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Nearly 26% of American adults have a diagnosable mental disorder. Women and children are the two most vulnerable populations in the country when it comes to mental health issues, and there can be a tendency for social workers to focus on these groups.
Unfortunately, men’s mental health and its impacts on individuals, families, and societies are increasingly being overlooked due to deep-seated patriarchal attitudes. These attitudes restrict men from discussing or seeking support for their mental health, worsening its symptoms and impact. By joining the social work profession, men can normalize showing their emotional side and talking about their mental health and set an example for other men regarding treating their mental health.
This blog discusses why social work is a great profession to dismantle patriarchal attitudes and boost mental health in men.
Common barriers men face when seeking mental health treatment
As mentioned earlier, patriarchy is the silent poison that teaches men that they should be strong and tough, thus preventing them from discussing or seeking help for their various mental health problems. The patriarchal attitudes require men to strictly adhere to a code of masculinity that they feel ashamed of violating. This code puts a lot of emphasis on self-reliance, a lack of emotional expression, strength, and control, which isolate a man from his support system. Here are some of the most common patriarchal misconceptions that prevent men from seeking help for their mental health issues:
Real men don’t seek help
It is common for men to resist any attempts to seek help out of a deep-seated misconception that they should be strong enough to tackle a problem on their own. Men may also resist the need to reach out for help out of an expectation that whatever problem they are facing will go away on its own.
Strong men don’t experience emotional issues
There is a cultural belief that men should display their masculinity in a way that attempts to hide signs of weaknesses in periods of trials and challenges. Men who live by masculine stereotypes are at a higher risk of suppressing their emotions when faced with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
A man’s faith is enough solution for mental health problems
Another great hindrance to seeking mental health treatment is the belief that a man who is experiencing emotional problems is weak in his faith. This idea implies that mental health issues result from personal sin or wrongdoing before God and that repenting for sins is the solution to all mental health issues. This approach dramatically misinterprets and minimizes the complexities of mental health struggles. The reality is that mental health conditions impact people regardless of their spiritual commitment or faith.
How social work can help men overcome patriarchal attitudes
Social work is about listening and showing clients empathy. The more men join social work, the more men will feel comfortable showing their weaker sides and talking about their mental health.
The following are some of the ways social work can help men overcome patriarchal tendencies:
It allows men to understand and use their emotions
Emotions are intrinsic to mental health social work. As a social worker, you engage with clients during a time of need or crisis. This requires you to practice your emotions to effectively interact and live through the experiences of those you are trying to help. The more you use your emotions, the more you gain a better understanding of them. Furthermore, the social work framework emphasizes intra and inter-personal skills, including listening and building empathy, understanding the effects of nonverbal communication, and being self-aware.
It enables men to build open relationships with others
To accomplish their duties, mental health social workers nurture ongoing relationships with clients and their families. This starts with identifying adults, children, families, couples, and groups that require assistance. They then examine the client’s situations, strengths, and needs and guide the clients in goal-setting and recovery efforts. Social workers will continue building client relationships by teaching them ongoing coping strategies. When male social workers are comfortable establishing strong bonds with others, they will find it easier to open up to those close to them whenever they face a mental or emotional struggle.
It teaches self-care skills
Social work is generally a demanding and emotionally tasking career. It is, therefore, critical for social workers to engage in activities that help them maintain a healthy work-life balance. In essence, social work education programs equip workers with multiple self-care practices to enable them to tackle various stressors related to their work and daily lives. Self-care routines have been clinically proven to eliminate anxiety and depression while reducing stress and improving general well-being. By taking time to care for themselves, men can more easily adapt to changes, build stronger relationships and recover from setbacks.
Advocacy for men living with mental health
Social workers promote social justice while empowering their clients and groups through advocacy. As mentioned earlier, mental health issues affecting men have long been ignored. The advocacy skills of male social health workers enable them to represent and argue for men living with mental health to create greater awareness. They can empower other social workers to connect more male clients with the needed resources and opportunities, especially when clients are vulnerable or unable to advocate for themselves.
What is the job outlook for social work?
If you fancy an in-demand career that allows you to make a real difference in your community, consider becoming a social worker. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work positions will grow 9% in the next decade, representing a higher growth rate than many other occupations. Generally, you will need a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to become a social worker. The online advanced standing MSW program from Keuka College allows one to earn certifications fast and conveniently while working. This program focuses on mental health assessment, treatment, and prevention, offering an advanced track for BSW graduates to become clinical social workers and mental health providers.
Key Takeaway
Men living by masculine stereotypes and beliefs are at a higher risk of suppressing their emotions, ultimately resulting in ineffective coping strategies and treatment for their mental health struggles. As discussed above, social work is an exceptional opportunity to help men understand their emotions and tackle the patriarchal attitudes that prevent them from opening up and seeking support when they face mental health issues.
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