Men’s Mental Health Awareness | Focus Integrative Centers

Building Better Support Systems: What Men Need in Recovery and Mental Health Treatment

Because June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to focus on how to help men with addiction recovery and mental health treatment, in particular. Far too often, men’s unique needs get pushed aside in favor of a one-size-fits-all approach that is not always effective. 

It can be challenging for men to admit they need substance abuse recovery support or therapy. However, with the right approach, they may be more likely to seek the type of help that leads to real healing. 

What to Look for in Mental Health Programs for Men

We live in a culture that often causes men to feel weak if they admit that they need mental health treatment. For that reason, men need to feel safe when they do reach out for help. 

Men’s recovery support programs should be designed to address their individual experiences and needs. Quite often, men respond well to the following: 

  • Men’s Support Groups - It may be challenging for men to share how they feel if they are in a support group that includes women. They may feel the need to maintain a tough exterior. Male-specific support groups offer them the safest atmosphere to share because they are perceived to be nonjudgmental. 

  • Peer Mentorship - Men learn and heal best when they are led by other men who have been in similar situations. One-on-one peer mentorship or even peer-led support groups can be very beneficial throughout the healing process. 

  • Purpose-Driven Discussions - Whereas women do not always need strictly defined goals, men are very much the opposite. They are much more likely to participate with men’s recovery support groups when the purposes are clearly outlined. 

  • A Strong Community - There is no denying that there is strength in numbers. Most men might shy away from joining large groups, but a group of 5-10 men who are completely committed to mental health treatment and addiction recovery is very appealing. In joining this type of community, men are even encouraged to redefine how they think of “strength.” Instead of strength being synonymous with independence, it becomes synonymous with courage because they asked for help.

  • A Regular Routine - Vulnerability is challenging for men because it feels like instability. However, instituting a regular routine as the foundation for men’s support groups can restore that stability. Men often thrive on routine because they know exactly what to expect. 

  • Accountability - Finally, men typically do well in environments where there is accountability. They may be terrified of what they see as “failure” when it comes to relapsing back to substance abuse or continuing to experience mental health symptoms. Having a system of accountability in place not only provides support for potential issues along the way, but it ensures they have the support they need regardless. 

Reduce Addiction Risk by Addressing Mental Health Early

Men may be hesitant to discuss their mental health symptoms out of fear of being seen as weak. That fear typically results in them putting off getting treatment in hopes that the issues will just resolve themselves. Unfortunately, mental health issues are usually progressive in nature, and when left untreated, they only get worse. As a result, they can and often do lead to substance abuse.

Addressing mental health issues early on can help avoid the need for men to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Substance abuse will temporarily relieve many of the most common symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other issues. However, it only leads to addiction. 

Family members and friends can better support men who are struggling with their mental health in a number of ways, including: 

  • Offering to help them make a phone call for an appointment. 

  • Staging an intervention, if necessary. 

  • Attending support group meetings together.

Do You Or a Loved One Need Male-Specific Addiction Treatment?

At Focus Integrative Centers, we understand the value of offering male-specific addiction treatment and mental health support. We know you have unique needs, and we want to be there to help every step of the way. 

Contact us today to begin the discussion about your treatment options. You can also call us at (865) 622-7116. 

 

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