Men are socialised from a young age that showing vulnerability is shameful, yet this reluctance to express emotions can be detrimental to their mental health. Men make up only 33% of referrals to talking therapies, and when they do seek help, they often disappear as suddenly as they arrive.
Historically, men's roles have centered on work and provision; women's on caregiving, looking after the home, and raising children. This difference in socialization leads men to be more action-oriented and task-focused, making it difficult for them to express distress verbally. Instead, they often act out when troubled, leading to problems such as driving recklessly or engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
The design of therapy services also contributes to this reluctance. Many therapists are trained through a female lens, focusing on talking about feelings, which can be uncomfortable for men who prefer "shoulder-to-shoulder" conversations. Men often prefer group therapy, where they can connect with others without feeling vulnerable. However, traditional talk therapy may not fit this approach.
Men also struggle with vulnerability due to societal expectations of masculinity, which links worth with resilience and control. This fear of being seen as weak or fragile can prevent them from seeking help when needed. Research suggests that male infants are more emotionally reactive than girls but are encouraged to be resilient, leading to difficulties in expressing emotions as adults.
The "go-it-alone" mentality is deeply ingrained in men's culture, making it difficult for them to acknowledge the need for support or therapy. Men often expect immediate results and may view therapy as a redemptive arc rather than a process that requires patience and vulnerability.
Breaking down these barriers requires understanding and empathy from loved ones and healthcare professionals. By offering unpressured side-by-side connection and understanding, men can begin to see the value in seeking support without fear of being judged or seen as weak. Therapy is not about stripping away strength but redefining it by providing a space for emotions to be named rather than managed.
Ultimately, therapy can help men address long-buried pain, guilt, or grief and redefine their understanding of vulnerability and masculinity. By normalizing mental health discussions and encouraging open communication, we can work towards creating a culture where men feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
Historically, men's roles have centered on work and provision; women's on caregiving, looking after the home, and raising children. This difference in socialization leads men to be more action-oriented and task-focused, making it difficult for them to express distress verbally. Instead, they often act out when troubled, leading to problems such as driving recklessly or engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
The design of therapy services also contributes to this reluctance. Many therapists are trained through a female lens, focusing on talking about feelings, which can be uncomfortable for men who prefer "shoulder-to-shoulder" conversations. Men often prefer group therapy, where they can connect with others without feeling vulnerable. However, traditional talk therapy may not fit this approach.
Men also struggle with vulnerability due to societal expectations of masculinity, which links worth with resilience and control. This fear of being seen as weak or fragile can prevent them from seeking help when needed. Research suggests that male infants are more emotionally reactive than girls but are encouraged to be resilient, leading to difficulties in expressing emotions as adults.
The "go-it-alone" mentality is deeply ingrained in men's culture, making it difficult for them to acknowledge the need for support or therapy. Men often expect immediate results and may view therapy as a redemptive arc rather than a process that requires patience and vulnerability.
Breaking down these barriers requires understanding and empathy from loved ones and healthcare professionals. By offering unpressured side-by-side connection and understanding, men can begin to see the value in seeking support without fear of being judged or seen as weak. Therapy is not about stripping away strength but redefining it by providing a space for emotions to be named rather than managed.
Ultimately, therapy can help men address long-buried pain, guilt, or grief and redefine their understanding of vulnerability and masculinity. By normalizing mental health discussions and encouraging open communication, we can work towards creating a culture where men feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
I'm so done with the stigma around men showing emotions! 
Like, can't we just break free from that toxic masculinity nonsense? 
I mean, have you seen how reckless some dudes get on the road because they're bottling up their feelings? It's like, dude, take a deep breath and talk to someone about it already! 
We need more male therapists who understand that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. 
And can we please stop assuming all men want "shoulder-to-shoulder" conversations? Some guys just need space to express themselves, you know? 
It's time for us to redefine what it means to be strong and man up – by embracing our emotions and being more open about seeking help. 
We can do this! 
I think its crazy how much pressure society puts on men to be tough & not show emotions 
. Its like they're expected to be superheroes who always have it together 
? Its time for a change, and I think its great that therapists are starting to understand this and adapt their approach 
, and then maybe we can start making some real progress 
It's wild how much pressure there is for men to just "be strong" and not show any vulnerability. I mean, what about all the times we've felt overwhelmed or hurt but didn't know how to talk about it? It's like our emotions are just meant to be bottled up forever... 
. And honestly, who says therapy has to be super emotional? It's not like we're trying to "fix" them or make them less masculine 
. It's hard-wired into our brains from a young age, and it's going to take time (and effort) to unlearn it. We can't just expect guys to start sharing their emotions because we say so; they need to feel safe doing so. That means loved ones and healthcare professionals need to create space for vulnerability without judgment 
. Like, what's the point in acting out if you're just gonna end up hurting yourself or others? I've got mates who struggle with opening up, but when they do, it's like a weight's been lifted off their shoulders 
. We need to normalise talking about mental health and not make it some sort of taboo thing 
I think its crazy how much pressure society puts on guys to be tough all the time... like, just because they dont cry in front of their mates doesnt mean theres nothin wrong 
. Its all about redefining what it means to be strong - being vulnerable can actually be super powerful! 
and I think its because society expects men to be strong and not emotional 
it makes them act out instead of talking about it 
so we gotta change this 
and make therapy more cool for guys to talk about their feelings without feeling judged or weak 
. Can you imagine having to talk about feelings in front of a bunch of strangers? 
.
. It's crazy how societal expectations of masculinity are still so tied up in this whole "tough guy" thing, where men are expected to just suck it up and not show any vulnerability 
. I mean, we've all been there - guys at the office who are clearly struggling but won't say anything because they don't want to be seen as weak 
.
I mean, can't we just create a culture where guys feel comfortable expressing themselves and not being judged for it? Like, vulnerability is actually a strength, right? 
. We need more spaces where guys can feel safe talking about their emotions without being judged or seen as weak