This Men’s Health Month, Check In on Your Mental Health
Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to talk not only about physical health, but mental health, too.
While every person experiences stress, depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions differently, men can face particular barriers when it comes to asking for support. Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, yet fewer than half receive treatment. The suiciderate among males is also nearly four times higher than among females.
For Kenneth Craig, LCSW, one of the biggest themes he sees is isolation.
“Men sometimes tend to pull inward when they are struggling because they don’t want to look weak or feel judged,” Kenneth shared. “There can be a lot of shame around struggling, and it can feel really vulnerable to get help.”
That isolation can show up during many stages of life—from entering adulthood and navigating careers and relationships, to parenthood, relationship stress, retirement, aging, or major health changes.
One advantage of behavioral health care at CAPS & Maple City is that counseling can be connected with primary care. For someone hesitant to seek therapy, receiving support in the same place they already go for their health care can make that first step feel more approachable.
And that first step can make a meaningful difference.
“I think ‘I’m not alone’ is a big shift,” Kenneth said. “Having someone to talk to, instead of carrying all of those stories in your own head, can be really helpful.”
He often sees men begin to experience improved mood and self-esteem, communicate differently at home, and develop greater empathy for themselves and the people around them.
For anyone who is unsure about counseling, Kenneth emphasizes that therapy is not about giving up control.
“It’s a collaborative process,” he said. “You have choices throughout the process. The therapist is there to support you, not judge you.”
This Men’s Health Month, remember that asking for support is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes it is simply the first step toward feeling more connected, more confident, and less alone.
CAPS & Maple City is currently accepting new behavioral health patients. Call 574-534-3300 to get connected with our Behavioral Health Team.
