In our society, there are undeniable stereotypes when it comes to gender. Luckily, we are more conscious than ever before about what these stereotypes are and what they mean to our youth. However, there is still a prevailing thought process that men should be tough and unyielding pillars of strength in our society. In fact, this is such a problem in the world of therapy that one of our therapists, Logan Cheong, MC, LAPC, has a bumper sticker on his laptop that reads, “Boys Get Sad Too.” So what do boys need?
Today we are going to discuss how understanding male emotions and dive into what boys need. This isn’t just about breaking stereotypes. It’s about fostering healthier relationships, promoting mental well-being, and embracing the full spectrum of our human experience. Let’s go.
Breaking the Stereotypes
From a young age, many boys are taught to suppress their emotions, often hearing phrases like “boys don’t cry” or “man up.” These societal expectations can lead to a stifling of emotional expression, leaving men feeling isolated and unable to articulate their feelings. However, just because emotions may be concealed doesn’t mean they don’t exist. In the article, “What About the Boys?“, Michael Kimmel, arguments that masculinity, or the social construct of it, is having a negative impact on today’s youth. Kimmel argues that boys need what all children need: stability, love and a safe place to express themselves.
Embracing Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness, particularly in men. However, it’s through vulnerability that true connections are forged. Encouraging men to embrace vulnerability doesn’t diminish their strength but rather amplifies it, as it takes courage to be open and honest about one’s emotions. Creating safe spaces where men feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment is crucial in fostering emotional well-being.
The Mask of Masculinity
The concept of the “mask of masculinity,” coined by psychologist Terry Real, refers to the societal pressures men face to conform to traditional masculine norms. This mask often involves projecting an image of toughness and self-reliance while suppressing emotions such as fear, sadness, or vulnerability. However, wearing this mask can be detrimental to mental health, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.
Recognizing Emotional Range
Contrary to popular belief, men experience a wide range of emotions beyond anger and aggression. Just like women, men feel joy, sadness, love, fear, and everything in between. However, societal norms may dictate which emotions are deemed acceptable for men to express openly. By acknowledging and validating the full spectrum of male emotions, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals to navigate their emotional landscapes.
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage both your own emotions and those of others. It involves empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication skills. Cultivating emotional intelligence is essential for men to develop healthier relationships, both with themselves and with others. By honing these skills, men can better navigate conflicts, express their needs, and form deeper connections.
Destigmatizing Help-Seeking Behavior
One of the most significant barriers for men in addressing their emotional well-being is the stigma surrounding help-seeking behavior. Many men are reluctant to seek therapy or support due to fears of being perceived as weak or inadequate. However, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Normalizing and encouraging help-seeking behavior can empower men to prioritize their mental health and seek the support they need without shame or judgment.
Start Receiving Support From Therapists in Savannah, GA
Understanding male emotions requires us to challenge stereotypes, embrace vulnerability, and recognize the full spectrum of human experience. By creating environments where men feel safe to express themselves authentically, we can promote emotional well-being and foster healthier relationships. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide guidance, validation, and coping strategies tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Therapy can offer a safe space to explore your feelings, fears, and uncertainties, as well as develop practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Our team would be honored to offer support from our Savannah, GA-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by giving us a call at 912.319.5552 or emailing us at [email protected].
Other Services Offered With Waters Edge Counseling
We understand that you may experience issues with more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we are happy to offer support with a variety of mental health services. Our team is happy to offer support with multiple mental health services including online counseling, clinical supervision, coping after a cancer diagnosis, and SCAD student counseling. We are also happy to offer therapy for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, teen substance abuse, and counseling for men. In addition, we also offer counseling for teens, child counseling, family counseling, Christian counseling, grief counseling, and marriage counseling.
Please note: While this blog is designed to help people achieve their goals, the information within each post is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice given by a licensed professional.