Men’s Issues

Men encounter a wide range of stressors, yet many are left to figure it out on their own or to fend for themselves. Seeking help is often stigmatized, which perpetuates feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. We can be unknowingly conditioned to compare ourselves to any number of tragic male heroes. I mean, Josey Wales was a total badass but let's face it, it doesn't really work well in the real world. Traditional masculinity doesn't have to be toxic, nor does it have to make us ridiculous caricatures. We can still charge the hill on horseback, then cry about it later.   

What are some of those most common mental health issues plaguing men?

• Substance abuse – Men are far more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.
• Economic factors – Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, and many men sadly tie their worth or value to being the breadwinner.
• Bullying – Many young men are victims of bullying.
• Relationship issues – Believe it or not, studies have shown that men rely more on their partners for emotional support than women do. This can make relationship problems particularly hard to deal with.
• Challenges related to fatherhood – While it can be a great source of joy, fatherhood can also cause stress and anxiety, particularly for new fathers.
• Authenticity - Men can be pressured to fit certain stereotypes. And sometimes men end up playing a 'role' for years and never realized they didn't agree to it.  

There is no denying that mental health issues manifest differently in men than in women, resulting in many going completely ignored and untreated. Often men minimize or don’t recognize their own emotional pain. This results in them bottling up their emotions, which often leads to a manifestation of a physical disease or illness, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch with me. There is no stigma in seeking help, only relief from the burdens you are currently carrying alone.

I've worked with countless combat veterans from 4 generations of war, who've lost businesses, spouses, physical abilities, and men who have been sexually and/or physically assaulted. These men were all afraid at some point and questioned who they were. And those who recovered all demonstrated profound courage to move beyond their fear and anger, grieve, cry, and then 'pulled themselves up by their bootstraps.'