Why More Men Need Therapy — And Why That’s Not a Weakness

mrskatrinalandry
Jul 14
3 min read

Updated: Jul 20

Let’s be honest—when was the last time you felt like you had a space to just be yourself, without having to hold anything back or worry about being judged?

According to BetterHelp, only about 13% of men in the U.S. engage in any form of mental health treatment, and just 7% actually go to counseling. Meanwhile, the CDC reports that men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women. Men make up half of the population, yet they account for nearly 80% of all suicides.

That’s not just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. There’s a huge gap between what men are experiencing and the mental health support they’re actually receiving. It's time we start talking about that—and start changing it.

Breaking the “Man Up” Myth

There’s a trend on social media where women joke about things that supposedly make men “less masculine”—splitting the bill, drinking Starbucks, even using an umbrella. While these comments may seem harmless, they speak to a larger issue: society’s outdated expectations about masculinity.

From a young age, boys are taught to suppress emotions because “real men don’t cry.” Being stoic is praised, while vulnerability is mistaken for weakness. Sure, resilience matters—but constantly being told to “man up” isn't always healthy.

Suppressing feelings doesn’t make them go away. Instead, they show up in other areas of life—your work, your relationships, your health, and your sense of self. You may start feeling shame, frustration, inadequacy, or even loneliness. And often, those emotions don’t come out as tears—they show up as anger, withdrawal, substance use, or sleep problems.

How Therapy Helps Men Navigate Mental Health

You might be thinking, “This all makes sense—but how does therapy actually help?” Or maybe, “Isn’t talking to someone a sign of weakness?” These are real questions—and they’re exactly why therapy is so important.

Counseling for men offers a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up exactly as you are. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to pretend everything’s okay. Individual therapy helps you explore your emotions, build emotional resilience, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress.

The truth is, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one expects you to lift a car alone—why should anyone expect you to carry emotional pain without support?

You Deserve Mental and Emotional Wellness

Life isn’t black and white. There are moments when strength looks like perseverance—and moments when strength means allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Think about it like this: in sports, you may need intensity and control. But in your relationships, especially with your kids, your partner, or even yourself, you need empathy, flexibility, and emotional awareness.

Therapy gives men the tools to manage life’s complexities. It helps you recognize harmful patterns, unpack emotional pain, and create a more grounded, authentic version of yourself. Whether it’s anger management, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, or simply the need to talk to someone who understands—you don’t have to do it alone.

Take the First Step Today

At Renewed Hope Counseling Center, PLLC, we offer confidential, online counseling for men, designed to meet you wherever you are. Whether you're seeking individual therapy, working through relationship challenges, or just need a space to talk—we're here for you.

You don’t have to follow outdated rules. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Your mental health matters.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step toward emotional wellness—schedule your therapy appointment today.

James Semiene, MA, LPC-Associate

Supervised by Katrina Landry, PhD., LPC-S