In recent years, mental health has become much less of a “taboo” topic, with people openly discussing their own mental illnesses, treatments, and struggles. However, there are some gender differences when it comes to discussing mental health, and men seem to struggle more with discussing it than women do. In this blog post, our team at Blair Wellness Group will discuss why discussing mental health is more difficult for men, and how we can help. Our Licensed Clinical Psychologists are here to provide treatment for a wide range of mental health issues and open up a discussion about men’s mental health. Learn more and reach out to us in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Century City or in Orange County, Irvine, and Newport today!

Mental Health in Men 

It’s no secret that men have a hard time talking about their feelings. This can be for a variety of reasons, including socialization and the way we are raised. Boys are often told to “toughen up” or “man up,” which can make it difficult for them to express emotions other than anger or happiness. As a result, men may bottle up their feelings instead of discussing them openly.

This is not to say that women do not experience these same challenges. However, men are more likely to suffer from mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, making it even more important for them to seek help. Our team at Blair Wellness Group is here to let you know that it’s okay to struggle, and even more okay to ask for help! We all have issues in our lives, and it’s important we take the time to resolve them before they turn into bigger, more lasting problems. 

How Do the Symptoms of Mental Illness in Men Differ From Symptoms in Women?

While the symptoms of mental illness can be different for everyone, there are some general trends when it comes to gender. For example, women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, while men are more likely to experience substance abuse and anger issues. However, it’s important to remember that anyone can experience any symptom of mental illness regardless of their gender.

If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from a mental illness, it’s important to reach out for help. A Licensed Clinical Psychologist can help you understand your symptoms and develop a treatment plan. Reach out to Blair Wellness Group today! 

Why Is Talking About Mental Health Important?

Mental health is an important part of overall health. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. 

Poor mental health can lead to a decrease in productivity at work and home, strained relationships, and even physical health problems. Therefore, it is crucial that men have someone to talk to about their mental health concerns.

Why Do Men Tend to Be Reluctant in Discussing Mental Health?

When we think about mental health, we often think of women. This is because women are more likely to be diagnosed with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. They’re also more likely to seek professional help for their mental health issues. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), only 36% of people with depression are men who receive treatment. There are several reasons why men may be reluctant to seek help for their mental health. 

Some men may feel like they need to be strong and self-reliant. They may believe that admitting they need help is a sign of weakness. Others may not want to talk about their feelings because they were taught that emotions are not masculine. As a result, these men stuff down their emotions until they reach a breaking point. 

In addition, some men may worry that seeking professional help will make them look like bad fathers or husbands. They might think that if they go to therapy, it means they are failing at being the provider or protector of their family. Finally, some men avoid talking about mental health because of the stigma attached to it. Mental illness is still seen as taboo in some cultures, which can make men feel embarrassed or ashamed. 

Toxic Masculinity and Its Role in Discussing Mental Health

Another reason men may have a harder time discussing mental health is due to what is called “toxic masculinity.” This is the idea that there are certain behaviors and traits that men should display in order to be considered ‘masculine.’ These include being tough, emotionless, and self-reliant. 

While there is nothing wrong with these traits in and of themselves, the problem comes when they are used to suppress emotions or prevent men from seeking help. For example, if a man has been taught his whole life that being emotional is not masculine, he may bottle up his feelings until they reach a breaking point. This can lead to serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and make it more unlikely for a man to seek help.

The Importance of Mental Health Education

Mental health should be taught in schools alongside physical health. Just as we learn about the importance of exercise and eating healthy, we should also learn about the importance of taking care of our mental health. Mental illness is common, yet there is still so much stigma attached to it. 

One way to combat the stigma is through education. If people understand more about mental illness, they will be more likely to seek help if they need it. In addition, education can help people identify the early warning signs of mental illness in themselves or others. The sooner someone gets help, the better their outcome will be.

Schedule an Appointment With Our Licensed Clinical Psychologist

If you are a man struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help. Our team of Licensed Clinical Psychologists at Blair Wellness Group is here to help you. We have the knowledge, skills, training, and expertise necessary to help diagnose any potential mental health conditions, as well as help you find the right treatment to suit your specific needs. 

We provide you with the hope you need to make your way through the difficult times and come out feeling better than ever! When you choose to work with our team, we will help determine which type of therapy or combination of treatments will yield the best results so you can get back to living a happy, healthy life. Don’t struggle alone – reach out to our team at Blair Wellness Group in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Century City or in Orange County, Irvine, and Newport today!