5 B.S Reasons Why Men Don't Go To Therapy

It is about time that the stigma of therapy is slowly diminishing. Within the past few years, more men have become more accepting of starting the conversation of, "I need help."

Contrary to popular belief, seeking out a therapist does not mean that something is wrong with you. Of course, there are numerous individuals who seek out counseling for behavioral and emotional disorders. However, believe it or not, many individuals seek out a therapist simply because it is someone to confide in that holds zero bias and judgment.

Whether it is a goal you are working towards, guidance in resolving conflict with a boss, repairing an old friendship, or help towards educational goals a therapist can help. Seems simple to understand, right?

Well not so much. Time after time, we find individuals (especially men) make excuses as to why they "do not need" therapy which is primarily based on their own fears.

1. "There Is Nothing Wrong With Me"

If you wanted to work out and get fit, is simply having a food journal and eating a balanced diet going to get you "fit"? No. You will definitely lose weight and you will feel better from eating healthier foods, but you will not seek your fullest potential without doing the most intrusive activity; going to the gym and lifting weights.

Smoothies, fasting, and veggies only go a long way. The same goes for working on yourself and reaching your goals. Meditation, journal writing, podcasts, and talking to friends can only go so far. Sometimes, to see accelerated results you will need to mentally lift those weights.

Accepting that nothing is wrong with you, just as going to the gym doesn't mean something is wrong with your body will help you to reach out to a therapist. View it as a mediator or mentor instead if it helps you to take that first step.

2. "If I See A Therapist, Then I Am Weak"

This statement couldn't be further from the truth. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Those who are weak, speak the loudest but have no actions to back it up. Those who are weak fear rejection, therefore they reject others. Those who are weak become envious of the successes of those around them.

Acting tough is not a sign of strength, rather it is a façade.

3. "I Have Magic Grass For That"

Indulging in alternative substances may alleviate symptoms temporarily, but it is not a long-term fix. Hence, why you'd have to continue taking them when you start feeling "yucky" again or want to feel like your "normal" self.

In terms of CBD, there is simply not enough evidence that supports long-term solutions that medical professionals can reliable recommend its consumption. However, in terms of alcohol, we know that it is easier to abuse and to become more susceptible to suicide and depression.

Temporarily healing mental wounds with a Band-Aid or "substance", so to speak, is not addressing the root of the injury. That is why it is important to focus on the reasons behind our anxiety and attempt to attack the "low-hanging fruit".

4. "Therapists Don't Know How To Help Me"

First of all, therapy is not a one-size-fits-all. When you think of a new relationship, it blossoms because there is chemistry and common ground. The same applies when trying to find a therapist.

Just because they have a few letters behind their name does not mean that every therapist will be the most personable, talkative, or even professional-looking. Some can look like they just rolled out of bed with their hair greased down, while others may appear prim and proper.

It really comes down to finding a therapist you can initially connect with. This is important because it is by means of this connection that will result in you peeling back those layers and open up the tubes of your mind.

5. "Talking About Your Problems Just Creates More Problems. Who Wants To Talk About Them Anyway?"

No one said talking about your issues or anxieties was fun. That is why we have highly educated professionals that we pay to help us. It's not supposed to be fun and easy, as a matter of fact, it can be painful at first. But like any wound, in time it will heal when given the proper attention and remedy.

Some wounds are superficial and may only require ointment and a Band-Aid. Whereas, other wounds may be deeper and require you to seek medical attention from a doctor. If those deeper wounds are neglected they could get infected which will cause more pain down the road.

The same idea applies to our mental wounds. Some things we can take with a grain of salt and move on. However, there are certain mental wounds that require the attention of a highly trained professional so as to ease pain and discomfort and finally heal.

Takeaways

There is a stigma behind therapy. But it is important to note that in recent years, light is being shed on the stigma and more individuals are accepting of seeking help when they need it.

Becoming enlightened from a high-profile celebrity through a podcast seems more normal than sitting in on a one-hour therapy session. Podcasts, books, articles, talk shows, do host information that is beneficial but it does not seek to solve the root of your issues.

It is OKAY to seek help, whether it be for simple matters or big ones. Either way, it is nice to vent to a non-bias individual in a safe and inviting space.

If you don't have enough time, no problem!

Plenty of therapists meet on sites such as TalkSpace. Where you can find a virtual therapist for whatever needs you have, on your time and your dime.