Men's Issues therapy

The traditional conditioning of men to appear strong at all costs and not show weakness or vulnerability can create deep and damaging roots. The impact can be seen in the difficulty men have admitting that their mental health is suffering and that they need support.  As we’ll soon see, this can have devastating effects on men’s lives.

 

However, the good news is that men’s attitudes towards their own mental health and to therapy focused on Men's Issues are changing. This means more men are starting to seek psychological and emotional support.  And as a consequence, men are starting to improve with issues which they've often suffered with alone and for too long.

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What are Men’s Issues?

Men’s Issues is a distinct and growing area of mental health, which to a large degree is a response to the need for increased support for men's mental health.  And by recognising that men have issues and needs specific to them, a more relevant and effective therapy for men can be delivered.

 

Men suffering silently

The long-standing stereotype of men being expected to be strong to be seen as a success can weigh heavy on men's lives and mental health. This is coupled with a background of a society-wide rise in psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness. This trend is increasing the difficulty men already struggle with to manage their mental distress.

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The impact of this social conditioning of boys and men is reflected in the following concerning statistics:

• Of all the patients referred for therapy through the NHS, only 36% were men (Mental Health UK).

• Of all the sleeping rough, 82% are thought to be men (government statistics).

• Of all the deaths by suicide, 74% of are men (Samaritans).

 

Changing attitudes to men's mental health

Over recent years, however, we have started to see a decrease in the stigma associated with people from across the board seeking therapy.  While another recent trend has seen societal messaging encouraging men to be more emotionally aware and expressive. Though this can put more pressure on men, it also combines to indicate potentially positive steps forward for men in therapy.

 

Research tells us that men are becoming more open to engaging with their mental health and are increasingly going to men's therapy or men's counselling.  A BACP survey in 2022 found that 27% of men had sought help from a therapist.  This was an increase of 4% (from eight years before).  And 83% of men surveyed felt that it was a important to seek help before an issue got out of hand.  This was an increase of 11% over the same time period.  These are telling signs of change.

 

How can Men's Issues therapy help?

Men's therapy offers a space to explore what lies under emotional and behavioural difficulties men are struggling with.  Whether those issues are stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, anger, relationship problems, to name but a few.  Therapy offers a judgement-free space where therapist and client can begin to open up the problem.  And importantly for men in therapy, this is managed at their own pace.  In my experience, this collaborative approach is important for men in particular - with a more frank style is often appreciated, whether that be about the therapy, setting goals, discussing the therapeutic approach or the general approach between client and therapist.

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In summary, I'm seeing a shift in the acceptance and engagement in men's therapy in the clients I work with, and subsequently, a positive impact in and out of the consulting room.  Not only does this enable men to work through the immediate issues they're struggling with but it also starts a process of men being more accepting of their own emotions and mental health issues.  This often leads to improvements in their wellbeing, to their close relationships and makes them more resilient and better equipped for the future.