This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Conversations on men’s mental health are evolving, but there is still a stigma attached to it. There is an effort to close this gap and assist males in receiving counseling when they need it, so you’re not alone if you’re a man contemplating mental health treatment.
The fact that you’ve decided to seek professional help is not a sign of weakness. When it comes to dealing with your mental health, you need to be strong and determined. Here’s why you should take the plunge and get help.
Why is it so difficult for certain men to ask for help?
There are a variety of barriers males face while seeking mental health treatment. Many guys still believe that expressing their emotions and requesting assistance is a sign of weakness and that they are less of a man as a result of this message from society.
Some boys are taught at a young age that crying is reserved for women and that they should act like men instead. Often, men are taught that they must maintain their strength at all times and that they must handle their difficulties on their own.
It’s a challenge to overcome this lifelong messaging. In doing so, it promotes a negative perception of men’s mental well-being. Men find it difficult to disclose that they’ve struggled with mental health issues, even to those closest to them, such as partners, families, and friends. For some guys, this can be a disincentive to seeking assistance or going to treatment.
A good thing is that this stigma is gradually eroding. Mental health is becoming more widely recognized as a critical human right. In the last few years, a slew of programs have been launched to lessen the stigma associated with seeking treatment.
There has also been an increase in the number of males discussing their mental health on social media and encouraging other men to do so.
Therapy has these five advantages:
A non-judgmental place to express your feelings
Whether it’s with an in-person or online psychologist, can you truly let your guard down and allow yourself to be vulnerable. You don’t have to maintain the image of a macho man as you do at work. During treatment, you will be seen and heard for the unique individual that you are. What really matters is your personal path and your overall health. It’s a place to put all the burdens you’ve carried on your shoulders.
Recover from years of trauma and toxic masculinity
When you actively look for the support you need, you can grow into your full potential. We all deserve experiences that aren’t solely the result of our past trauma or sadness. There is nothing more liberating than living a life free of anxiety and stress. Using therapy is a great way to accomplish this goal!
Unlearning can be helped by therapy
You’ll be able to examine your distorted beliefs of yourself, masculinity, and the world around you..” Most of our adult lives are spent removing the social conditioning we’ve acquired throughout the course of our upbringing and attempting to rediscover our own unique perspectives. Therapy is a place where you are permitted to question all you think you know so that you might come to a point of insight and re-learning.
Your relationships get stronger
Having a positive outlook on life might improve the quality of the relationships you have in your life. Because of all you’ve learned, you’ve grown into a better person in every way. Moreover, others may be inspired by your newfound vigor. The ability to process your own emotions allows you to become more aware of the feelings of those around you, which in turn increases your emotional intelligence by leaps and bounds.
You have the opportunity to alter the course of the story
The reality is that few males seek counseling, and as a result, society’s destructive cycles persist. For the individuals who follow in your footsteps, you serve as a bridge. It’s time to put an end to the generations of pain that have afflicted your relatives. As a result, you become a role model for your children and a source of inspiration for your grandchildren.
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