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Look who’stalking
We’ve noticed something great about guys and mental health: Men are getting vocal about what’s going on inside their heads, and in the process rewriting the playbook for how men deal with their emotions, relationships, and life challenges. This Men’s Health Awareness Month we’re celebrating this emerging movement by sharing the real stories of a diverse group of guys who are talking it out in Talkspace therapy, and highlighting important mental health insights for men and anyone who loves one.
Watch real guys get candid
Talkspace has seen a growing number of men signing on for therapy, and we are very here for that. We sat down with a diverse group of them as they shared the reasons they turned to Talkspace and how it’s helped them develop better coping skills, relationships, and self-awareness.
Interested in starting therapy yourself, or in offering Talkspace as a benefit for your organization?
The new playbook for men’s mental health
Old
New
Tough it out
Silence equals strength
Hide your emotions
Keep it cool with the guys
Therapy is for a crisis
Talk it out
Vulnerability equals bravery
Examine your emotions
Keep it real with the guys
Therapy prevents a crisis
How to check in on men
Some men may still be reluctant to have mental health conversations, so you should encourage guys you care about to open up. But it might take more than asking “How are you?” to get an honest answer. Talkspace therapists suggest these conversation prompts to get men talking:
What’s on your mind lately?
What have you been doing during your down time?
What are some things that have been bothering you?
When do you feel most satisfied and least stressed?
What thoughts keep you up at night?
What can I do to support you?
Any questions?
Find trust-worthy answers on all things mental health at Talkspace.
What is Men's Health Awareness Month?
Men’s Health Awareness Month is a month dedicated to raising awareness about health conditions that affect men, including mental health conditions. More than 6 million men in the US experience depression each year, but many go undiagnosed. When men experience mental health challenges they are significantly less likely than women to receive help, but more likely than women to self-medicate and, tragically, are 3.9 times more likely to die by suicide.
Why is it important to talk about men's mental health?
Talking about men’s mental health can help men recognize when they’re struggling with mental health challenges, and can destigmatize seeking help through therapy, medication, or other solutions. Because of long-established cultural ideas that suggest men should be “strong silent types” or tough it out and not talk about their problems, it can be especially hard for men to open up and admit that they’re struggling. Normalizing the idea that men can and do get mental health support like therapy can show that talking about mental health is a form of strength, and that can be no less than lifesaving.
What are signs of depression in men?
The signs and symptoms of depression in men are often different from those typically experienced by women. Not every man experiences depression the same way, but these are some common symptoms:
Restlessness or feeling anxious
Anger or irritability
Aggressive, controlling, or risky behavior
Escapist behavior
Problems with sexual desire
Loss of interest in work or hobbies
Feeling sad, empty, guilty, or hopeless
Tiredness and sleeping too much or too little
Difficulties with concentration or memory
Changes in eating habits — either eating too much or not enough
Physical pains — cramps, headaches, digestive problems
Substance abuse
Withdrawal from family and friends
Suicidal thoughts
What are anxiety signs in men?
Anxiety often doesn’t manifest with acute symptoms like a racing heart or sweating, and male anxiety symptoms can feel different than worry or fear. Some physical and emotional symptoms to watch for:
Feelings of dread
Frequently worrying about things going wrong
Avoidance
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling overly vigilant
Irritability, edginess, or anger
Absentmindedness
A racing heart or excessive sweating
Headaches, muscle tension, GI issues
Outbursts of anger
Feeling restless or agitated
Feeling dizzy or having vertigo
Insomnia
Shortness of breath
Panic attacks
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
