Society has had a certain perception of what masculinity is for years — one that all too often demanded strength, stoicism, and emotion suppression. Men were to man up, hold it together, and never, ever be vulnerable. Those days are changing, however, as are conversations about mental health. More men than ever are now seeking therapy and, when necessary, medication to address their mental health. That shift isn’t a welcome development — it’s one that’s necessary.
In this article, we will delve into why more men are turning to therapy and medication, what obstacles they had to overcome, and how this revolution is changing lives for the better.
The Stigma Men Have Faced Around Mental Health
For many years, masculinity norms of manhood all conspired to keep men from talking about emotional pain. To be “a man” was to be tough, providers, and never reveal turmoil within. To be weak was to be vulnerable, and to seek help — especially for mental health — was never in the cards.
Thus, most men suppressed their emotions, coped with stress, and endured silently anxiety, depression, or trauma. The results were devastating: increased levels of drug and alcohol abuse, isolation, and in a few devastating instances, suicide. Indeed, worldwide statistics always reveal that men are less likely to receive mental health treatment, but more likely to commit suicide.
The good news is that this old-fashioned thinking is starting to change.
Why Are More Men Turning to Therapy and Medication Today?
There are a number of reasons why it is so crucial. Let us go ahead and enumerate the reasons why men are finally empowered to prioritize their mental health:
1. Changing Cultural Narratives
Cultural dialogue regarding masculinity is shifting. There is increasingly more acceptance of the fact that toughness does not involve faking that you’re okay — toughness involves confronting your demons. Tough athletes, actors, musicians, and regular men have spoken candidly about their own struggles with anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. These courageous disclosures have destroyed toxic myths and challenged others to seek and receive the assistance they require.
2. Increased Awareness of Mental Health
It’s through education, social media discourse, and awareness campaigns that they’re more in touch with the indicators of emotional distress. Contemporary men understand when they’re experiencing symptoms like chronic stress, sadness, irritability, sleep issues, or burnout — and understand that these are things not to be suffered in silence.
3. Access to Confidential, Judgment-Free Therapy
Counseling is more accessible and affordable than ever. Private offices, online counseling, and unobtrusive mental health clinics have allowed men to call without fear of stigma. With the assurance that the sessions are confidential, men are able to open up more than they would be otherwise.
4. Supportive Workplace Mental Health Programs
The majority of organizations and companies today have mental health benefits, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and wellness programs that motivate employees to prioritize their well-being. These programs typically consist of discounted or free therapy sessions, stress management tools, and workshops — making mental health care more mainstream in the workplace where it had been overlooked before.
5. The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global mental health emergency that affected people from all walks of life. The uncertainty of job loss, fear of falling sick, isolation, and loss became overwhelming for many men. The pandemic brought mental health issues into the mainstream and encouraged many people — including men who never considered therapy — to consult.
The Role of Medication in Men’s Mental Health Care
Some men will require more than therapy. Clinical depression, serious anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder typically require talk therapy in addition to medication in order to properly treat the symptoms.
With advancements in psychiatry and medication treatment, men are more open to the use of medication as part of their treatment plan. More recent antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety drugs can stabilize brain chemistry and remove symptoms that otherwise intrude upon daily life.
The key is working closely with an experienced medical professional to determine the right medication and dosage and monitoring its effect from time to time.
Breaking Down Barriers to Treatment
Despite this progress, obstacles remain. Some men still hesitate to seek therapy or medication for a few reasons:
Fear of Judgement: Apprehension of what others, especially friends, family members, or co-workers, might say about them.
Belief That They Should “Tough It Out”: The belief that emotional problems are a code for personal weakness.
Limited Knowledge: Not knowing how to find a therapist, what therapy entails, or how medication works.
Cultural and Community Norms: Mental talk is still prohibited in certain communities or societies.
But slowly, with more open discourse and public role models of men seeking help, these obstacles are being dismantled.