Men’s Counseling in Round Rock, TX—Counselors and Therapists

Sometimes men are reluctant to undergo counseling. Seeking help for a problem is seen by many as “unmanly”. The truth is that men have difficulties with life just like anybody else. In fact, some issues tend to be more specific to men. If you know a man who is interested in counseling, a therapist or counselor at Thriveworks Round Rock can help. A trained clinician will provide you with the tools to make positive change. Let’s discuss men’s issues and why many men are hesitant to seek counseling.

What Is a “Men’s Issue”?

Although men suffer from common issues like depression and anxiety, some problems are more specific to men.

1. Substance Abuse: Men use drugs at a higher rate and are two to three times more likely to suffer from a substance abuse disorder when compared to women. Men may turn to drugs as a way to cope with problems because they are less likely to disclose issues and seek help.
2. Emotional Unavailability: Men are famous for being emotionally unavailable. From a young age, boys are told that a real man does not express sadness or elation. Crying is a definite no-no. While it may be macho to suppress your feelings, emotional unavailability can lead to detached relationships and a lack of intimacy, among other problems.
3. Pornography: You may be thinking, what’s the big deal? Don’t all guys look at porn? Well, men are six times as likely to look at pornography than women. While some people may watch pornography without it causing significant issues, excessive use of pornography is associated with romantic relationship problems, financial difficulties, and depressive feelings.
4. Sexual Performance Problems: Sexual issues sometimes have a physiological basis but they are often rooted in a psychological problem. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and a lack of sex drive may all be the consequence of a mental health issue such as anxiety. Sex is a sensitive problem for men in the first place; when they are having performance issues it may feel like a direct threat to their manhood.
5. Job Issues: Men frequently believe that their occupation is the most important part of their identity. When someone asks them, “who are you?”, they often respond with their job title. Because their identity is so tied to their job, difficulties at work can negatively affect their self-image and mood. Unemployment is a particularly difficult problem with which to cope.

Men Don’t Go to Counseling—Right?

Men are less likely to disclose a mental health problem and seek counseling when compared to women. Why?

• Men Are Supposed to Be Strong: Although times are changing, men are still given the societal message that they need to be strong. As a result, they are more guarded with their feelings and act like they don’t have any issues. They are taught that vulnerability is a weakness. In other words, tough guys don’t need counseling. Ironically, the truth is just the opposite. It takes more strength and courage to seek help than to avoid dealing with your problems.
• Men Are Taught to Be Independent: Boys are frequently taught they need to handle issues on their own. They are the problem-solvers, not the ones who need help. While women tend to discuss their difficulties with friends and family, men tend to be more isolated and keep to themselves. Bottom line: men don’t talk about their problems with other people.
• Lack of Insight: Much of the time men don’t even realize they have a problem. They tend to be more out of touch with their emotions and have less insight into what is bothering them. They may have bottled up their emotions to the point where they just feel numb. When you ask those men if something is bothering them, they are likely to say no. And they believe it.
• The Stigma of Counseling: Although mental health issues are receiving more attention than they have in the past, there remains a stigma attached to psychotherapy. Personal and cultural opinions of counseling may be skewed highly negatively. There are still a lot of people who believe that anyone who goes to therapy must be insane. Men, who are often reluctant to seek counseling in the first place, will be further put off by the prospect of someone telling them they are crazy.

Men who don’t get help often face serious consequences. Unaddressed problems may lead to further psychological issues, the dissolution of relationships, and the loss of work. Even more gravely, men may become so despondent that they contemplate self-harm; men commit suicide more than three times as often as women.

Men, Don’t Be Afraid to Get the Help You Deserve

If you have a problem you need to address it is important to seek assistance. There are therapists at Thriveworks Round Rock that can provide you with the counseling you need in a confidential setting. If you feel like you may suffer from a men’s issue please call us at 512-212-7045 or schedule an appointment online.