Mental health can be a taboo subject for many people and continues to be stigmatized even today, with all of the research and information available out there that supports the benefits of mental health care for everyone. Mental illness can affect people from all walks of life, but there seems to be additional societal pressure placed on men. Men are expected to be strong, dependable individuals who provide for others and are not provided for.
This unfounded belief that men need to be strong all the time and can’t experience their human feelings puts a profound strain on men and boys and affects whether they seek out help when they need it. This is why we must cultivate a culture of acceptance that considers all identities’ mental well-being.
Here are some common myths about mens’ mental health:
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Mental Illness Is A Strain On Others
If you’re a man and experiencing poor mental health, choosing not to seek treatment can be a heavy weight on the shoulders of those who care about you. However, prioritizing your mental health and asking for help when you need it does not make you a burden. The people who love you will gladly lend a helping hand, so the best you can do is be open and honest about your struggles.
Getting Treatment Won’t Do Anything
Maintaining optimal mental health is not always something you can do independently. Life stressors can sometimes be too much to handle without a professional’s help. Men who feel like they need to take on the weight of the world could benefit from the support of a professional to obtain healthy coping strategies. Talking to a friend about the state of your mental health can also provide a new point of view on your feelings that could help you out your life into perspective.
Real Men Can Take Care Of Themselves
The phrase “it takes a village” applies to many scenarios, but the heart of it is that we all depend on our communities, whether they’re made up of family, friends, or mentors, there’s no shame in talking asking for the help you need to get by.The idea that you need to be everyone’s rock as a male is antiquated and harmful. Instead, take solace in knowing that you have a whole group of fans ready to cheer you on.
Men Can Control Their Emotions
If you have a mental illness, things are not as simple as waking up one day and choosing how you get to feel. For instance, if you’re battling depression, a mood disorder, you can feel sad or upset even when there doesn’t seem like anything is causing it in the first place. Rather than attempting to change it on your own and getting frustrated, you can choose to react appropriately and get your health under control with a professional before it turns into something even more unmanageable.
Mental Illness Is A Form Of Weakness
You wouldn’t say no to getting help for a heart condition or a broken leg, so you should view treating your mental health with the same importance. Mental illness has nothing to do with how strong or weak you are, and genuine strength comes from vulnerability and the courage to take care of yourself even when the world says you deserve otherwise.
Men and the boys who grow up to be them deserve to live in a world where their well-being is valued whole-heartedly, not on the condition that they can ignore their emotions for the sake of upholding an archaic standard. Visit BetterHelp for more insights into the phenomenon.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.