Men and Therapy: Breaking Down the Stigma and Benefits [May 2023]
Hey there, if you're a man seeking therapy and wondering if I'm the right therapist for you, welcome. It's great to have you here. I'm glad you're taking action and prioritizing your mental health.
Thats me, Carly Pollack LCSW
The number of men who have told me “This is the first time I’m opening up about ____” or “I didn’t really think it was a big deal” or “I haven’t had a good night of sleep in forever” is truly daunting.
And, it doesn’t have to be like this. By seeking therapy when your life feels stuck, unfulfilling, or depressed, you are creating a path forward.
There are a number of reasons why you might find it difficult to start therapy.
Some of these reasons could include:
The stigma around mental health. There is still a stigma around mental health, and maybe you feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that you need help. You might worry that others will think you are weak or crazy. But guess what? Living with unnecessary suffering is ruining your motivation, sleep, and mood.
The idea that therapy is for women. Some men may believe that therapy is only for women, and that you should be able to handle your problems on your own. You may feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness. I promise, when you are in therapy there will be times of amazing strength.
The fear of judgment. Are you afraid of being judged by your therapist or by others who know you are in therapy? Maybe you worry that your therapist will think they are crazy or that your friends and family will think less of them. Thankfully, you get unconditional positive regard from a good therapist.
The cost of therapy. Therapy is an investment. Think about other investments that you make each day- a coffee from the shop, a new shirt, a trinket from the store. Investing financially in your mental health allows you a deeper commitment to meeting your goals.
The time commitment. Long-term gains can be hard for you to plan for and invest in. Because therapy is not a “quick fix", you might become frustrated with your “lack of progress"." However, imagine living without irritability, improving your relationships, and sleeping better. Really, imagine what that would change for you.
Some things you should consider:
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Just like you would go to the doctor if you had a physical illness, you should also seek help if you are struggling with a mental health issue.
It is okay to not be okay. Everyone experiences ups and downs in life. It is normal to feel sad, anxious, or stressed sometimes. However, if you are feeling these emotions for a long period of time or if they are interfering with your life, you may have a mental health issue.
There is no shame in seeking help. Seeking help for a mental health issue does not make you weak or less of a man. It is a sign of strength and courage to admit that you need help and to take steps to improve your mental health.
There are many different types of mental health issues. Some of the most common mental health issues in men include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.
There are many different treatments available for mental health issues. Some of the most common treatments for mental health issues include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
It is important to find a treatment that works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for mental health issues. It is important to work with a therapist or other mental health professional to find a treatment that works for you.
There are many things you can do to improve your mental health. Some of the things you can do to improve your mental health include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol and drug use.
It is important to have a support system. Having a support system of friends, family, and other loved ones can be very helpful for your mental health.
It is important to talk about your mental health. Talking about your mental health can help you to feel less alone and can help you to get the support you need.
You are not alone. Millions of men struggle with mental health issues. There is help available, and you do not have to go through this alone.
If you’ve been considering therapy to address the harm caused by childhood abuse, neglect, assault, or a recent traumatic incident, schedule a call with me today to learn more.
Are you embarrassed by the thought of therapy? Maybe this is why:
Stigma: Therapy has long been seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of masculinity. This stigma can be especially strong in men, who are often socialized to believe that they should be strong and independent.
Fear: Men may be afraid of being judged by their therapist or by others who know that they are in therapy. They may worry that people will think they are crazy or weak. Therapy can be a challenging and uncomfortable process. Men may be afraid of change, and they may not be ready to face the difficult emotions that they may have been suppressing.
Ignorance: Many men are simply not aware of the benefits of therapy. They may not know that therapy can be helpful for a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship problems.
What about EMDR therapy for you, as a man?
There are a number of reasons why EMDR therapy can be helpful for you:
EMDR therapy is a relatively short-term therapy. This can be appealing to men who are hesitant to commit to long-term therapy.
EMDR therapy is a very active form of therapy. This can be appealing to men who prefer to take an active role in their own healing.
EMDR therapy is a very effective form of therapy. Studies have shown that EMDR therapy is effective for a wide range of mental health problems, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you have been considering EMDR therapy, please reach out to a trained and experienced EMDR therapist, like me.
But what does “talking about my feelings” really do for my life? That’s what therapy is, right?
No, therapy is not just “talking about your problems.” It is a process of working with a therapist to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is about leaning into really uncomfortable feelings, sensations, and thoughts.
It is a process of developing new coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with challenges. It is a process of knowing yourself, knowing your “whys,” and rewiring your nervous system to respond appropriately to the situations in your everyday life.
What else?
Therapy can help you sleep better, especially EMDR:
There are a few reasons why EMDR may be helpful for sleep.
EMDR can help to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. This can make it easier for people to fall asleep and stay asleep.
EMDR can help to improve sleep quality. This is because EMDR can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can both interfere with sleep.
EMDR can help to improve sleep hygiene. This is because EMDR can help you to develop healthy sleep habits and routines.
