Stigmas that Prevent Men from Healing their Mental Health Issues

We are living in the 21st century where all information about mental health problems is easily available on the internet. Despite sufficient awareness about mental health problems, people still don’t feel comfortable talking about them. Women are thought to be more expressive in terms of sharing their feelings and mental health problems with people in general as compared to men. Some stigmas prevent men from getting the healing they need from mental health issues, let’s explore a few:

Seeking Help Makes You Look Weak

Men feel difficulty in discussing the matters of mental health issues with others. The presumed image of a man as strong, makes them feel weak if they express the need for help. This is one of the reasons why men feel discomfort in seeking help when they are suffering from a mental health issue. Women tend to be more comfortable in sharing when they feel lacking in their mental stability because society accepts women as being the ones who talk about their feelings. In that sense, it seems as though it is easier for women to express when they are feeling vulnerable and need to seek help. On the other hand, men tend to be pressurized by society to maintain an image of being stoic and emotionally inhibited. This stigmatization needs to end and there is a need to foster equality in how men and women are presumed to be when it comes emotional matters. Men need mental health assistance as their counterparts. They also go through uncertainties, tragedies, stress, and much more that make them vulnerable to mental illnesses.

Feeling Ashamed About Mental Health Issue

With all the information and awareness available about mental health issues, we are still living in a world where people feel ashamed of expressing themselves. Mental health problems are common, and it is much easier to find professional help than ever before. Many people delay seeking help because of guilty feelings; however, this only makes the issue worse. Ruminating about a shameful situation will make you suffer and prolong the distress you feel. When you realize that you need help, Therapy is a great option. It’s quite convenient to find the nearest mental health organization, consultant, or therapist in your nearest area via your cell phone.

Coping without the Help of a Professional 

When faced with a mental health crisis, professional help is optimal. Suppressing your emotions, social isolation, and staying alone is not the cure. Although using music or sports as an outlet to cope with mental health issues, getting serious about visiting a mental health professional is sometimes necessary. Your therapist will teach you a verity of ways to cope with mental health concerns. If you are afraid to share that you are visiting a therapist, be easy on yourself, as mental health specialists are more professional than you think. They do not reveal your identity or health problems to anyone (unless you are a danger to yourself, others, or are gravely disabled due to a mental health condition), especially not without your written consent. 

Conclusion

Men and women both suffer from mental health issues, and it must not be linked with our general idealization of how men/ women should or shouldn’t be. If you are feeling shameful about your mental health problems, you are not alone. Many people feel they cannot reach out for help from a therapist due to the potential for being stigmatized. However, because therapy is confidential, rest assured that a mental health professional will handle your concerns with the deepest care.