Therapy for Men in Boulder: Addressing their Specific Needs
Today more than ever the conversation around mental health is front and center. Despite the increased awareness many men still struggle to find effective help for the mental health struggles that visit them.
Living in Boulder, Colorado with all the beauty and access to nature, one would imagine that we would experience reduced stress and greater well-being, but even at the foot of the Flatirons, unique challenges men face often make their mental health journey more complicated.
Stigma and cultural expectations contribute to heightened levels of emotional distress. Many men struggle with acknowledging their emotional challenges and are less likely to seek help, which can exacerbate feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or despair.
Additionally, BIPOC men face unique challenges, including generational trauma and systemic barriers, which may intensify their emotional distress compared to their White neighbors.
As a therapist working with men, tailored support and open communication are key to emotional authenticity.
This article will highlight the importance of therapy for men by looking at the specific challenges they face and the potential growth that can come from working with an effective therapist.
Stats
For many emotional struggles, sometimes unfortunately labeled as ‘mental disorders’, men are less likely to reach out and get help and as a result, as a whole are underdiagnosed and under-treated.
Knowing these stats can encourage men to take that first step to get help and validate the experiences of those grappling with mental health challenges. According to Mental Health America:
Although men make up 10% of patients with eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia, they are much less likely to get help.
Every year over 6 million men experience undiagnosed depression.
More than 3 million men in the US grapple with symptoms of panic disorder, agoraphobia, or other phobias.
Bipolar disorder affects 2.3 million Americans with equal prevalence between the sexes, but men tend to experience an onset between 16-25 years of age.
The leading cause of disability in America is schizophrenia with around 3.5 million Americans diagnosed and 90% of men diagnosed by age 30.
Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health is often overlooked, and as a result, there are few resources that address their specific needs.
Societal expectations are that men are stoic, strong, and in control – leaving no room for vulnerability.
This has serious consequences. According to the CDC, men are more likely to die by suicide than women, and we may need more specialized mental health support.
Challenges like ADHD, depression, and anxiety go unaddressed and are often stigmatized.
Mental Health Issues Men Face
Men and women both experience mental health challenges, but some conditions are more common in men.
These can show up as unhealthy coping mechanisms – substance abuse or risk-taking behaviors – which often hide deeper emotional pain and disconnection from one’s experience.
Relationship challenges and personal crises can amplify the distress and many men come to us feeling alone and overwhelmed. Societal expectations of ‘be strong and carry on’ make it even harder for men to express themselves and get the help they need.
Obstacles to Getting Mental Health Help
Despite the increased awareness of mental health issues, many men still face obstacles when trying to get help.
The dominant narrative around help-seeking is that it’s weak and many men don’t want to succumb. We also lack awareness of resources, which results in many men not knowing where to turn.
In Boulder, while the local human services offices can be helpful, they need to be better publicized. Overcoming these obstacles is key to creating a space where men can feel safe to access mental health services and get the help they need.
Therapy Approaches for Men’s Mental Health
While the underlying therapeutic approaches may be the same for men and women, it’s important to adapt the treatment to the specific needs of men.
When we work with men, we often use an empathetic approach, creating an emotionally safer space for clients to explore their feelings without fear of being judged.
Encouraging men to seek therapy is crucial, as it is a constructive process for enhancing mental and emotional skills, which can contribute to being more effective in various aspects of life.
We find Narrative therapy (NT) is particularly effective in helping men connect to their authentic experiences and relieve the ‘mental health issues’ that visit them. Offering both online and in-person therapy makes getting support more accessible and caters to personal preferences and life’s busy realities.
Societal Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health
Every day many men are struggling with outdated gender expectations – this can have a profound impact on their mental health and delay them getting support – due to societal stigma.
That’s why so many have trouble admitting they might benefit from support. Simon Rice an Australian mental health expert said in The Lancet Public Health “Sex differences in mental health emerge across late childhood and adolescence” a time when gender norms are entrenched and carry through into later life and shape mental health and help-seeking behaviour.
Further, a 2022 review in the American Journal of Public Health found that men who internalize stigma around mental health challenges are less likely to seek help and more likely to experience symptoms of severe mental illness.
Research shows that men treated for depression or suicidal ideation – whether through therapy or medication – are less likely to have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.
Practical issues like financial concerns are linked to suicidal thoughts and ideation. We believe that when we lose choice or agency, hopelessness and despair might follow. When we’re struggling, developing a support system of friends, loved ones, and an effective counselor to help with emotional support can reduce suicidal ideation and self-harm.
Treatment Options
When considering mental health treatment options, men have several choices to address the challenges that visit them.
Individual therapy provides a focused space for one-on-one support, while group therapy offers community and connection with others who often face similar struggles.
Couples and family therapy can work on relationship dynamics, helping men to improve their personal relationships.
Should a man get a male therapist?
While some men may feel more comfortable with a male therapist due to shared experiences and understanding of gender-specific issues, the most important factor is finding a therapist with whom one feels safe and understood. Personal comfort and connection should take precedence over gender.
How much does therapy cost in Boulder CO?
Therapy costs in Boulder, CO, can vary widely, typically ranging from $100 to $250 per session depending on the therapist's qualifications and the type of therapy offered. It's advisable to check with individual practitioners regarding their fees and any available sliding scale options.
Is therapy worth it for men?
Absolutely. Therapy can support managing mental health challenges, developing coping strategies, and enhancing overall well-being. Many men report significant improvements in their relationships and quality of life after therapy.
Why is men's mental health such an issue?
Men's mental health issues are often exacerbated by societal expectations and stigma surrounding vulnerability. Traditional norms discouraging emotional expression can lead to isolation and mental health struggles that often go unaddressed.
What is the most common mental health problem among males?
Feelings of depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health problems faced by men. Additionally, substance abuse frequently co-occurs with these conditions, complicating the overall mental health landscape.
Why is men's mental health so overlooked?
Men's mental health is often overlooked due to societal norms that prioritize stoicism and discourage emotional expression. This can lead to men feeling that they must conceal their struggles in order to be seen as ‘strong’ and this incongruence results, in disconnection from their experience and other health consequences.
Take Control of Your Mental Health
As you start your journey to better mental health, approach it with an open heart and mind.
Be kind to yourself as you work through the therapy process and remember meaningful change may take time. Get to know the mental health resources and educate yourself.
Most importantly, remember seeking therapy is not a weakness; it’s the courage to get to know yourself and embrace your mental health journey. Seeking therapy and support can be a crucial step in suicide prevention, helping to address the unique challenges men face and reducing the stigma around mental health.
In summary, men need to see therapy as a resource. By acknowledging the unique struggles they face and creating a space of understanding and support, we can help men in Boulder and beyond navigate their mental health and authentic experiences with confidence.
Begin Your Journey Toward Connection
Let’s have open conversations, celebrate emotional honesty, and acknowledge the strength in vulnerability. The journey to mental wellness is collective; together we can create a better future for all men.
For more support and guidance, book an initial consultation with David, and connect with a professional who gets men’s mental health.
By being kind, compassionate, and understanding, we can create a space for healing where each man can be on his journey to holistic mental wellness and personal fulfillment.
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