Men’s Mental Health
Mental health challenges affect people of all sexes and genders. However, with rigid gender roles and societal expectations men might find it especially difficult to access the help they need. In the prevailing cultural norms men are often expected to stay strong and not show emotions of vulnerability or perceived weakness. These characteristics, which are defined as masculine, often hamper men’s ability to express their emotions or seek help.
Men may also experience mental health symptoms differently from women. Research indicates that men generally have a tendency to externalize their distress, expressing it through behaviours like aggression and substance abuse. In contrast, women tend to internalize their distress, engaging in processes like rumination. If we look at the suicide statistics, four out of every five suicides in Canada involve men. Despite the alarming prevalence of suicide as a leading cause of death among men, they remain significantly less likely to seek out mental health services.
Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health challenges that affect men. In men, depression can present itself through various indicators, including an increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, heightened irritability, and violent behaviour. Men tend to suppress their emotions and hence the symptoms might show up in their behaviour. Research underscores that men frequently underreport their symptoms of depression, further complicating the identification and management of mental health issues in this demographic.
The persistent societal expectation to stay strong hinders the prospect of men to get vulnerable. This cultural norm not only inhibits men from expressing their emotional struggles but also affects their ability to establish deeper social connections. This difficulty in forming meaningful connections limits the opportunities to build robust support systems, which are crucial for coping with mental health challenges effectively.
Indeed, a survey has highlighted that 63 percent of young Canadian men experienced high levels of loneliness and isolation compared to 53 percent women of the same age range. These numbers show the need for men to access mental health services. Additionally, men also experience postpartum depression, a topic which is hardly discussed. The new responsibilities and the significant life changes that accompany fatherhood impact men’s mental health. However, it has been consistently found that men tend to under-utilize mental health services.
There is a need to destigmatize mental health needs for men. Moreover, it has been found that men prefer more action-based, goal-driven, and group-based therapy compared to one-on-one talk therapy. If you believe you are grappling with mental health stressors, it's essential to consider seeking help.
At Empathic Counselling Centre, we incorporate a solution-focused and holistic approach to mental health. We not only offer counselling for issues like anger, stress, depression, and anxiety, but also provide support for personal development and goal setting. We understand that taking the first step can be intimidating, but by giving it a chance, you can embark on a gratifying and transformative journey. Remember, seeking help is a courageous and impactful choice toward improved mental well-being.