"In therapy, I've found that my male clients don't often start with the word depression. Instead, some may talk about feeling diminished, unmotivated, or stuck. They may feel lost, disconnected from themselves, cut off from joy or pleasure."
"Difficulties in men's mental health are often expressed as a loss of self-regard, loneliness, or vitality. All these experiences can be expressions of depression in men, which are both shaped and impacted by social expectations."
"During in-depth therapy, some men may recognize their depression as stemming from the sense of falling short of social expectations, failing to become the person they were 'supposed' to become."
Men often express depression not as sadness but as feelings of disconnection, shame, and loss of vitality. Internalized ideals of masculinity create emotional conflicts, leading to hidden suffering. Many men describe feeling diminished, unmotivated, or lost, even while functioning in daily life. Therapy can help men understand these conflicts, reduce self-criticism, and restore connections. Recognizing depression as a response to unmet social expectations or longings is crucial for healing, yet many men remain silent about their struggles due to societal pressures around masculinity.
Read at Psychology Today
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]