Psychotherapy for Men

It's been called a silent crisis - surrounded by taboos and cultural stereotypes, men's mental health is an issue which is constantly skirted and avoided. However, recent studies have shown that the societal pressure for men to be mentally and emotionally "strong", is doing more damage than ever thought before. In fact, among one of the most recent findings is that new fathers are vulnerable to postpartum depression. In Canada, young and middle-aged men are being hospitalized for schizophrenia in increasing numbers.

The greatest evidence of male vulnerability to mental health issues can be found in suicide statistics. Among Canadians of all ages, four of every five suicides are male. The taboos surrounding men's mental health need to be dealt with, as statistics are continually showing that gender gap among people with mental illness is much narrower than might be expected.

Men face many barriers in seeking help for their mental issues. According ot the Toronto Men's Health Network (TMHN), even the concept of "men's health " is relatively new in Canada. According to professionals, there are a number of reasons for this phenenomen. One reason is the low priority given to men's mental health in the research community. Another reason lies with male and societal attitudes, as the women's health movement was primarily self-directed. Men, on the other hand, are brought up in a society which expects them to be tough and strong - an admission of any sort of weakness is not considered to be masculine. These beliefs about masculitnity have created a vaccuum in which men simply don't believe they are susceptible to depression, for example, so why bother learning about it? Similarly, men adapt to their mental and emotional pains through masking it from themselves and physicians with the abuse of alcohol and/or drugs and violence.

Raising awareness about men and their vulnerability to depression is a rising trend and may help in terms of reducing the stigma attached to mental health. Promotional campagins, websites, journals and networking groups targeting men and their mental health awareness are breaking the silence that has long surrounded this topic. But there is a long way to go before the depth and breadth of knowledge about men's mental health issues apporached that relating to women.

Psychotherapy for men can be an empowering and strengthening process, despite current societal stigma. The Centre for Mindful Therapies has a number of male clients, and remains committed to offering men quality support. If you would like to set up an appointment or consultation, email us at info@mindfultherapies.com.