Did you know that women are more likely than men to seek out mental health treatment in any capacity? It’s true. Men are often left out of the conversation when it comes to mental health.
There’s still a stigma against men in therapy. Many people mistakenly believe that seeking mental healthcare and psychotherapy makes a man “weak,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It takes strength to recognize that you need help.
We’re here to talk about some of the most common reasons that men seek therapy. Read on to learn more.
1. Relationship Issues
Relationship issues span across genders. It makes sense that men would seek out psychotherapy for help, either as part of a couple or as an individual who’s struggling with relationships.
While couple’s therapy is ideal for interpersonal issues, it’s also a good idea to have one-on-one therapy to combat underlying problems.
Have there been problems in your relationship such as fighting, infidelity, or even abuse? What about smaller issues like occasional arguments or troubles with intimacy?
Therapy is a great opportunity to talk these things through with a neutral party who’s there to help you. A good therapist will never express judgment. They’ll offer insight and guidance so you can heal yourself and your relationships.
2. Life Stages and Adjustment Periods
Many men find themselves visiting a therapist when they’re going through life transitions. Whether they’ve recently gone through a divorce, they’ve become a new parent, or they’ve just hit their mid-life crisis, it’s normal to feel the need to seek out help from a professional.
Sometimes men lose direction when they’re faced with a life change. They may have a hard time formulating goals and seeing a clear future. They get stuck.
A therapist can help with this. They’ll help you determine where you are now and where you want to be, regardless of which stage of life you’ve just entered.
3. Addiction Struggles
Did you know that men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs? While drug and alcohol addiction impacts people of all genders, men make up the majority.
While there are many paths toward recovery for people who are struggling with addiction, therapy may be the most beneficial (especially for anyone who has already done residential treatment).
A good therapist will be able to work together with you to figure out the underlying cause or trigger for your addiction. With that information, they can help you heal completely. They’re not fixing the symptom; they’re fixing the root cause.
This doesn’t have to be restricted to alcohol and drug addiction. Anyone who’s addicted to sex, pornography, technology, exercise, food, or anything else can benefit from psychotherapy. You can heal your physical and mental health at once.
4. Depression, Anxiety, and Other Mental Health Conditions
Many men choose not to admit that they’re struggling from mental health conditions because they worry that they won’t be taken seriously or that poor mental health is a result of “mental weakness.” This is a toxic mindset. Men deserve to heal from mental health conditions.
Many men aren’t sure of how to put names to their symptoms. They may know that they’re feeling “sad” or “down,” but they don’t attribute those feelings to depression.
They may know that they’re “on edge” and “stressed out” but they won’t make the connection to anxiety. A therapist will help them make that connection so they can start healing.
There are plenty of other serious mental health conditions that would drive a man toward seeking out therapy. Post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and a history of trauma are all not uncommon reasons for men to seek out mental health help.
If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, don’t avoid seeking out care. You can reach optimal health and wellness if you see a psychotherapist. It doesn’t make you weak.
5. Poor Confidence or Self-Esteem
Many men feel left out when it comes to conversations around self-esteem. While it’s commonly understood that women and girls struggle as a result of beauty standards and inequality, men aren’t often included in the conversation.
Many men struggle with not feeling “good enough” or confident in their own skin. These confidence problems can show up in a variety of ways.
Men who don’t feel confident may not put themselves out there in their careers or apply for new jobs because they feel inadequate or like they don’t deserve anything. They may be unwilling to re-enter the dating world because they don’t feel attractive or confident when talking to women.
A good therapist will understand that poor self-esteem knows no gender or body type. They can help men develop self-love and regain their confidence.
6. Stress Management
It’s no surprise that anger and stress management is one of the most common reasons that men seek out psychotherapy.
In our fast-paced world, there’s very little time for self-care. Men often feel more responsible for being “providers” and they may not be as willing to ask for help as women are. This exacerbates their stress.
Many men resort to unhealthy coping strategies, like using alcohol, overeating, or spending too many hours per day playing videogames, to combat stress. A therapist will help them find healthy strategies instead.
Is Psychotherapy Right for You?
There are various types of psychotherapy that can help people of all genders. Men need to be included in conversations around mental health and wellness. Being a man does not exempt you from needing help, and that’s okay. If any of these reasons seem familiar to you, it might be time to seek out a qualified therapist for help.
As a psychotherapist for nearly 22 years, Jousline Savra has experience helping couples attain emotional stability, improve their relationships, and enhance their communication skills. She has extensive professional expertise in Marriage Counseling, Pre-marital Counseling, Couple’s Therapy, and Brainspotting Trauma Therapy. Schedule an appointment with Jousline Savra today. She is here to help.