By: Ipek Yurttutan

Barriers in our society have prevented men from seeking therapy, but why? According to CDC, only 8% of American men received counseling or therapy in 2020. (CDC, 2020) Help-seeking may be perceived as a feminine quality and as well as a direct threat to the concept of masculinity. Depression is the leading mental health disorder that effects men. (6 million every year) Men tend to express their depressive symptoms different than women, and majority do not fit in the criteria for the DSM5-TR. For instance, externalizing behaviors such as alcohol consumption, aggressive behaviors and irritability are very common among men. Some men stay away from therapy because they might dislike the idea that seeking help will make them look “weak”. These biases are deeply ingrained within our society that even some professionals may have certain expectations of men such as behaving like the masculine stereotypes. In some cases these expectations may lead to misdiagnosis and wrong treatment plans. It is very important that we diminish these unrealistic expectations and let everyone have the same access to mental health care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/