Men’s Therapy Myths: Breaking the Stigma Around Getting Help
The Stigma Around Therapy for Men
In many cultures, including Minnesota, men are often taught to be strong, self-reliant, and emotionally stoic. These ideals can create significant barriers to seeking mental health care, especially for issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles. Unfortunately, these cultural expectations can lead to harmful misconceptions about therapy that prevent men from getting the help they need.
Common Myths About Therapy for Men
While mental health services are increasingly recognized as critical for well-being, men often delay or avoid therapy due to several myths. Let’s address and break down these misconceptions.
1. Myth: Therapy is Only for People Who Are Weak
The Real Truth
One of the most pervasive myths is that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness or inability to cope. This belief stems from outdated views on masculinity, where men are expected to be the strong, silent type who solve their problems independently. However, therapy is actually an act of strength and self-awareness.
A sign of strength: Reaching out for help shows the courage to confront issues head-on. It takes bravery to acknowledge when you need support, whether that’s due to trauma, stress, or relationship problems.
Improving overall health: Mental health treatment has been shown to improve physical health as well, as chronic stress, anxiety, and untreated trauma often lead to physical conditions like heart disease, sleep problems, and substance abuse (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2018).
Men who seek therapy often experience improved emotional regulation, better work-life balance, and deeper relationships.
🔗 Learn More About Men's Mental Health (National Institute of Mental Health)
2. Myth: Men Don’t Need to Talk About Their Feelings
The Real Truth
Another myth is that men should bottle up their emotions and avoid emotional expression. This is reinforced by the “tough guy” mentality prevalent in many aspects of life, including sports, workplaces, and families. In reality, not talking about your feelings can have negative consequences.
The importance of emotional expression: Research has shown that men who suppress emotions are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems, including depression, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties (Mahalik et al., 2003).
Benefits of sharing emotions: Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space for men to explore their emotions, leading to greater emotional insight and healthier coping strategies.
It’s essential to acknowledge and express feelings to maintain mental health. Therapy helps men develop healthy emotional expression without fear of judgment.
🔗 How Emotional Suppression Affects Men (American Psychological Association)
3. Myth: Therapy Won’t Work for Men
The Real Truth
Many men believe that therapy won’t be effective for them, often because they see it as “talking in circles” or “not producing results”. However, evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) have proven to be highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Proven results: Studies have shown that therapy, when done right, leads to long-lasting improvements in mental health, with CBT and EMDR showing high success rates in treating trauma and PTSD in men (Cuijpers et al., 2020).
Quick relief: For men struggling with emotional numbing, therapy can bring significant improvements in emotional regulation and symptom reduction in just a few sessions.
Men may feel unsure at first, but therapy is a proven tool for lasting change, especially when combined with commitment and active participation.
🔗 Research on Effective Therapy (American Psychological Association)
4. Myth: Therapy is Too Expensive and Time-Consuming
The Real Truth
Cost and time are often cited as barriers to seeking therapy, especially for men who may feel overwhelmed by work and family responsibilities. However, many men underestimate the return on investment therapy provides for mental and emotional well-being.
Affordable options: Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees, insurance coverage, or teletherapy options, making therapy more affordable and accessible.
Long-term savings: Investing in mental health care can lead to long-term savings by improving overall well-being, reducing absenteeism from work, and decreasing the likelihood of developing physical health problems tied to untreated stress.
Additionally, telehealth services are becoming increasingly popular in Minnesota, making it easier to access therapy from the comfort of home without missing work or disrupting busy schedules.
🔗 Insurance Coverage for Mental Health (Healthcare.gov)
5. Myth: Men Should Be Able to Handle Their Problems on Their Own
The Real Truth
Society often teaches men to be self-reliant and to solve problems without asking for help. While this trait can be valuable, it’s important to recognize that mental health challenges often require professional intervention. Therapy isn’t about weakness; it’s about gaining the tools and insight needed to live a more fulfilling life.
It’s okay to ask for help: Even the most successful men in high-pressure jobs or personal lives need support. Therapy is not an admission of failure but a step toward personal growth and resilience.
Support doesn’t make you weak: Asking for help when dealing with stress, family conflict, or mental health challenges shows strength and self-awareness.
Therapy provides men with practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges and increases emotional intelligence, which leads to stronger relationships and career success.
What You Can Do to Start Healing Today
Seek Professional Support
Therapists specializing in men’s mental health can help address a wide range of issues, including stress, anger, relationship difficulties, and trauma recovery. Here are a few therapy options that may be helpful:
EMDR Therapy: Best for men experiencing PTSD or trauma.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective for men dealing with anxiety, depression, or negative thought patterns.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Therapy: Helps men manage stress and build emotional resilience.
Reach Out Today
At Vital Mental Health, we specialize in helping men overcome mental health challenges. Whether you’re struggling with emotional numbness, anxiety, or relationship issues, therapy can help you break free from old patterns and build a healthier future.
📞 Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation
References
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., & van Straten, A. (2020). The effects of psychotherapies for depression on response, remission, and improvement: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 278, 699-710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.023
Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., Wilson, S. J., & Madison, A. A. (2018). Marriage and gut (microbiome) feelings: The immunological role of close relationships. Psychosomatic Medicine, 80(2), 113-119. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000533
Mahalik, J. R., Burns, S. M., & Syzdek, M. T. (2003). Masculinity and perceived normative health behaviors as predictors of men's health behaviors. Social Science & Medicine, 64(11), 2201-2209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2003.08.016
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
American Psychological Association. (2019). The effects of emotional suppression on mental health. American Psychological Association Press Release. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/03/emotional-suppression
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Men and mental health. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). How PTSD affects relationships. National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/impact_relationships.asp
Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Mental health & substance use disorder coverage. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-what-marketplace-plans-cover/mental-health-services/
