Individuals who suffer from mental health and addiction issues often struggle with the stigma that society associates with them. For example, you may have heard people with substance use disorders described as people with moral failings, rather than someone suffering from a condition. Similarly, people with mental health conditions are often viewed as “dangerous” or “incompetent” rather than sick.
The stigma tied to mental health conditions and substance use disorders often causes individuals to avoid attending treatment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Thirty-five percent of people with serious mental illness in the U.S., and nearly 90% of people with substance use disorders, do not receive treatment.”[1]
When it comes to men who require professional help for mental health or addiction-related issues, there are gender-specific barriers to treatment that must be discussed.
If you or someone you love suffers from mental health, addiction, and the pressures of societal expectations of men, understanding the barriers to treatment and how to overcome them is imperative.
Whether you suffer from issues with mental health or substance abuse, the societal pressures placed on men can cause you to avoid asking for help or attending professional treatment.
Mental health and addiction are already very stigmatized in our society. Many people have preconceived notions about what mental illnesses and substance use disorders look like.
This can cause you to be afraid of admitting that you need help out of fear that your friends or family members will judge you for attending treatment.
Our society has led us to believe that being a strong and masculine man requires you to never show any emotion or ask for help. Oftentimes, this causes you to hide their emotions and needs, especially when it comes to mental health issues like depression or grief.
While asking for help can feel uncomfortable and vulnerable, it shows a level of maturity and emotional strength.
Most men fall into the societal belief that they have to be the main financial earner in the family. This might cause you to prioritize earning money and excelling in a career over your own personal wants and needs. Unfortunately, this can prevent you from attending treatment out of fear that it might require you to take time off of work.
However, it is important to remember that neglecting your mental health will ultimately result in consequences that render you unable to provide. In other words, receiving the help you need will allow you to care for your family more effectively.
Because of the way American society views masculinity, you might be afraid to show emotion. This can be a huge barrier to treatment for men, as recovering from mental health or addiction issues requires you to be emotionally vulnerable.
Growing up, you might not have made intimate connections with other male friends or even relatives out of fear of being viewed as feminine or less manly. This could become a barrier to receiving professional treatment, as you learn to deny, suppress, or downplay your emotions from a young age.
Addiction or mental health treatment requires you to be open and honest about your feelings. If you are used to suppressing and downplaying the truth about how you feel, opening up in treatment can become extremely difficult. Asking for help in the first place can be even harder.
If you are suffering from barriers to recovery like the ones mentioned above, the best way to overcome them is by receiving support from your family and friends. Learning that it is okay to speak honestly about how you feel and what you need is essential to recovering from addiction, depression, anxiety, or any other form of mental health condition.
The first step to overcoming your barriers to treatment is admitting to yourself that you have a problem that requires help. Discussing with yourself will allow you to feel more comfortable asking for help and receiving it. As a result, your friends and family members will be able to provide you with the support you need more effectively.
The best ways to overcome the barriers men face for treatment and recovery include:
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
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