Men's Mental Health

Men’s mental health presents unique challenges due to cultural and societal norms that often discourage emotional expression and vulnerability. From a young age, many men are socialized to believe that showing emotion or seeking help is a sign of weakness, leading to the suppression of feelings like sadness, fear, or anxiety. This emotional repression can contribute to higher rates of substance abuse, anger, and even physical symptoms such as heart disease. Men are also less likely to seek help for mental health concerns, resulting in untreated conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The stigma around men’s mental health is further compounded by expectations of stoicism and self-reliance, which can isolate men in times of emotional distress.

Suicide rates among men, particularly middle-aged and older men, are significantly higher than among women, highlighting the urgency of addressing men’s mental health needs. Mental health care tailored specifically to men should focus on breaking down these cultural barriers and normalizing vulnerability and help-seeking behaviors. Therapy for men often involves validating their emotional struggles while helping them develop healthier ways of coping with stress, loss, and interpersonal conflicts. Promoting open conversations about men’s emotional well-being, building supportive communities, and fostering emotional literacy are key in improving men’s mental health outcomes and reducing the stigma around seeking mental health care.

Can You Relate...?

Are you feeling lost and uncertain about the way your life is going? Do you suffer from anxiety or depression? Do you wish you had someone to talk to but are afraid that asking for help isn’t “the manly thing to do?”

Just because many men do not seek out therapy, that doesn’t mean they haven’t had reason to. According to a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey, the number of men who seek treatment for mental health issues is significantly lower than the number of women with the same mental health concerns.

Why Is This?

From a young age, men are taught rigid masculinity – that is to be strong and to keep their emotions in check. We have been taught to wield power over others, including women, in order to hide our vulnerability. This often leads to isolation, anxiety, irritability, and depression. The very emotions that seek express get stuffed down and we “go it alone.” Bearing our emotional pain seems a better idea than opening up to the stigma of seeking therapy.

What Are Some of Those Most Common Mental Health Issues Men Face?

• 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 into 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.
• Father Wounding: Many men have been wounded by their own father’s and, in this way, the pain of manhood is often an intergenerational phenomenon.
• Trauma: Many men have been traumatized but are taught that they should “just get over it.” This leaves many suffering in silence and yet, without the proper support to process it, the trauma often expresses itself in many of the issues mentioned above.

It is possible that mental health issues manifest differently in men, 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.

Through my own involvement in the men’s movement, where I have worked to cultivate my own sense of mature masculinity, I am passionate about supporting ALL men (i.e., straight, queer, cis, and trans) to heal themselves and to discover the generative power of their own responsible masculinity.

I provide neurofeedback and psychotherapy in Petaluma serving Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Novato, San Rafael, and surrounding areas.