You Are Not Alone
San Diego based Therapy for Men Across California
Have you ever felt depressed? Did you know that depression is very common? In the United States, an estimated 21 million adults (over 8%!) have at least one major depressive episode over the course of a year. Depressive symptoms can start after people have gone through some sort of trauma or life change. Often times, men with depression think they can get through it on their own. Many feel they don't need to get help because they think there are not therapists out there who will understand their unique experience. They may feel ashamed and not want to burden family members and friends. Or they think they can handle feeling depressed by themselves. But untreated depression can make getting through the day harder and harder until everyday tasks seem overwhelming. Depression can worsen as time goes on without treatment, so it is important to seek help from a professional if you're experiencing depressive symptoms.
Here are some reasons why men may not reach out to start therapy:
Men are often considered the "bread winners" and they are expected to be confident and in control. If they admit that they are struggling with any feelings of inadequacy, they fear that this will impact their ability to provide for the family.
Many men don't want to acknowledge that they need help because it is counter to the traditional male idea that they have it all figured out and under control.
Men do not like admitting that anything is wrong with them, and therefore are less likely to admit when something is wrong. They worry about being seen as weak or “less than” if they admit that they are struggling with depression.
Traditional male culture does not encourage sharing of feelings as openly as it should. This is especially true for those who are surrounded by toxic masculinity and have friends or family who might think that they are being "whiny" or "weak."
If any of these sound like you, we should connect.
Depression is never easy to live with; therapy can help reduce symptoms over time by helping you develop insights into your depressive thoughts and behaviors and learn new ways of managing them effectively. You may also find that therapy helps you better understand your relationships with others. Therapy can help you become more attuned to the emotions that you are experiencing and how those around you are experiencing your behaviors.
I am a licensed therapist based in San Diego and I see men virtually across the state of California. I believe that men should be free from the burdens associated with depression and offer a free fifteen minute consultation to determine whether or not we would be a good fit to work together. If you are tired of feeling symptoms of depression and would like to give therapy a try please reach out to me. I love working with first time therapy seekers and those who have maybe tried therapy before, but did not feel like they had the experience that they would have wanted. My style is collaborative, transparent, and caring.
