Breaking the Stigma: How Men Can Seek Support and Why It's Important
Multiple studies have shown that men are just as prone to mental health issues as women. Often, the issues can be very specific or even unique to men.
The problem? Some men still believe the stereotypes and stigmas associated with mental health and masculinity. It’s viewed as a weakness or something that would somehow strip you of your “man card”.
Unfortunately, that way of thinking has caused countless men to avoid seeking the treatment they need and deserve. Who knows how many men have caused self-harm or even taken their own lives because they refused to get help when they needed it?
It’s time to break the stigma. But, that might seem easier said than done. What can you do?
Educate Yourself
Mental health stigmas tend to start and stick around because people are believing things they hear from others, rather than reliable sources. That’s like getting all of your scientific information from a friend’s shared Facebook post.
When you believe things other people are saying, rather than researching the facts, there’s a good chance you won’t be getting the whole truth. Rather, you’ll be getting someone’s opinion.
One of the best things you can do to fight back against a stigma is to do your own research. Educate yourself on mental wellness. What does it mean? What are the most common types of mental conditions men face? Most importantly, what are the best ways to manage your mental health?
Knowledge is power. Educating yourself on your mental health will help you to take charge of it, and make it a priority without the influence of others.
Get Support
You don’t have to break down walls on your own.
The reality is, more men are starting to stand up against this stigma. Seek them out. You might find them in your own family or circle of friends. If not, don’t be afraid to join a support group with other men dealing with the same issues.
Not only can this kind of support build your confidence but it will help you realize even the strongest of men can deal with the same issues. Knowing you have someone to talk to who is going through similar situations can make a big difference.
Speak Up and Speak Out
As you gain confidence and break barriers, speak out against the stigma of men’s mental health. If more men became advocates for mental care and wellness, we wouldn’t even be talking about how powerful these stereotypes are.
It takes someone brave and strong to speak up about something like this. It’s ironic, then, that the stigma itself focuses on being weak. Once you start to come to these realizations, you’ll see just how opposite and wrong that is.
Getting help and making your mental health a priority takes strength. It takes courage. There are individuals who will always choose to live in silence, and unfortunately, that often causes them to suffer. By taking charge of your mental well-being, you’re showing that you’re the opposite of weak.
Again, you don’t have to break this stigma on your own. Seeking out support can make it easier to manage your mental wellness, and there’s plenty of it out there.
If you’re not yet ready to join a group, consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor. Feel free to contact me for more information or with any questions you might have. Together, we can work on shattering stigmas while learning how to make your mental health a priority. Once you see how much of a difference men’s issues counseling can make in your life, you’ll be more willing to speak up and advocate for men’s mental health.
