Redefining Strength: The Importance of Men’s Mental Health

Men are often expected to be the providers, the strong ones, the protectors. What has

this impact done to their mental health? Is reaching out for help an unwritten taboo

when you are in a mental health crisis? What if you’re grieving and need support? Or

perhaps struggling with your own thoughts of who you should be and how you should

measure up just because you hold the Y chromosome?

Reaching out for help to invest in yourself and your wellbeing is the opposite of

weakness. It is courageous.

So many men and young boys are afraid to seek assistance when they need it the

most. We teach our patients that asking for help is a valuable skill — it’s not a sign of

weakness or failure, nor does it make them any less in the eyes of others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report the suicide rate among

males in 2021 was around four times higher than the suicide rate among females. The

organization also says men make up almost 80% of all suicides. Men may also be more

likely to engage in substance misuse in place of mental health care

Additionally, ‘machismo’ often plays a role. Men are not supposed to cry, show

weakness, or vulnerability. ‘Man up’ is a common expression. This doesn’t encourage

men to find time and space to express themselves in healthy ways or to allow them to

be vulnerable in the right spaces and contexts.

In fact, we would argue that emotional regulation is different than vulnerability.

Emotional regulation is the ability to identify and recognize our emotions and to process

them in a way that doesn’t hurt ourselves or others. Repressing these feelings often

leads to unhealthy and maladaptive coping skills.

But vulnerability is the opportunity to share your feelings and your lived experiences

with another human being. This creates connection and is why the human experience

strives for a sense of safety and belonging.

Many of men’s health diagnoses are easily treatable, like depression and anxiety. But

often these conditions are underreported and undiagnosed because men are hesitant

about going against the grain to seek support.

We understand the complexity of men’s experiences and life stressors, and we want to

hear them, understand them, and help you navigate. Whatever life stage or

circumstances you are experiencing, please remember that no one is meant to go

through life alone. Not even men.

True strength lies in self-awareness, the ability to ask for help, and the courage to heal.

Let’s redefine what it means to “be a man.”

Reach out for help today by contacting our office at: info@anchoringservices.com