Mental Health Of Men And Boys Articles
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Stigma surrounding mental health can prevent people from talking about issues they may be experiencing. Gender stereotypes—beliefs about how females or males “should” act or beliefs that were common in the past—can be a barrier to seeking help and treatment. For instance, some men may feel that it is a sign of weakness to reach out for help, and some boys and men may not feel comfortable talking about feelings. Research shows that men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health concerns such as depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events. Men and boys may feel reluctant to discuss problems, they may believe that asking for help goes against social norms, or they may feel they’ll be a burden if they talk about mental health concerns. Engaging men and boys in communication about mental health and empowering them to seek help can improve outcomes. The healthcare community has made great advances in understanding and treating mental health concerns. With these advances, it’s time to leave the stigma of mental health issues in the past. Men may feel a stereotypical pressure to fix their own problems, but in reality, asking for help is a sign of strength. Conversations and attitudes about the importance of mental health that begin in childhood can normalize mental health concerns and treatments. Boys and men can be prepared to both give and seek support.
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Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Please note that the mental health challenges discussed here can be experienced by anyone, regardless of gender.
A cycle of mental health concerns
Mental health conditions affect people of all genders, but research shows that men and boys may be less likely to report symptoms of depression, possibly due to traditional perceptions of masculinity. According to Mental Health America, depression affects 6 million men every year, yet depression in men often goes undiagnosed. Some men may have been taught that men should be strong and independent. However, being silent about mental health can be counterproductive. Without help, symptoms of mental illness may worsen. Without support, men and boys may experience feelings of isolation, which can further affect their mental health. Additionally, without healthy ways of coping, men may turn to various substances in an attempt to numb painful feelings, which can also contribute to additional mental health challenges.
Breaking the cycle of silence
Deeply held attitudes about asking for help with mental health can be difficult to change. However, with support, education, and communication, men, boys, and their loved ones can learn the reality of how common mental health concerns are and how effective treatment can be. Signs of mental illness can include the following:
- A notable change in mood
- A decline in work or school performance
- Confused thinking
- Excessive fears, worries, or guilt
- Significant mood swings
- A loss of pleasure in activities you enjoy
- Significant fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Detachment from reality
- Major changes in eating habits or sex drive
- Excessive anger
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Substance use
Boys and mental health
Childhood and the teenage years are generally times of significant growth, development, and heightened emotions. But in recent years, the rate of young people experiencing mental health challenges has increased. Research suggests that only 13.2% of men aged 16 to 24 are likely to seek help for a recent mental health challenge. There may be no single cause, but the mental health of boys may be affected by pressure to succeed in and out of school, reliance on technology that can lead to feelings of isolation, and the effects of COVID-19, which may have disrupted routines and left some people feeling lonely.
Helping boys learn to process their emotions can be a protective factor for mental health, as can encouraging them to speak openly about how they’re feeling. Schools can play an important role by encouraging discussion of mental health concerns, teaching empathy, and offering resources for mental wellness.
Getting help
Getting help can be a step on the road to feeling better. Many treatment options are available and can be personalized to meet an individual’s needs. Treatment options may include therapy, social support, medication, and self-care—or a combination of these options.
Everyone tends to face challenges and adversity at some point, but how we address them can affect many aspects of our lives, including relationships, well-being, work, and the way we feel. There are evidence-based treatments for many mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.
If you’re experiencing mental health challenges but feel hesitant to visit a therapist’s office in person, online therapy may be a better option for you. With online therapy, you can connect with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your home or anywhere you have an internet connection. You can communicate with a therapist by audio chat, videoconferencing, or live chat at a time that works for you.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. One study published in 2017 found that online therapy was effective for treating depression, anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorder, among other conditions.
Takeaway
Men and boys sometimes face obstacles to mental health care as a result of traditional ideas about masculinity and help-seeking behaviors. However, there is help available for all kinds of mental health challenges. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed therapist in your community or online. With BetterHelp, you can choose a therapist who has experience in your specific areas of concern, and you can typically get started with 72 hours. Take the first step toward getting support for your mental health and contact BetterHelp today.