Battling the Inner Demons: Understanding Men’s Fear of Seeking Help

The wheels of positive change continue to turn slowly but men’s fear of seeking help still remains something of a problem. It’s not so much that the issue is brushed under the carpet so much as the stigma associated with admitting a mental health issue.

Men are more likely to suffer from mental health issues than women. In fact, one in five men will experience a mental health problem in any given year. And yet, despite this staggering statistic, men are far less likely than women to seek help for their mental health problems.

Men’s Fear of Seeking Help

Despite a good deal of progress in lifting the lid off mental illness a lot of stigma and misunderstanding still remains. Men may feel like they need to tough it out and deal with their problems on their own. Additionally, many men grew up being taught that revealing emotions are a sign of weakness.

The social stigma attached to mental health in men is one of the main reasons many men are afraid to seek help. This stigma is largely due to the cultural belief that men should be strong and in control of their emotions. As a result, men who struggle with mental health issues are often seen as weak or crazy. This can make them feel ashamed and embarrassed, which is a powerful incentive not to seek help.

You can combat the social stigma attached to mental health in men in several ways. One way is to educate yourself and others about mental health. This includes understanding the different types of mental illnesses and their symptoms. It’s also important to talk about mental health openly and without judgement. This can help to destigmatize mental illness and make it more acceptable for men to seek help.

The Effect of Mental Health Issues on Men

Despite everything we know mental health issues stubbornly remain as typically a women’s issue. Let’s be clear, the evidence says otherwise. Men are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse but they are much less likely to seek help for these same problems. As a result, men suffer in silence and their mental health problems may go unnoticed, be misinterpreted as something else and go untreated.

Untreated mental health problems can have a serious effect on all areas of a man’s life. Work performance may suffer, relationships may suffer, and physical health may also be affected. In extreme cases, untreated mental health problems can lead to suicide (something else men excel in). It is therefore essential that men learn to recognize the signs of mental illness and seek help when necessary.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are resources available to help. The Suicide and Crisis Helpline is just one option to reach out. There are many others as a quick search of Google will reveal.

Tips for Men’s Fear of Seeking Help

The fear of seeking help is a very real issue for many men. It can be difficult to overcome, but it is possible. Here are some tips for overcoming the fear of seeking help:

Acknowledge that you have a problem and that you need help. This is the first and most important step. Without acknowledgement, it will be very difficult to move forward. It’s actually the case that some men reach out for help thinking they are having physical problems such as a heart attack, only to learn that they are experiencing something like panic attacks. It doesn’t matter. Leave the diagnostics to the person trained to do it.

Talk to someone who you trust about your fears and concerns. This can be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who you feel comfortable talking to. Talking about your fears can help to lessen their power over you.

Identify your specific fears. What is it that you are afraid of? Is it the stigma of mental illness? Is it the fear of being seen as weak? Once you identify your specific fears, you can start to work on addressing them.

Challenge your beliefs about seeking help. Are they really true? Why do you believe them? Often, our beliefs about seeking help are based on false information or outdated ideas. Challenging these beliefs can help to lessen their hold on you.

Seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in helping people with anxiety and fear issues. They can provide you with support and guidance as you work through your fears.

Common Signs to Look Out For

If you’re worried about a man in your life, it’s important to be on the lookout for common signs of mental health issues. These can include changes in mood, sleeping patterns, appetite, energy levels, and concentration. He may also withdraw from social activities, have difficulty expressing emotions, or become more irritable or aggressive. If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to at least try to have a conversation with him about the changes you’ve noticed and your concerns.

It’s also important to remember that not all men will experience the same symptoms or exhibit the same behaviors when struggling with mental health issues. If you’re concerned about someone in your life, trust your gut and reach out to him to see how he’s doing.

Summary and Conclusion

A lot of men have a tough time opening up about their feelings. In our society, men are taught to be emotionally tough, to be the responsible ones and to suck up their emotions. This can lead to a lot of problems down the road, especially when it comes to mental health.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet men are far less likely to seek help for mental health issues. Why is this? Part of it has to do with the way our society views masculinity.

This needs to change. Mental health should not be seen as a sign of weakness. It’s okay for men to admit that they need help. In fact, it’s incredibly brave. Seeking help is the first step towards healing and recovery.

10 Alternative Therapies For Mental Health