Seeking Help for Anxiety: Encouraging Boys and Men to Talk About Mental Health
Talking about mental health is one of the many ways to care for yourself and take control of your well-being. Men and boys, however, they are struggling with anxiety in silence. This is due to social stigmas around talking about their feelings and seeking help for mental health struggles.
In recent years, traditional gender roles have become less rigid, allowing for it to become more socially acceptable for men and boys to talk about their mental health. However, young males are still among the least likely to seek counseling due to feeling ashamed or embarrassed and not wanting to be seen as weak. This is why this blog will look at the importance of having open discussions about mental health. I will also provide tips for encouraging boys and men to get the help they need.
Why Might Men and Boys Avoid Talking About Their Anxiety?
These days, almost every teen struggles with anxiety. It may not be at a clinical level, but it is still there. Men and boys are affected by social pressures such as friendships and relationships, along with success in school, work, and athletics. They can also feel the stress of larger cultural issues and their implications. Unfortunately, many males are led to believe that life needs to be handled independently.
Many Young Men Worry That if They Ask For Help From Others, it is a Sign of Weakness.
Since they feel as if they cannot talk to anyone about their anxiety, it is shown as irritability, anger, and frustration. It leads them to have a shorter fuse with their friends, family and loved ones that they are the closest to. This can often lead to isolation and feeling like they are unable to cope with their feelings or emotions effectively.
When alone, men and boys struggle to turn their minds off. Their minds feel as if they are racing, and they are unable to take a break or relax. It's overwhelming but they are socially trained to power through it, not speak about it. Unless they can find a safe space to open up and talk, this anxiety will continue.
How to Encourage Boys and Men to Talk About Mental Health
Oftentimes, men and boys don't connect with the model of therapy or feel as if talking about their feelings seems like a nightmare. These are valid feelings when they have been taught that feelings are not to be expressed. So, when trying to encourage boys and men to talk about their mental health, here are a few tips:
Men and Boys Have Emotions Too
Despite what message society tells us, emotions are necessary and equally important in both genders. It is important to be clear on what you are experiencing so that you can get the help you need. Remember, you are not alone, and it is ok to talk about your feelings. Emotions are not a sign of weakness.
Embrace Bravery
Looking inward and asking for help can be one of the scariest things you can do. But, it's so worth it. You deserve to have someone that gets you, listens to you, and cares about what you are going through. This can make a difference in how you think, feel, and live.
Find an Anxiety Therapist You Can Trust
When it comes to seeking help, research an anxiety therapist who seems to understand what you're facing and works in a way that connects with you. You want them to meet you where you are at. This may mean looking for a therapist that can incorporate activities into therapy or understands the male experience.
For example, when dealing with anxiety, therapy can help work through thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while also understanding any limiting beliefs that might be holding you back. Doing this work can provide you with pretty significant freedom.
Regarding mental health, men and boys should not be afraid to discuss their experiences. This harms their overall well-being and can prevent them from getting their needed help. By understanding why they may avoid talking about their anxiety and providing tips to encourage them to talk, they can find the courage and support they need.
Interested in Counseling in Atlanta, GA?
Men and boys struggling with anxiety in Atlanta, GA, should be able to talk about their mental health with a therapist who understands the unique pressures they face. They shouldn't fear social judgment or be afraid to ask for help. At Ember Counseling Atlanta, they can find a therapist that will approach therapy in a way that works best for them.
Follow these simple steps to get started:
Contact us to set up a free anxiety counseling consultation.
Learn more about Ash Blanton, Anxiety Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Start talking about your mental health and find the help you need.
Other Therapy Services at Ember Counseling Atlanta
Anxiety Therapy isn’t the only service I offer at my Atlanta, GA, counseling practice. I provide in-person and online therapy in Atlanta, GA for depression therapy, teen counseling, and family counseling. I also provide an Intensive Three-Day Counseling Workshop for those who want to speed up the healing process. Check out Ember Counseling Atlanta’s blog and FAQs for more information!
