Men’s Mental Health: Why Men Avoid Therapy and How to Start Healing

Men’s Mental Health: Why Men Avoid Therapy and How to Start Healing

June is Men’s Mental Health Month, which is a time to shed light on a topic that’s too often left in the dark. While mental health awareness has grown in recent years, many men still carry the belief that seeking therapy means weakness… or that their emotions should be suppressed, and not explored. At Therapeutic Self Care, we’re here to challenge that narrative.

The Stigma: Why Men Avoid Therapy

Society often sends harmful messages to men, that they should be “tough,” “stoic,” or “handle things on their own.” This stigma creates a dangerous silence. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), men are far less likely than women to seek help for emotional or mental health struggles, despite facing significant risks. In fact:

• 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression every year.

• 1 in 10 men will experience anxiety disorders at some point in their life.

• 60% of men with trauma will develop at least one PTSD symptom.

Yet most won’t talk about it— not to their friends, partners, or even to themselves.

What It Means to Be Strong

Here’s the truth: denying pain doesn’t make you stronger, but facing the pain does. Men who seek therapy are not broken or weak. They’re smart, brave, and taking control of their health. Therapy gives men tools to:

• Manage stress and anger without bottling it up

• Heal from trauma and past experiences

• Improve communication in relationships

• Learn how to rest, cope, and grow

At Therapeutic Self Care, many of our staff are male therapists who deeply understand what it means to be a man in today’s world. You won’t be judged here. Instead, you’ll be heard, supported, and empowered.

Common Mental Health Conditions Men Face

Research shows that men often experience emotional pain differently than women, and sometimes in disguise. For example:

Men also make up nearly four times the suicide rate of women, according to the CDC (CDC, “Suicide Data and Statistics”), yet they’re far less likely to be diagnosed with depression or receive mental health treatment.

How Men Can Practice Self-Care

At Therapeutic Self Care (In Toms River and Galloway), our holistic approach is all about giving yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with your needs. Self-care is a priority to us.

Here are a few ways men can start:

• Physical activity: Movement reduces anxiety and improves mood.

• Talk it out: Whether it’s with a therapist or a trusted friend, vulnerability builds resilience.

• Set boundaries: Rest isn’t earned, it’s needed.

• Breathe deeply: Practicing mindfulness or breathwork can regulate the nervous system.

• Let go of shame: Asking for help is a sign of self-respect, not failure.

Final Thoughts: Normalize Men’s Mental Health

Men’s Mental Health Month reminds us that feeling emotional pain is human, and healing is a powerful act of courage.

At Therapeutic Self Care, we proudly support men in reclaiming their mental health — with male therapists on staff, a compassionate team, and a deep understanding of what men need from therapy today.

Whether you’re struggling with stress, trauma, depression, or just trying to feel more like yourself again, you don’t have to do it alone.

Heal and Reclaim your strength.

Therapy for men Toms River, Ocean County, and Galloway, Atlantic County NJ
Because self-care isn’t weak— it’s survival.

Works Cited

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Suicide Data and Statistics.” CDC, www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html.

• Mahalik, James R., et al. “Social Norms and the Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior of Men.” Psychology of Men & Masculinity, vol. 4, no. 1, 2003, pp. 5–13.

• National Center for PTSD. “PTSD in Men.” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, http://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Any Anxiety Disorder.” NIMH, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.