There is a weird double standard we have going on in our society when it comes to men.
The overall sentiment is that men should be STRONG, they should be COURAGEOUS and ready to take on big challenges without hesitation. There are multiple levels of toxicity that can be unpacked in these kind of grand statements to begin with, but we wouldn’t go there- just yet.
Let’s take that ask from the world, and look at the very interesting flipside. We have yet to fully breakdown this stereotype of MEN being tough and go getters…. Yet, we scoff at the idea of males going to therapy. The concept of a man sitting down for a counseling session is mocked in the media, in conversations, and is still the butt of many jokes.
So, we are requesting men be ready to rise up and take on huge challenges with a gleam in their eye- but we don’t want to armor them with professional support, and the healthy tools and methods to handle these situations without the risk of ridicule?
We need to change the dialogue.
While women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with common mental health problems, males commit suicide at an alarming 3 to 4 times more than women. One of the major factors in this gap? Men will not seek any sort of help that could land them a diagnosis. It is estimated that only 10% to 12.1% of men* seek therapy or other mental health services per year. When anonymously surveyed, the number one response for not seeking help: seeking help may be viewed as a weakness, and the fear of being seen as less masculine.
In this landscape, depression, anger and aggression issues, anxiety and toxic masculinity are left unchecked. What quality of life is allowed in this pigeonhole for the men, and those in their lives?
At S.A.G.E we know the bravest things anyone can do regardless of gender (or non-gender), is search for ways to improve their mind, body, soul connection- and clarity. We welcome those brave folx to come through our doors with a hope and a knowing that they, too, can feel supported and rise up to meet the challenges of life – without feeling isolated. There is no shame in empowering yourself by needing others and we are here to hold that torch for you so that you can join torches with the other brave men who have done the same.
We see you.
*Source: Statista.com
