Presented by BetterHelp.
Whether you are aware of it or not, there is a difference in the way men and boys address their mental health and care versus the way that women and girls do. This can have problematic outcomes, in some instances. Here’s a look at ways we can improve upon this.
Talk to the Males in Your Life
One of the reasons why males do not get mental health support when they need it is because the social norm suggests that they should be able to solve their own problems or be tough enough to handle all types of situations. However, this may not be a realistic approach for everyone.
Talk to the men in your life and let them know that it is okay to have feelings and if they want to talk about their life or events that have taken place, allow them to do so. It is important not to judge them and make sure that they know that you love and care about them, no matter what they act like.
This can be especially important if you are raising a son. You might want to talk to him about being honest about how he’s feeling and that he doesn’t have to hide his emotions.
For additional details on the mental health of men and boys, look at this site: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/mental-heath-of-men-and-boys. There are relevant articles to read.
Be Supportive
If the males you love don’t want to talk to you about their mental health concerns or their feelings, make sure that you are still as supportive as possible. Give them the space they need and offer alternatives that could be able to make a difference in their lives. For instance, you might want to tell them to hang out with their friends when they are feeling down or to take up a hobby as a creative outlet. These activities may have the ability to make a difference.
Suggest Mental Health Care
Additionally, you can discuss therapy with your spouse or son when it is applicable. They may feel comfortable working with a therapist or attending a support group, in order to process their feelings and other symptoms that they may be experiencing. Research shows that when males are able to bond with each other in a supportive setting, this could improve their mental health.
Keep in mind that online therapy is an option to consider if an individual doesn’t feel comfortable going to a therapist’s office. With online therapy, you can work with a counselor through your smartphone, at a time that is convenient for you. You can also utilize this service from the comfort of your home.
Watch for Signs and Symptoms
At times, there are signs and symptoms that can let you know that a male needs immediate help. Do your best not to ignore these signs and get a loved one the support they need if you notice this type of behavior.
One sign is a sudden change in behavior. If your son starts to act differently than he acted the day before, this can be a cause for concern. Perhaps he lost interest in his hobbies and friends. If you notice this, he may need emergency help.
Another sign is if a male doesn’t seem to get any pleasure in anything they do. If you find your husband on the couch and he isn’t paying attention to his hygiene or able to go to work, this is also something that may need immediate attention.
You can gently talk to them about working with a therapist or you can get emergency help by dialing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. They can provide you with further assistance.
Stay Informed
You may want to consider staying informed on the subject of the mental health of men and boys as well. There are a number of articles, research papers, and books on the subject that you might find informative. This can help you stay aware of what the science says and the ways in which you can assist the people that you love.
Conclusion
When you are being supportive of the males you care about, you might also want to talk to them about seeing a therapist if they need to. All you can do is be there for them and offer helpful suggestions, and these things could make a difference.
Furthermore, you should continue to read about this issue and watch out for warning signs as well. While you may not be able to change the norms related to the care of males, you can make a difference with the people in your family or circle.