Why Men Don’t Seek Out Therapy

Why are men still hesitant to seek out therapy? As a therapist, I think about this question all the time. Eighty percent of people who die by suicide are men. But in 2020, 8% of men reported receiving counseling or therapy from a mental health professional compared to 12% of women.

The stigma of “men being men” remains. Many people still equate masculinity with being self-reliant and not showing your emotions. Maybe not as much as generations past, but it’s still hardwired in so many of us. And it’s keeping men from getting the care they need. Research shows that men who uphold these “masculine” gender norms are more likely to experience distress and less likely to seek help.

Many of us come from cultures of toxic masculinity where young boys are told things like, “Boys don’t cry.” Or if you show any hint of vulnerability, you’re told, “Man up and don’t be a sissy.” In reality, it takes a tremendous amount of strength to face one’s emotions instead of suppressing them. And the research above shows that denying our struggles can lead to things like addiction, violence, or even suicide.

Getting honest about our emotions

Taking control of your mental health is no easy task. Trust me, I get it. The stigma is so deeply ingrained in some of us men that we sometimes believe we’re not allowed to be depressed, anxious, or sad. But these feelings are part of the human experience. We must make space for them.

I’ve worked with many men in a therapeutic setting that still question whether they are “man enough” for the world. Some wonder if being in therapy makes them weak. I always tell them the same thing: Being connected to our emotions has the power to positively impact every aspect of our lives. Getting honest with ourselves about the state of our mental health can improve our relationships and lead to healthier and more fulfilling lives.

How to fight mental health stigma

What can you do to change this damaging narrative surrounding men and their need to be strong all of the time? Below are a few ideas.

• Share the love: Pass this article along to someone who could benefit from support.
• Set a good example: Show those around you that the strongest thing you can do is to ask for help when you need it, whether it be from a friend, a family member, or a mental health professional.
• Talk to kids: Teach the young people in your life that putting their mental health first is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Use coping tools: If you’re already an AbleTo member, you have access to guided journals, meditations, breathing exercises, and more.

Mental health support is for everyone

If you reach out for support, it will not make you less of a man, I promise you. It will help you navigate the storms that we all go through in life. You’re not alone in whatever you’re going through. We’re here for you.