This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Mental health issues can affect nearly anyone, but there is a disconnect between the number of males that may be experiencing a condition and the number that reach out for support for these ailments. This is because there are mainstream ideas that may prevent them from doing so. Keep reading for more information on what men and boys may not be receiving therapy when they need it and why it is necessary that they do.
Why Men and Boys Don’t Seek Support
There are a few possible reasons why men and boys don’t work with a therapist as readily as females. One is that it is thought that they are supposed to be tough. Many people may not accept that it is okay for males to have emotions, cry, and feel vulnerable. However, these things are possible, and in some cases necessary.
Another reason may be that they think they will be able to work out how they are feeling on their own. While this is possible, this is not always the case. For certain mental health issues, the symptoms that are being experienced may not go away without treatment. This can be true for conditions like depression and PTSD.
For more details on the mental health of men and boys, this page has plenty of information.
Why it Matters
Anyone that need mental health support should feel comfortable visiting with a professional. This is something that may be able to benefit them, help them control their symptoms, and provide them with a better quality of life.
Since some of these ideas are widely held in many areas, men and boys may not get the therapy that they need, and which could make a difference in their life. In turn, more men are being affected by suicide than women. This could be related to the fact that they are not getting therapy when it is necessary.
What Can Be Done
No matter if you are a male or a female, there are a couple of things that you can do to chance this troubling trend. One is to pay attention to the behavior of the males in your life. If your son, husband, family member, or someone else has sudden shifts in how they are acting, if they are unable to control their emotions, or they are threatening self-harm, it is imperative to talk to them about getting the help they need. Moreover, if someone is talking about suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for further help and information at 1-800-273-8255.
You can also talk to the males in your life about how they are feeling regularly. While they may not be open to discussing their thoughts at all times, they may feel better knowing you care and understand that you will be there to listen if they need someone to talk to.
How to Get Help
If you are a male and would like to know more about how to get mental health support, there are two types of therapy to choose from. One is in-person therapy, where you visit a doctor’s office and speak to them in person. You may be able to get a referral for a therapist from your physician, or you can check in your neighborhood to find out if there are services available.
On the other hand, you can take advantage of online therapy as well. This type of therapy can be utilized by downloading an app on your phone. You can work with a counselor without leaving your house and at a time that works well for you. Consider these two options and make the best decision for you.
Conclusion
It is troubling that men and boys may not seek therapy as often as females do, especially if they may have just as much of a need for it. However, this is something that may change as stigmas and ideas change about what it means to be a man. In your family, you can encourage the men in your life to get therapy when they want to. If you are a male and you would like to work with a psychiatrist, you should take the next step. Help is always available.
