Toughing It Out: Masculinity and Seeking Help
Toughing It Out: Masculinity and Seeking Help
“Man up.”
If you are a man, it’s very likely that you’ve heard this before at least once in your life. While it can be helpful to push through in order to accomplish your goals sometimes, it should never be at the expense of your emotional and mental well-being. Many men don’t grow up hearing that, though.
The idea of the stoic man has prevailed throughout culture for literally hundreds (if not thousands) of years. While stoicism may have helped in times of war and extreme conditions, times have evolved…but our view of masculinity as a culture hasn’t quite kept up.
There is still a big push for grinning and bearing it and a stigma about asking for help that lingers.
But, can you still be a man and ask for help? Is there room for masculinity and emotional growth and development? And are you “less of a man” for seeking mental and behavioral health services?
Below is more about the stigma about mental health that men face, and whether help is available for men in need.
The Stigma
The stigma goes something like this:
You are a man, and showing your emotions is weak. Being vulnerable is for women. You can’t break composure, or you are a coward and are easy prey. Women don’t respect men that are emotionally open. If you break form, you aren’t a “real” man.
This is an internalized state that many men deal with.
With that said, what are considered “male traits” can also be extremely helpful. Strength, courage, the ability to overcome adversity…these are all admirable. But, they aren’t the only helpful traits, and finding the middle ground can be very tumultuous…
Are You “Less of a Man”?
So, let’s say you want to work through depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, or anything else that is getting in the way of your health and happiness. Does that make you “less of a man?”
No.
There is room to both project strength, security, and competence while also being emotionally available, kind, and helpful. You are a human being, and human beings are allowed to be well-rounded.
Is Help Available for Men?
With all of this being said, many men don’t even know if resources are available to them. They may feel isolated and like mental health resources aren’t geared towards them. This is not the case! Men are open to receiving care for their mental and behavioral health in the same way that women are.
Whether you are a man or woman and you are seeking mental health, substance use, or behavioral health services, reach out to Front Door Health. We take a judgment-free approach to treatment and our goal is to ensure you get the help you need.
Front Door Health provides in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. You are unique and the treatment plan we create for you is designed to meet you where you are along your journey and help you to reach your recovery goals.
We understand that it can be difficult to put your life on hold and take time off from parenting, work, or school. Our in-home treatment allows patients to continue to meet their school, family, pet, and other obligations while receiving the treatment they deserve.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
