Therapy for Men’s IssuesAdmin User2023-03-31T09:25:20-04:00
Therapy for Men’s Issues in Bergen County
Addressing Gender-Specific Challenges
Being a man comes with its own set of challenges and issues that can impact emotional, physical, and mental health. Unfortunately, men tend to not seek out mental health help because of beliefs about masculinity, difficulty sharing and expressing feelings, stigma, not believing in therapy, or some other reason. As a result, many serious underlying issues are left untreated and then rear their heads in other damaging ways such as through substance abuse, aggression, isolation, or worse. I know from my experience as a therapist, that men can benefit greatly from an accepting space to explore the difficulties they are experiencing.
What I Mean By Men’s Issues
Just as everyone has a different idea of what it means to be a man, no two men’s issues are the same. However, there are some similar conflicts that men might face in their lives, from romantic struggles and anger management, to intimacy issues and mid-life crises, to grief or loss of job, to divorce and fatherhood. These issues generally arise because of the cultural and societal views around manlihood. As a therapist specializing in men’s issues, I will help to empower you to conquer your issues and seek balance in life.
Common Issues Experienced by Men
Below are some of the common issues men struggle with:
Depression
Male depression often goes un-diagnosed because of failure to recognize symptoms, downplaying the signs, or reluctance to discuss feelings. It’s important to recognize the signs and seek help. Some signs include feeling sad or hopeless, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, no longer enjoying activities, irritability, escapist behavior, and reckless behavior.
Anxiety
Anxiety affects men and women alike, but men’s anxiety tends to go undiagnosed because of the tendency to downplay problems or bury emotions. Men who are experiencing anxiety may act angry, withdraw from social groups, struggle with sleep, feel on edge, have trouble concentrating, experience irritability, worry excessively, or have physical ailments like headaches and nausea.
Anger and Irritability
From a young age, many men are taught to hide their feelings of hurt or sadness. Common platitudes include “Man Up” and “Suck it up!” When men suppress their vulnerability, their underlying feelings often emerge as angry outbursts, irritable moods, and aggressive behavior. This pattern can prevent men from having successful relationships.
Affection and Intimacy
Rather than communicating how they feel, some men struggle opening up to their partners. While men feel love, they may express it differently than women. Instead of saying I love you or holding a hand, they do things for their partner, such as fixing something or buying something. This can be the demise of a relationship.
Sexual Issues
Movies, television, magazines, and peers constantly push what men’s sex lives should be like. Issues can develop when a man’s libido or sexual functioning doesn’t match expectations. It’s important to explore reality and the reasons behind sexual issues.
Ignoring Emotions
Men who express their emotions are often seen as weak, so they hide or control them. Over time not only are they unable to show emotions to others, they have difficulty identifying how they are even feeling. This impacts their mental health and their relationships as it keeps people at a distance.
Career Struggles
Our careers can be the source of some serious stress and are tied to our identities. From not feeling secure in your position to inability to provide for your family, many men need help navigating their career paths.
Signs to Watch Out For
While everyone struggles with their own unique set of issues, below are some signs that may signal seeking a therapist:
Therapy can help you identify and connect to your feelings in a place where you can be completely honest about the pressures and issues you are facing. We will work together to uncover the underlying causes of your issues, and I will provide you with the techniques and tools you need to address the triggers, improve your relationships, and feel better about yourself.
I am here to help you navigate the struggles of life as a man in today’s world.
Career Struggles
