Many men hesitate to seek mental health care, often due to societal expectations and stigma. At Monarch, our behavioral health services for men aim to change that. Clinicians are working to reduce the barriers that make it harder for men to reach out for help and prioritize their well-being.
According to Mental Health America (MHA), men are less likely than women to seek support for issues like depression, substance use disorders and life stressors. This reluctance often stems from social norms, the fear of appearing weak or not recognizing the symptoms of a mental health crisis.
Understanding Barriers to Men’s Mental Health
One reason men avoid seeking care is limited emotional awareness. They may struggle to identify or express their feelings. Monarch clinicians explain that this emotional barrier makes it harder for men to manage their emotions and seek the help they need.
“When a person experiences a physical problem, they typically seek medical treatment. However, struggling with a mental health issue often doesn’t receive the same attention,” said a Monarch psychiatric nurse practitioner. “For some reason, in regard to mental health, it is something that doesn’t warrant that type of attention, respect, treatment, and seeking help is seen as making you a weaker, less capable person. Just like with any other problem, addressing it head on in a rational, logical, thorough manner, that is what creates strength. That’s what builds resilience.”
The nurse practitioner also noted, “When you continue to ignore the problem and it gets so severe that it requires such an intense intervention like involving the police, it can be really humiliating and bring a lot of shame.”
Factors that Impact Men’s Mental Health
Clinicians at Monarch explain that cultural stereotypes also play a significant role in how men view mental health care. For example, in some communities, including the African American community, seeking mental health support has been viewed historically as a sign of weakness.
Other factors that can affect men’s mental health include:
- Employment struggles, including job loss or barriers after incarceration.
- Family issues, such as conflict or separation.
- Homelessness or financial instability.
- Substance use disorders.
Medical professionals at Monarch explained that men may also hesitate because of concerns about how mental health medications could affect them physically, including sexual performance.
Monarch’s Approach to Behavioral Health Services for Men
At Monarch, individuals seeking help begin with a clinical assessment to develop a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan. This may include:
- Medication management.
- Individual or group therapy.
- Teaching coping skills to manage emotions.
- Assistance in meeting basic needs like food and housing.
“Managing stress gives the patient a sense of ownership and makes them more active in their care rather than being told what to do and helping them to open up,” said a Monarch clinician.
Seeking support can provide an awareness about mental health resources available and if the individual would benefit from a team approach such as the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT), a community-based group of medical, behavioral health and rehabilitation professionals working together for people with severe and persistent mental illness.
Advice for Men Facing Mental Health Challenges
Monarch clinicians agree that managing mental health includes practicing healthy habits such as:
- Maintaining regular sleep schedules.
- Eating nutritious meals.
- Staying active with regular exercise.
For men who need further help but feel hesitant about seeking mental health care, Monarch’s clinicians offer this advice:
“What do you have to lose? Getting to know yourself is one of the most beneficial and rewarding paths that a person can go on rather than just living in place of being unaware,” said a Monarch psychiatric nurse practitioner.
They also noted that an individual’s support network can assist when their loved one seeks mental health services by being patient and empathetic through the process, as well as talking about the care they are receiving.
Learn More About Monarch’s Services
Men’s mental health is an important part of overall health and seeking help is a step toward a stronger future. Monarch is here to help with comprehensive behavioral health services designed to meet everyone’s unique needs.
For more information about Monarch’s services call (866) 272-7826.