It can be problematic to talk about mental health especially for men. Fighting mental health is difficult. The fear of behaving unmanly also adds to this stress phase. Anger, shame, and other defenses can be a means of protecting oneself, but in the end, they can prevent men from seeking treatment.
Men may think that being unhealthy and mentally sick can put pressure on those who care about you, but it is not a burden if you take the right steps to tackle this illness. This allows people to feel comfortable helping a loved one, so don’t try to hide what you are going through. The most frustrating thing is when someone needs help but never ask for it.
Seeking mental health support is entirely natural and healthy and can save lives. It begins by recognizing and expressing the unique ways men deal with mental illness, and by addressing different stereotypes preventing men from seeking help. Mental illnesses are not shameful or a sign of weakness: it is a real and common medical problem, and everyone who suffers deserves support.
Here is some of the common men’s fear for seeking mental health help
It’s unmanly
It cannot be overemphasized that men’s mental health has nothing to do with personal weakness. It is a severe health problem that millions of men face every year. It doesn’t matter if you have diabetes or high blood pressure: it can happen to anyone.
Men don’t need any help
One of the barriers to seeking mental health for men is that men are not weak. Seeing a specialist who is more familiar with mental health and treatment options is the smartest thing. Trying to tackle a mental health problem on your own is like trying to push a rock yourself, without a support team, it will be more difficult.
Toxic upbringing
When it comes to toxic masculinity, it’s really about how men grow up. They are always asked to be strong. This pattern of masculinity may be the reason why symptoms of mental health in men may go unreported. But some traditional male traits can also contribute to increased rates of mental health.
If you are concerned that someone you care about may be having trouble or think you need help yourself, here are some of the important signs that the person has a mental illness and needs assistance. Mood swings, weight changes, sadness, anhedonia, hopelessness are some common symptoms. Besides these signs, some of the physical symptoms to be noted are stomach problems and headaches. If you recognize any of these symptoms in a loved one, it is your responsibility to let them know that asking for help can be a sign of strength, not weakness. A therapist will get some information about you. You will know you have come to the right therapist if you feel good conversing with them. You may need to meet with a few therapists previously to find the best one
