Men's Mental Health

Men face many challenges to their mental health in the 21st century. Gender roles have been changing and men are increasingly feeling empowered to stake their own definitions of masculinity, make room for experience of emotions that have in previous generations been stifled, and integrate the focus on emotional wellbeing into a broader definition of health.

At the same time, men do not always find these efforts adequately supported. Moreover, their trailblazing in the varied domains of identity -- as men, partners, fathers, professionals, sons, and brothers -- often feels confusing, isolating, and challenging. Also, like women, men too are vulnerable to developing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. They are more likely than women though to minimize their struggles, suffer in silence, distrust that a mental health professional would help, or place negative judgments on the meaning of seeking help. Yet mental health problems cannot be willed away, and men who find the courage to reach out for support of a licensed psychotherapist report they are glad they have done so.

All psychotherapists at Wildflower work with men. These are some of the signs (this is not an exhaustive list) that men might benefit from our support:

• Changes in mood which may include sadness, irritability, anger, anxiety or lack of pleasure in things that you used to provide enjoyment
• Increased reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drug or alcohol use
• Difference in performance at work
• Weight changes
• Physical symptoms (gastrointestinal issues, headaches, tension)
• Increased frequency and/or intensity of conflict

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