In today’s world, there are numerous campaigns to raise awareness about men’s physical health, yet there remains a significant gap when it comes to their mental health. Societal pressures and norms often lead men to struggle with their mental health in isolation, making it difficult for them to seek help. At Elysia Wellness Retreat, we strive to create an environment where men can openly discuss their mental health, breaking down barriers and foster a community of support and healing.
Adapted from an article by Personal Psychology.
Understanding Gender Differences in Mental Health
While mental health disorders affect both men and women, the way these conditions manifest can differ significantly between genders. For instance, men and women might experience depression and anxiety differently, even if the overall prevalence is similar. However, serious conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder show no significant gender differences in their lifetime prevalence. It’s crucial to recognize that men’s and women’s mental health are interconnected. The well-being of men directly impacts women’s mental health and vice versa.
Why Do Boys Act Out? Why is My Daughter So Withdrawn?
From an early age, boys and girls often exhibit different emotional responses. During teenage years, girls are more likely to internalize their emotions, leading to symptoms such as sadness, anxiety and shyness. In contrast, boys tend to externalize their feelings through disruptive, aggressive, or risk-taking behaviours.
These patterns often continue into adulthood, with women experiencing higher rates of internalizing disorders and men more prone to externalizing disorders. For instance, men might display irritability when depressed, a symptom that is easily overlooked due to standard diagnostic criteria for major depression.
An important statistic shows that men are about three times more likely to die by suicide than women. It’s vital to focus on men’s mental health, particularly given the high rates of suicide among men aged 20-40. These factors, combined with societal pressures and possibly unaddressed mental health issues, create a storm that too many men navigate in isolation.
Gender Roles and Mental Health
Gender differences in mental health can often be traced back to distinct career paths and societal roles. Studies like The Sydney Teachers’ Study reveal that, when other variables are constant, depression rates are similar between genders. However, women tend to exhibit a broader emotional spectrum and employ diverse coping mechanisms, while men are more inclined to risk-taking behaviours under stress. This highlights the need for gender-specific approaches to mental health support.
Why Don’t Men Go to Therapy?
When it comes to expressing distress, men and women often take different approaches. Men’s distress is often shown through their actions rather than talking about feelings – a pattern that is reflected in the higher rates of behavioural problems, starting in childhood.
This difference is further compounded by men’s generally lower health literacy in emotional areas – in other words, they find it harder to express exactly how they are feeling.
Despite these trends, it’s important to recognise that men are often open to discussing their emotions, provided they are in a helping environment. Creating therapy spaces where men feel comfortable and safe to share their feelings can be a powerful step towards breaking down barriers, leading to better mental health outcomes.
While men in therapy initially may find talking about feelings difficult, it is a skill that anyone can learn, especially with the help of a therapist. With the help of a therapist, helping men understand how thoughts and emotions influence each other can dramatically improve their mental health – whether it is anxiety about work, feeling down, or feeling disconnected from others.
Be Part of the Change for Men’s Mental Health
Seeking out opportunities to grow, explore emotions and find alternative ways of thinking is one way men can push through the fear, find empowerment and reshape society’s idea of masculinity.
That’s why Elysia has invited Mark LeBusque, a leadership coach who challenges the traditional notions of masculinity, to conduct a multi-day retreat in October 2024. The Fortress Man Specialty Retreat will show a group of modern men how to embrace vulnerability, develop self-awareness, and foster authentic connections for a more fulfilling existence.
Mark’s multi-day workshop, which has been developed in recognition of the importance of self-care and holistic growth, will help participants to conquer their fears, develop leadership skills, and discover their purpose.
Together, this group of men will navigate the dynamics of being a man in both the professional realm, taking care of business, and within the family. Ultimately, our hope is that they will leave with a clearer pathway on how to live a more fulfilling and liberated existence.
Find out more about the The Fortress Man Specialty Retreat, to be held 6-13 October at Elysia Wellness Retreat.
Source: Personal Psychology. Please note that this blog post by Personal Psychology, psychologists in North Sydney is not intended to provide professional advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, it is important to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional. If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine on 1300 78 99 78.
