support during times of challenge.
Men experience the same emotional issues as women such as anxiety, depression and stress, yet women are far more likely to seek support when experiencing life's difficulties.
Women are socially conditioned to be able to discuss their emotions without taboo and tend to have a support network where they can share their vulnerability and vitally, not suffer in isolation. Evidence shows anxiety and depression symptoms are more likely to develop when someone is socially isolated or feels alienated and with men, the risk through societal messages compounds the likelihood of this to happen.
Suicide
It is a shocking statistic that men are three times more likely than women in the UK to commit suicide and four times more likely in Ireland. It is the leading cause of death for men aged 41 and under. Whether it be depression, anxiety, addictions, men can suffer alone and feel this sense of isolation and alienation leading to catastrophic consequences.
With growing awareness of men's mental health and therapy becoming less taboo in the UK, evidence is showing the number of men entering therapy is on the rise. I would encourage any man who is struggling psychologically to seek support before an issue gathers momentum into something larger that may feel unmanageable.
Why counselling for men?
Working with men’s issues in therapy is something I feel passionately about and having a designated space in therapy to discuss your issues may be of benefit to you. Therapy with a man can create a different experience to how you may have experienced groups of men in the past. It can offer a unique connection that talks to parts of you that may feel too vulnerable to talk about in the open.
We may feel negative connotations applied to therapy and may evoke shame or weakness. However, the opposite is true. The use of therapy can encourage you to a state of more awareness with an improved relationship self and those close to you. You will be able to live more consciously which can lead to a more empowered future.
Alternatively, I would encourage you take a risk by talking to a trusted friend, or receive support via men’s organisations or crisis support charities such as the Samaritans. Anything you can do in order to not suffer in silence and take the chance of stepping into healing and growth is my wish for you.
Contact me in confidence via email:
Link to Samaratans: https://www.samaritans.org/
BACP link: https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/information-about-counselling/counselling-and-men/
Photo by Jack Lucas Smith on Unsplash
