Men Don’t Get Depressed

IndividualsDating-Engaged-Married Couples
Written By Monica
unsplash-image-7SRymDKKDus.jpg

Hey CJ!

I am a man, and I have been battling depression almost daily. It took a lot to type those words. I do not know when it started, but I remember lacking the energy to do the things I used to enjoy. 

During 2020, my mental health and my marriage took a nosedive. Thanks to the mandated quarantine, I couldn't play basketball or go to the gym, and hooking up for a drink wasn't an option either.

I found myself sleeping more and working less. I was tired and hated my job. I was working from home, and I just wanted to get away from my family, but I couldn't. My wife complained that I was more irritable with her and the children than she ever remembered. We had our fourth child, and I was overjoyed, but those feelings were quickly smothered by the pressure to be a great father. And I want to be a good dad and a good husband, whatever that means. 

My sister recommended I get help, but I don’t want to seek help. My dad never needed help or talked to a counselor, and he is fine. I've started drinking more but it is under control. I've been trying to be happy around my wife and kids and it seems to be working so I'll keep at it. Besides, I would not know where to begin in therapy my life has been fairly normal. I'm sure all men feel this way so what can a counselor do for me?

For men, it can be scary to seek help because of societal norms or perceived weakness. You may fear not being enough or not being able to provide for those in your care. Your relationships may be hanging on by a thread, or your work performance may have worsened, or you may be mentally taxed. You need help with challenging those unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and defining your needs and wants so you can begin living an intentional life. You need the support of your family and friends during this time. They can listen to your fears and concerns and encourage you. Know that you are still a strong and capable man and you can rebound. It is imperative to seek assistance immediately when you experience depression. Despite gender, emotional expression is key to being mentally healthy. You’ve taken one step, take another and get help today.

If you are thinking about harming yourself in any way, it is time to seek help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255. Someone is available 24/7; it is free and confidential.

Monica

<div class="author-bio-container" style="display:flex; align-items:center; gap:1.5rem; margin-top:1.5rem;">

<a href="https://made2connect.com/meetmonicat">

<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6049b40aa35ba05f5084661e/1626297943854-P79ZX2QAFQP4E3GH1S3Q/Professional+Image.png" alt="Monica Thompson LPC-S in Plano, TX" style="width:120px; height:120px; border-radius:50%; object-fit:cover;">

</a>

<div>

<p>

<a href="https://made2connect.com/meetmonicat"><strong>Monica Thompson, LPC-S</strong></a> is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor providing in-person counseling for adults and couples in Plano, Addison, Dallas, Richardson, McKinney, Allen and the greater North Dallas area, along with virtual counseling for clients throughout Texas. She helps adults navigating anxiety and depression develop coping skills that truly fit their lives. She also helps couples who feel more like roommates than partners slow down, reconnect emotionally, and rebuild the closeness they miss.

</p>

<p>

Her work includes <a href="https://made2connect.com/individual">Individual Counseling</a>, <a href="https://made2connect.com/premaritalcouples">Premarital Counseling</a>, and <a href="https://made2connect.com/couplescounseling">Couples Counseling</a> for clients throughout Texas. Learn more about Monica and her approach on <a href="https://made2connect.com/meetmonicat">her about page</a> or view her professional profile on

<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/372997" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Psychology Today</a>.

</p>

</div>

</div>

<script type="application/ld+json">

{

"@context": "https://schema.org",

"@type": "Person",

"name": "Monica Thompson",

"jobTitle": "Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S)",

"url": "https://made2connect.com/meetmonicat",

"image": "https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6049b40aa35ba05f5084661e/1626297943854-P79ZX2QAFQP4E3GH1S3Q/Professional+Image.png",

"worksFor": {

"@type": "Organization",

"name": "Made 2 Connect",

"url": "https://made2connect.com/",

"areaServed": [

{ "@type": "Place", "name": "Plano, TX" },

{ "@type": "Place", "name": "Richardson, TX" },

{ "@type": "Place", "name": "Dallas, TX" },

{ "@type": "Place", "name": "Allen, TX" },

{ "@type": "Place", "name": "McKinney, TX" },

{ "@type": "Place", "name": "Addison, TX" }

]

},

"sameAs": [

"https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/372997"

],

"knowsAbout": [

"Anxiety",

"Depression",

"Couples Counseling",

"Emotional Connection",

"Premarital Counseling"

],

"description": "Monica Thompson is a licensed professional counselor supervisor serving Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Allen, McKinney, and Addison, Texas. She helps adults manage anxiety and depression with personalized coping skills and supports couples in rebuilding emotional connection when they feel distant or stuck."

}

</script>

Previous

What Item do You Take on Most Vacations?
Next

Happily Married Couples Listen Intently