The Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

Men’s Mental Health Picture By the Numbers

Men have a lower likelihood of seeking mental health therapy compared to women. According to the American Psychological Association survey, just 35% of men stated they’d seek help from a mental health professional, as opposed to 58% of women. It’s essential to recognize that men don’t suffer from mental health conditions at lower rates. In fact, the opposite is true in many cases. According to Mental Health America, about six million men suffer from depression in the U.S. every year, and men are also more likely to suffer from substance abuse and experience much higher rates of suicide.

Ways to Reduce Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

Societal discourse and norms continue to lend credence to the notion that masculinity involves appearing tough and independent at all times. This belief is reinforced by the traditional view of masculinity, which emphasizes strength, stoicism, and self-reliance, often at the expense of emotional expression and vulnerability. To reduce the stigma around men’s mental health, we need to challenge these norms and encourage men to openly discuss their struggles and emotions.

Sharing Therapy Experiences Publicly

Hearing celebrities, advertisements, or social media influencers talk about therapy is helpful, but penetrating deep-seated misconceptions must also involve one’s close relationships. Surrounding yourself with friends and family that allow you to authentically express yourself and show vulnerability is a big deterrent to depressive symptoms and can act as an antidote to some mental health side effects. Such an environment also allows us to feel more comfortable sharing our own struggles, which can help propel efforts to seek therapy.

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Creating and Maintaining Healthy Community and Relationships

Hearing men talk about their mental health struggles and showing vulnerability can be incredibly powerful in encouraging others to do the same. When we surround ourselves with people who understand and accept us, we feel more comfortable sharing our emotions and seeking help. Creating and maintaining healthy community and relationships is essential in normalizing men’s mental health discussions and reducing the stigma surrounding it.

Normalizing Men in Mental Health Positions

Men are more likely to feel indifferent about their therapists’ gender than women, but there are certainly benefits of men talking with a therapist of the same sex. Men are also likely to feel that way about gender-related topics, whether societally imposed or otherwise. But because the majority of therapists and psychologists are females, it can further fuel the idea that mental health discussions are a “feminine” endeavor, and by extension, diminish one’s masculinity. In fact, women comprise nearly three-quarters of all new psychology doctorates and more than half of the psychology workforce.

Making it Convenient to Find a Compatible Therapist

Finding an available therapist who makes you feel comfortable, has availability that aligns with your schedule, and accepts your insurance can be difficult. Traditionally, the process was so cumbersome that it dissuaded many who were already apprehensive about therapy. Online directories, such as GoodTherapy, make the process seamless by allowing you to easily filter for the criteria you’re looking for, whether it’s by availability, price, insurance plan, or more.

Conclusion

It’s essential to recognize the stigma around men’s mental health and take steps to challenge and reduce it. By sharing therapy experiences publicly, creating and maintaining healthy community and relationships, normalizing men in mental health positions, and making it convenient to find a compatible therapist, we can encourage men to seek help and promote a culture of openness and vulnerability.

FAQs

* What is the stigma around men’s mental health?
The stigma around men’s mental health refers to the societal norms and expectations that discourage men from openly discussing their emotional struggles and seeking help.
* Why do men face more stigma than women when it comes to mental health?
Men are often socialized to conform to traditional masculine norms, which emphasize strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. This can make it more difficult for men to seek help and openly discuss their emotions.
* How can we reduce the stigma around men’s mental health?
We can reduce the stigma around men’s mental health by sharing our own experiences publicly, creating and maintaining healthy community and relationships, normalizing men in mental health positions, and making it convenient to find a compatible therapist.