Men's Mental Health Deserves Space, Especially This Month

This Sunday is Father's Day, and June is Men's Mental Health Month. It is a good idea to speak openly about the mental health of males, dads, sons, brothers, partners, and friends and the stresses they frequently bear in silence at this time. 

Why this matters:

Substance abuse, silent depression, and suicide are all prevalent among men. Many believe they must persevere, maintain strength, and control their emotions. This "silent burden" frequently begins at a young age; boys are urged to "tough it out," "man up," and "don't cry." These are persistent messages. They can cause males to feel emotionally pent up, misunderstood, or alienated as they mature.

Relationships, physical health, and self-worth are negatively impacted when emotional needs are ignored for years.

Common barriers men face in therapy

• Stigma: The idea that seeking assistance indicates weakness is still pervasive. Many men are afraid that if they talk about their mental health issues, they will be perceived as "less capable" or "not in control."

• Upbringing: Many males do not have an emotional dialogue modelled for them as they grow up. It can feel strange or scary to begin therapy if they have never been taught how to discuss their innermost feelings.

• Fit and accessibility: Some guys believe therapy is "not for them" or are unsure where to start. Others feel misunderstood after making one attempt. The fact is that it takes time to locate a therapist you are comfortable with. However, it's worthwhile.

Despite these obstacles, men still face difficulties. Simply put, people tend to put them off until they become unbearable.

What can we do

• Always check in on the males in your life, not only when something seems strange. Avoid waiting for a breakdown to occur. Something genuine can begin with a simple "How's your stress lately?" question.

• Model openness: It's beneficial when others set an example. Express your coping mechanisms, both positive and negative, and demonstrate that vulnerability does not equate to weakness.

• Normalize therapy: Being broken isn't the point of treatment. It all comes down to having a place to unload, think, and work things out. Men are also entitled to that place.

For dads, especially

Being a father combines joy, responsibility, pressure, and pride. It's commonly believed that fathers "just handle it." In private, however, a lot of people feel overburdened by financial strain, sleep deprivation, changing relationships, or a lack of understanding about how to provide emotional support for their children while they are under stress themselves. Dads sometimes feel like they have no space to break down. That anticipation leads to loneliness. Because they're "supposed to be the rock," some people believe they can't ask for assistance.

Don't settle for the standard Father's Day card or gift. Talk to a father about his emotional health, work, and parenting responsibilities. Give him room to talk and relax, not just to act.

We’re here to talk

Whether you're a dad balancing everything, a man experiencing depression but not knowing why, or someone who is just ready for things to feel different, Trust Therapy offers treatment that meets you where you are. Solving problems, developing new coping mechanisms, grieving, or having a place where you don't have to keep everything within can all be part of therapy.