Men’s Issues

Many different issues confront people regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, social level, or any other classification. Other issues may be unique to men or confront them in unique ways. Sometimes people struggle silently with issues without recognizing that they may be struggling with a diagnosable condition that can be treated.

Going to a mental health professional for a proper assessment and diagnosis can save you from years of struggling with something you don’t have to.Some of the more common issues that confront men are in the following areas:

• Relationships with one’s spouse, children, colleagues. Being able to communicate effectively helps relationships to flourish, and one may struggle to listen and communicate, leading to relationship difficulties. Men may also struggle in maintaining their relationship with God as it gets crowded out by concerns such as finances and their identity gets rooted in their work and accomplishments.
• Mental health concerns, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, body image issues, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Though men may attempt suicide less than women, their attempts are more likely to be fatal due to the means they use.
• Reproductive health concerns such as sexual impotence, which has physiological and other dimensions
• Midlife crisis concerns, and the challenges associated with aging and coming to terms with one’s mortality, facing unrealized goals, and an impending loss of function in retirement.
• Stress, whether induced by pressures from work, financial problems, strained family and other personal relationships, and so on.
• Personal and professional development. Many men want to advance in their careers and personal lives, and obstacles come up in those areas. Lacking fulfillment in these areas, not meeting goals, not having a set direction in one’s personal and professional life, may cause consternation and need to be addressed. Other concerns are tied to relationships and identity. Work can become a source of identity for a man, causing problems in their relationships and creating an idol out of work.
• Anger management. While anger and irritability are certainly not the preserve of men, it is one of the more socially acceptable emotions for men to display. Men feel angry, sad, lonely, heartbroken, etc., but they are socialized to express and understand anger more easily. Anger may also function as a cover for other emotions, and it also manifests as one of the symptoms of mental health issues such as depression.
• Addiction takes many forms and one can be addicted to substances such as alcohol and drugs. Socialization can normalize substance use. Other addictions that may affect men (although not exclusively) are addictions to sex and pornography. According to the American Psychological Association, various international studies have put porn consumption among men at 50%-99%, and 30%-86% among women. Though pornography addiction is not an official diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-5), the ubiquity of pornography and the struggle of many to quit can make it a problem in relationships.
• Intimacy and bonding. Being able to connect with others emotionally and be vulnerable can be a struggle for men. This may be a result of abandonment, trust, or other issues.
• Making friends can be challenging for many men, and that can lead to loneliness. Additionally, the desire not to burden others in their life can leave them feeling isolated and going it alone.

These and many other issues confront men and challenge their ability to navigate life well and flourish.

For any man who is experiencing one or several of these issues, the outlook is good. The availability of therapy, both in-person and online means that help has never been more readily available. There are several formats that counseling can take, and these include group therapy, individual counseling, couples, and family counseling. Depending on what the issue is, one of these avenues will be more appropriate.

Group counseling is when a group of 5-10 men gathers weekly, led by a trained therapist to work through a specific issue that concerns the group. The group will share their experiences, help each other to remain accountable, and become a space where friendships can develop. Various issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, and many other concerns can be addressed through group counseling.

Individual counseling or one-on-one counseling is when the individual and their counselor meet for a set number of sessions to work through various issues and questions. The decision to go for either group or individual counseling depends on what a person is comfortable with as well as what services are available and the associated cost. Whether one goes for group or individual therapy, however, there are many benefits to be derived from either.

In matters that concern a man and his family or his spouse, couples or family counseling can effectively address any problems that arise. Some situations, such as when a person is dealing with depression, anxiety, etc., may require not only the intervention of talk therapy but also of prescribed medications. When you talk to your therapist, they will devise an appropriate treatment plan which will address your specific story and unique needs.

Men, equally with women, are made in the image of God. As human beings, men are faced with struggles that afflict all people, but how these issues affect any given man will differ in intensity, extent, and duration. Christian counseling recognizes that men are beings with bodies, minds, souls, and emotions, and it seeks to address the whole man using both evidence-based techniques and the vast resources of Scripture to address any concerns that arise.

By drawing on a biblical understanding of manhood, on the promises of God, and the general wisdom of Scripture, a man can be equipped to live life to the fullest and flourish. By using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy which helps a person discern any unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior and by applying the promises of scripture to address areas that require reinforcement and encouragement, your counselor can create an inviting space to explore all that God has to offer.

Christian counseling also provides a space to safely explore emotions such as fear, sadness, disappointment, and anger, without judgment or fear of being belittled. Having that safe space to explore these emotions permits a person to realize their full potential by being in touch with themselves and what’s going on in their hearts. In counseling, your therapist will help you develop the tools you need to communicate effectively, to build relationships, to handle conflict meaningfully, to cope with stress, to handle depression and anger, to develop professionally, or to be freed from addictions and unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, depending on what has brought you to counseling.

If you are struggling with an issue that is stealing your joy or limiting your ability to flourish, don’t hesitate to reach out for counseling. Feel free to browse our counselor directory to find a counselor who will address your unique needs. You don’t have to live life with unrealized potential and dreams. Make an appointment with us to begin addressing your concerns and to begin walking in the fullness of life that Jesus promised.