Guys, let’s be honest—when it comes to therapy, many of you tend to be a little… resistant.
Okay, a lot resistant.
There’s something about opening up to a stranger and talking about feelings that doesn’t exactly scream fun, right? I get it. It’s no surprise that the stigma surrounding therapy still exists, especially when it comes to you dudes. However, it’s time to break the silence and embrace the benefits of therapy, not just for when things go wrong, but as an essential tool for managing stress and enhancing overall life quality.
Yeaahhhh, I Don’t Wanna Do That…
Despite the growing acceptance of therapy in general, biological men are often more resistant to accepting help for mental health challenges – nevermind seeking it. A 2020 study found that men are less likely than women to seek therapy, with 39% of men in the U.S. reporting that they would never consider seeing a therapist, compared to only 23% of women. That’s almost half the XY population! This is despite the fact that approximately 6 million American men suffer from depression alone each year. And that’s just depression.
Per the literature, this reluctance is often rooted in:
- Societal expectations about masculinity, where emotional vulnerability may be seen as a weakness rather than a strength;
- Cultural norms and traditional gender roles may promote the ‘bottle up’ approach to feelings;
- Lowered expectations on treatment, since men often report being underestimated or mislabeled when they do seek help;
- General misunderstanding on what therapy is and what it can provide
But here’s the truth—therapy isn’t just for finding solutions to problems; it’s a valuable tool for improving mental well-being, even if you’re not experiencing a crisis. Therapy helps with developing emotional intelligence, enhancing communication skills, and providing a toolkit for you to use during any number of situations. It helps you root yourself in security. And, it also helps develop awareness so you can learn to notice and appreciate the positives in life that are all around you.
The Stress Relief Benefits of Therapy
Men, you often face unique stressors – from work pressures to family responsibilities to societal expectations – that can build up over time. Ignoring the responses you have to these stressors and shoving those feelings waaaaaay down isn’t just unhealthy; it can also lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout (among physical manifestations, but that’s for another article).
Sure, you’ve likely seen tons of methods for stress management on the internet, but how useful were those, really? Without an understanding of the why behind these methods, it’s hard to effectively use them. Therapy provides a confidential space for men to explore the why, identify emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier coping mechanisms – without judgment.
What’s more, research suggests that therapy can have a significant impact on stress management. A 2021 study found that men who attended regular therapy sessions reported a 40% reduction in their stress levels, improving both their personal and professional lives. That’s pretty significant, my dudes.
Overcoming the Stigma
While many men remain resistant to therapy, changing the narrative around mental health is crucial. The approach to treatment is crucial. After all, talk therapy isn’t suitable for everyone. We can’t improve the narrative around mental health if we don’t have conversations about it, though. And men, be honest with yourselves. Take a chance on therapy if you feel like it could benefit you. All I’m asking is that you show up for yourself.
So, now that you know how therapy can help you gentlemen reframe your thinking, gain perspective on challenges, and build resilience to future stress – is it starting to sound more appealing?
Let’s get to work.
