How Talk Therapy Can Improve Men’s Mental Health

Mental wellness needs to be prioritized as much as physical health is. However, mental wellness is generally at the backburner due to varying dynamics. Social stigma, self-doubt, and cultural dynamics form some of the complexities around mental health, mostly among men. However, regardless of gender, mental wellness is required for a holistic quality of life.

Talk therapy is one of the methods utilized to improve men’s health. It is a psychological treatment for mental problems such as depression and anxiety. It requires a licensed professional to facilitate the talk therapy sessions.

Talk therapy can take form in different ways, such as physical one-on-ones with a therapist, online sessions, telephonically, or group sessions. Regardless of the type of talk therapy, the goal is to resolve mental issues that affect an individual’s general health.

Here are some ways that talk therapy can improve men’s mental health.

1. Provides A Non-Judgmental Space

One of the challenges that men generally face is that society doesn’t allow for safe spaces where they can be authentic with their mental and emotional struggles. Generally, society expects men to be masculine, meaning not to show vulnerability, take each day in their stride, and move on without flinching when life’s dynamics get heavy. These expectations lead to silent suffering among men because of fear of judgement should they show vulnerability.

Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, takes place in a non-judgmental and professional space. The qualifications and specialization required from clinical psychologists mean that men don’t need to be aware of how they’re received when sharing their struggles. In such a setting, talk therapy may be navigated without fear of judgment.

2. Provides Clarity

Talk therapy provides clarity in that the more men share their struggles with a licensed therapist, the more they may gain clarity regarding how to handle the issues healthily. It may sometimes appear easier to avoid addressing difficult subject matters, and some of the avoidance strategies include excessive drinking, drug abuse, or any other addiction-based activity.

During talk therapy, the therapist guides the conversation towards a positive direction, clarifying why one may be struggling with a particular matter and how it’s affecting them, and finding ways of going through it positively.

3. You May Map A Plan Of Action

Talk therapy doesn’t simply end at talking about problems, as you may also map a way forward regarding managing the symptoms and problems in question. Some of the suggestions that therapists can discuss include:

• Meditation
• Walking in nature
• Listening to uplifting music
• Discovering a positive hobby
• Socializing with peers over an activity
• Volunteering in the community
• Eating different brain and mood-boosting foods
• Writing
• Going to the gym
• Dancing

The different ways to cope with mental health struggles vary depending on resources, individual cases, and willingness. Together with a talk therapist, men can figure out the different ways to cope, alongside medical intervention, if prescribed.

4. Objective Interactions And Solutions

It’s advised to share struggles with family and friends. However, because they’re not licensed to navigate mental issues, the well-intended advice and responses might not be objective.

A talk therapist is personally removed from the client, meaning that they’re better positioned to make objective analyses, ask objective questions, and provide objective guidance. A talk therapist is trained to handle various responses and reactions from clients, meaning they won’t walk on eggshells when interacting in the therapy space, compared to friends and family who aren’t trained on the matter.

Objective interactions with trained professionals provide safer solutions rooted in psychological studies. Personal interactions may result in suggestions rooted in personal experiences, which may not be the best for one’s specific situation. For example, one may suggest that a person takes a certain type of medication because it worked for them. On the other hand, before suggesting medication, the psychologist safely assesses the client and determines the frequency and dosage of which medication may complement them.

5. Helps Focus On Daily Routines

One of the most difficult dynamics of struggling with mental health is that the daily routines, expectations, and mandates still need to be attended to regardless. Having shared your struggles in a safe space and mapped a practical coping method strategy, focusing on the daily routines may become easier. On the other hand, bottling up struggles may mean having to go on about the day feigning health so that the day gets done, which is dangerous to your overall health.

Conclusion

Talk therapy may be one of the positive methods of handling mental health issues. It’s a non-judgmental space where men can be vulnerable while gaining clarity. Objective interactions and solutions provide safer solutions than personal interactions regarding coping with mental health issues. Different coping mechanisms can be discussed during talk therapy and help with daily focus on responsibilities and mandates.

It’s essential to choose a licensed, qualified, and experienced therapist for the best possible outcomes.