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Mental health problems and dealing with those issues has been labeled “taboo” for many years now. Though this false concept of dealing with mental health is believed by a large population, it tends to impact men the most. This is especially true when it comes to dealing with diverse illnesses like depression. This overwhelming inner feeling of sadness and despair, for many men, is the best left tucked away far from where anyone can see their pain.
Dealing with depression, particularly on your own, can be rough. Fear of appearing weak or less of a man drive men to hold it all in. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay in for long. Men who suffer from depression in silence end up expressing anger, frustration, shame, and worthlessness, lashing out at those they care about, self-medicating, and in extreme cases commit suicide. In order to change this unnecessary cycle of pain and mental confusion, it is imperative for guys to get serious in understanding the importance of mental health and getting help when they need it. The healing can start by first changing your understanding of mental illnesses such as depression.
1. Being Depressed Means You’re Weak
There is a wide misconception among misguided men that depression is a sign of weakness. Though it may feel different to tap into such deep emotions, it is not in any way a sign of how strong you are as a human being. Depression is something that can happen to any guy, at any age, of all shapes, sizes, and levels of mental and physical strength. If anything, hiding your depression makes you weak but admitting there’s a problem and getting treated for your depression is what makes you strong.
2. Men Struggle To Express Their Intimate Emotions
Men are often told they can only express two emotions, happiness and anger. With depression, you can be smiling one minute and sad the next with no real reason. It can be nerve-wracking to experience such a rollercoaster of emotions. It can even make you feel out of control. Depression, however, is a mental health disorder that impacts your mood. Because you’re suffering from this, your emotions aren’t always as controlled as you’d like them to be. Seeking help, on the other hand, allows you to regain control of your emotions and your life.
3. Only Wimps Need Help
Asking someone to help you with your depression doesn’t make you any less of man, in fact, it makes you a strong person. It’s not easy to admit that you have a problem and to be vulnerable enough to reach out to someone for guidance. Sometimes, things are beyond your control and working with a professional can help you gain a new perspective. There’s a lot of work you’ll have to do on your own to beat depression, but having a supportive team behind you makes the journey a lot easier to travel.
4. Talking About it is Pointless
Some guys aren’t interested in talking about their mental health because they believe it won’t do any good. They look at it as complaining or whining and as such, opt to keep it to themselves. This line of thinking is far from the truth, however. Talking things out allows you to get a clearer picture of what’s going on in your head. It provides you with the means to analyze what you’re saying and feeling. When you talk to someone you love or a mental health professional, this process of venting can be enough to help you overcome the slump you’ve been in.
5. You’re Going to Burden Others
Some men suffer from so much internal struggle about their mental health that they can’t fathom looking to others. So, rather than ask for help, they try to handle it alone (or ignore it altogether). The truth is, you’re more of a burden when you don’t speak up than when you do. Untreated depression can lead to a multitude of problems in your life that will automatically trickle down to your loved ones. Yet, if you get the help you need, these burdens are lifted from everyone.
If you’ve been feeling down in a slump lately, have uncontrollable periods of sadness and despair, or have experienced symptoms of depression, don’t ignore this. Being depressed doesn’t make you weak, less of a man, or a burden. Asking for support during this difficult journey to healing also doesn’t make you a wimp. You’ll find that through treatment and therapy that the best thing you could have ever done for yourself or your loved ones is speak up, talk it out, and move on.
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This content is sponsored by Anne Davis.
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