Mental Health Awareness Month: Mythbusters for Men’s Mental Health

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide, including men. While historically, these disorders have been more commonly associated with women, research indicates that men also experience anxiety and depression at significant rates. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 6 million men in the United States suffer from depression each year. However, only 37% of men with a mental health concern actually attended therapy for men. Why is that?

Misconceptions surrounding masculinity and mental health often act as barriers that keep men away from therapy. Societal expectations dictate that men should be strong, independent, and emotionally stoic, which can create a stigma around seeking help for mental health issues. Men may fear being perceived as weak or vulnerable if they admit to needing therapy, leading them to avoid seeking treatment altogether. 

Moreover, there is a misconception that therapy is only for those with severe mental health problems, overlooking its role in promoting overall well-being and personal growth. These misconceptions contribute to a culture of silence and shame surrounding men's mental health, further deterring men from seeking the support they need.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re busting myths about men’s mental health in an effort to increase access to care for men. Read three myths and why they’re simply untrue from My Time Counseling below.

Myth #1: Men don’t have as many mental health concerns as women.

While men may have a different presentation for many mental health concerns that differ from women, that doesn’t mean men suffer less than women do. In fact …

  • The statistics tell a different story: research consistently demonstrates that men experience mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse at rates comparable to women. However, societal norms often discourage men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability, leading to underreporting and a lack of visibility for their mental health challenges.

  • Presentation may account for misperceptions: this myth fails to recognize the diverse ways in which men experience and express distress. Men may internalize their struggles due to societal pressure to adhere to traditional masculine norms of stoicism and self-reliance. Consequently, their mental health concerns may go unnoticed or unaddressed, contributing to the misconception that men are less affected by such issues.

  • The impact of this myth is potentially fatal: Ignoring or denying mental health concerns can exacerbate symptoms and lead to negative impacts on various aspects of men's lives, including relationships, work, and overall well-being. It can also perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and distress, hindering personal growth and preventing men from reaching their full potential.

Myth #2: “Real men” don’t show emotions or ask for help.

The idea that masculinity includes a lack of emotion and an unwillingness to lean on support systems is detrimental to all people. In actuality …

  • Harmful societal expectations: this myth perpetuates toxic masculinity by enforcing rigid gender norms that dictate how men should behave. By suggesting that vulnerability and emotional expression are signs of weakness, this myth discourages men from seeking support when they need it most. In reality, displaying emotions and asking for help are signs of strength and courage, not weakness.

  • Asking for help itself can relieve symptoms: when men internalize this idea, they may feel pressure to bottle up their feelings, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Over time, this emotional suppression can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and insomnia. Moreover, untreated mental health issues can escalate into more severe conditions, posing significant risks to one's overall well-being and quality of life.

  • Isolation isn’t the answer: promoting the idea that "real men" should be emotionally stoic and self-reliant perpetuates a cycle of isolation and disconnection. When men feel unable to express their emotions or seek help, it can strain their relationships with others. Communication breakdowns and misunderstandings may occur, leading to feelings of loneliness and alienation.

Myth #3: Men don’t go to therapy.

Has anyone ever told you men don’t go to therapy? Well, as therapists ourselves, we can confirm that men do indeed grace the therapy office. Actually …

  • Men do indeed attend therapy: this myth overlooks the fact that men do seek therapy, albeit perhaps less frequently than women. However, societal expectations and stereotypes often discourage men from seeking help for their mental health struggles. About 16 percent of American men receive therapy in any given year, whereas 25 percent of women have.

  • Therapy has many benefits for men: dismissing men's engagement with therapy undermines the diverse ways in which men can benefit from mental health support. Therapy offers a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, regardless of gender. It provides tools and strategies to cope with life's challenges, improve communication skills, and cultivate healthier relationships.

  • Men may be skipping therapy due to inaccessibility: overlooking men's participation in therapy ignores the systemic barriers and cultural factors that may deter men from seeking help. Accessibility issues, such as financial constraints, lack of insurance coverage, and limited availability of mental health services tailored to men's needs, can all contribute to lower rates of therapy utilization among men. Additionally, societal expectations around masculinity intersect with other identities, such as race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, further complicating men's experiences with mental health care.

In conclusion, the idea that men don’t have mental health concerns, it’s not manly to seek support, and that men don’t go to therapy only harms men’s mental health. If you need to talk to someone, we’re here for you. At My Time Counseling, we specialize in therapy for men. Reach out to us today to see what we’re about!

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