What Your Partner Wished You Knew About Male Mental Health
Guest Author: Daniel Gospodarek
What Your Partner Wished You Knew About Male Mental Health
This is a significant topic for those in relationships for many reasons. This blog post will explore how a male may experience mental health challenges in their relationship. The most important thing to gain from this post is that all males will express help and voice internal challenges differently. Keep reading below to learn about what your partner wished you knew about male mental health.
Understanding the Silent Struggle
Men often face unique issues when it comes to expressing mental health challenges in our society. While societal norms are evolving, many men still feel pressured to suppress their emotions, bottle up anger, appear strong, and avoid seeking help. Your partner may not always verbalize their struggles, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Recognizing the signs and understanding their experiences can help strengthen your relationship and support their well-being.
Men Process Emotions Differently
Unlike the stereotypical ways of emotional expression depicted in Hollywood, many men tend to process their emotions and pain in individualized ways. They might not openly discuss their struggles but may show signs through changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from activities, becoming irritable, displaying a lack of interest in things they once enjoyed, or changes in sleep patterns. Instead of assuming they are fine because they aren't talking, these subtle changes may be an indicator that something is wrong.
The Pressure to Be “Strong” Can Be Overwhelming
Society has long conditioned men to be the ‘providers’ and ‘protectors,’ often at the expense of their health. Mental health also falls under the health umbrella. Many men feel they cannot express vulnerability without being perceived as weak. Reassuring your partner that it’s okay to have bad days, seek help, and express emotions without judgment can make a significant impact.
They May Struggle to Ask for Help
Even when men recognize that help could be beneficial, the stigma around mental health can make it difficult for them to reach out. Some may fear being a burden or not being taken seriously. Encouraging open conversations and normalizing therapy or counseling can help break down these barriers. Let your partner know that seeking help is a sign of strength and grit, not weakness.
Support Looks Different Than Advice
When your partner is struggling, your first instinct might be to offer solutions. While practical advice has its place, sometimes what they need most is someone to listen or be near without saying anything. Our nervous systems were designed to help others co-regulate. This means your supportive presence can help a dysregulated nervous system feel regulated and more organized. Click here to read more on co-regulation. Providing a safe space where they can share their feelings without pressure to ‘fix’ things can be incredibly valuable.
Encouraging Male Therapy Near Kenosha, WI
As a male bottles up stress, past trauma, and pain in life; he can only hold so much. Male therapy can offer ways for him to release stress and pain and heal from past trauma. As this occurs, his quality of life, sense of internal peace, and the relationships he has with others tend to improve. You don’t have to go through life white-knuckling everything, there’s a better, healthier way to do this.
Find Male Therapy Near You
Your partner’s mental health matters, and your support can play a crucial role in their journey. To find male therapy near you, start with a simple Google search to obtain a few quality leads. From there, schedule free 15-minute calls with potential therapists and interview them. Ask them questions about their style, if they’ve supported someone like you in the past, and what therapies do they use. It’s crucial that you find a therapist who meets your needs and is a good fit for you.
This blog was written by Daniel Gospodarek, who operates Revitalize Mental Health PLLC based in Kenosha, WI. He helps strong, high-achieving men find the source of their reoccurring relationship issues, who struggle with emotions, break the cycle of not living up to their potential, begin living fulfilled lives.
He provides both online and in-person therapy for those who live near Kenosha, WI. Daniel is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and is an Intermediate Level Somatic Experiencing Therapist. He is currently licensed both in Wisconsin and Colorado.
