Mental health tools for men

Did you know there was therapy specifically for men? Therapy for men? Man Therapy? Interesting, right? Well, someone thought so too. Suicide and mental health challenges don’t discriminate against gender, race, or creed. Mental health issues can be very complex, and yes, studies do show that men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, according to ManTherapy.org. 

So, let’s talk about Man Therapy. A team comprised of suicidologists and other mental health professionals created this digital platform. They came together to create a mental health approach that uses humor and relatable visuals to break the stigma that men face when they think or talk about “getting help.” And studies show it is working! According to ManTherapy.org, a study that the CDC funded showed that “Man Therapy not only helps reduce depression, suicide risk, and poor mental health days, it also improves help-seeking behavior in working-aged men.” So, how can Man Therapy help you or someone you love?

Resources on ManTherapy.org

At ManTherapy.org, you can find a variety of resources, quirky videos, and imagery that uses humor and topics men might find relatable. Because, again, mental health challenges such as depression, anger, anxiety, etc., don’t discriminate by gender. You’ll find helpful, manly information about substance use, depression, sleep, relationships and sex, grief, trauma, veteran-military issues, and even support for first responders. 

On the ManTherapy.org website, you’ll find puns and quotes like “Sometimes a man needs a pork shoulder to cry on. For that, there’s Man Therapy.” Or a Q&A section that asks questions like “Shouldn’t men keep their feelings to themselves? Answer: This myth has been instilled in male culture since the Jurassic Period, but that doesn’t make it true. In reality it’s very important for guys to talk about their feelings, because keeping them bottled up only makes them worse. It’s time men start sharing their feelings with their friends and family members.” 

20-Point Head Inspection

So, let’s get back to what’s “under the hood” and talk about their 20-point Head Inspection for men. This “inspection” will help you identify some areas in life that are going well and areas that might not be going great. It’s free, anonymous, and scientifically validated. So, please think of this much like the mechanical inspection we get done of our vehicles. We might do our own inspections, but it doesn’t hurt to have a second opinion from a professional. 

One of the popular slogans used by Man Therapy is “A man’s engine can occasionally overheat. Let’s pop the hood.” This is about our minds (mental health) as the engine, and sometimes we encounter engine issues that we need to get checked out. 

So, while you’re waiting for your family while they shop, check out ManTherapy.org, explore the website, and take the 20-point inspection. There’s also a terrific link on the Worried About Someone page where you can send a Man Therapy E-card to show support for a man in your life, such as your father, brother, uncle, or friend. You can even send it to yourself!

ManTherapy.org

You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll find manly tips and resources to help you find crucial mental health support! If you need to talk to someone at any point, please reach out. It’s okay not to feel okay. If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use, please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. 

We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division or the Native Connections Program at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist. 

NEW Nationwide Suicide and Substance Use Crisis line: 9-8-8

Simply calling or texting 988 or chatting 988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. #988Lifeline

 

References

Man Therapy | Men’s Mental Health Resources. mantherapy.org.

Frey, Jodi J., et al. “Effectiveness of Man Therapy to Reduce Suicidal Ideation and Depression Among Working‐age Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, Wiley, Nov. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12932.