A conversation with a leading men’s mental health therapist
Simon Peter K Smith, MA, C. Psych., is the lead Clinical Psychologist and owner at Cogent Psychology Services for Men, one of Guelph’s only counselling clinics exclusively supporting men’s mental health needs. Simon recently shared some answers to common questions I’m hearing about men and our mental health.
What are some common mental health issues that men face?
In terms of epidemiology, differences in the presentation of mental health disorders between men and women are few but salient – world over, women show differentially higher rates of anxiety and depressive disorders and men higher rates of substance abuse and antisocial disorders. There are however differences in how men express subjective distress: men tend to display more externalized symptoms such as irritability, anger, substance misuse and risk-taking behaviours, rather than internalized symptoms such as low mood or sadness.
What are the statistics? How many men are struggling with mental health needs but aren’t getting help?
Canadian data suggests that 20% of the general population requires mental health support at any given time. Of those people, only 50% receive formal mental health services. Of those that do receive services, only 30% are men. In terms of whole numbers, right now 4 million Canadian men require access to formal mental health services, but only 1.2 million actually receive it.
How do societal expectations and stereotypes impact men’s mental health and our interest in seeking help?
Although societal norms around men being deterred from openly expressing vulnerability or distress do exist, more men are hesitant to access services because of stereotypes and norms referring to the services themselves. Men are more likely to believe that mental health services are ineffective, inaccessible or humiliating. It’s not that men won’t go to therapy because they feel it’s a sign of weakness, but rather they won’t go because they don’t believe it will help.
What are the main barriers that prevent men from seeking mental health support?
As above, the main barrier for men to access mental health services are the services themselves. Men will preferentially seek out and receive services that they believe are effective, available and respectful. Services that provide evidence-based treatments, that offer evening or weekend or online appointments and that treat men with respect and understanding will be more appealing to men.
How do cultural backgrounds influence men’s mental health experiences?
Access to health care services is significantly restricted in racialized, impoverished or isolated cultural groups across Canada. In terms of access, this is far more significant than any cultural differences in the expression of masculinity.
What are some of the ways family members can help men in our lives who may not be ready to discuss their mental health needs?
Connection is the basis of any type of support. Simple outreach by phone or text to talk about anything at all is already effective support. In the case that a family member is struggling to find help, facilitating access by offering a ride, childcare or other logistical support is a great start.
How do you tailor your counseling techniques to address the unique needs of male clients?
Clinical psychology techniques are always individualized to the patient, regardless of gender. However, because men often have a longer duration of untreated illness (the length of time from the onset of the problem until they arrive in therapy) there is often more effort required to establish effective rapport.
Are there specific therapeutic approaches that are particularly effective for men?
By and large, men prefer solution-focused rather than emotion-focused treatment outcomes. Men are often drawn to therapeutic approaches that promote the acquisition of a skill versus a change in a specific feeling state.
What preventive measures can be taken to improve men’s mental health?
Mental health disorders in men are influenced by a complex interplay of social determinants, including socioeconomic status, employment, education, social relationships and access to healthcare. On a societal level, effective prevention strategies would focus on education, employment, social engagement and increased access to formal services.
Connect with Simon:
Simon Peter K Smith, C.Psych, Clinical Psychologist
Cogent Psychological Services
