Men and Psychological Health
It sometimes feels as though only those returning from a war-zone are entitled to display some form of psychological disturbance, and even then, within our competitive society, where stigma and ignorance flourish, some may feel a need to be rather guarded about seeking help. Perhaps it is understandable why many men's first instinct is to hide their psychological problems and to feign satisfaction in life. In reality, men and women are equally as likely to have experienced difficulties as children, within relationships, in the workplace etc.
In the past, society has tended to subjugate and disempower women, perhaps by undermining women's perceived competency by labelling them as being weak and emotional. However, one potentially positive result of such inequality is the permission that women appear to have to talk more openly about their emotional and psychological lives. Conversely, within Western society, men have traditionally been seen as being more controlled, with expectations to be highly successful providers, leaders and competitors. Patriarchal need to maintain power has possibly denied men the ability to express and share emotions and problems, to disavow a major part of what it means to be human.
Some of the most influential men in history experienced psychological problems; Churchill, for example, experienced depression and many contemporary figures have openly described how they have struggled with their own psychological issues.
In the twenty-first century, nobody should have to suffer in isolation. I hope that, moving forwards, a more equal society develops which allows men and women to live more fulfilled lives where any human problems can be shared, addressed and hopefully resolved.
Please be assured that all contact will be treated in the strictest confidence.