Photo: John Diez

Can a man turn off his feelings?

Over time, men get really good at turning off their emotions or coping with their feelings in a way that is more acceptable for males. It creates a cycle of toxic masculinity, which can be hard to break once it's a habit.

sbtreatment.com - Men and Emotions: The Importance of Becoming Vulnerable

What are personal red flags?

13 red flags in a relationship to look out for Overly controlling behavior. Overly controlling behavior is a common red flag. ... Lack of trust....

Last updated Jul 30, 2018

Is jealousy a red flag?

“Another common red flag is jealousy and distrust,” says Trueblood. “Often, the red flag of a very insecure partner looks like attentiveness at the...

Last updated Feb 17, 2018

Promotion

When it comes to processing emotions, there are different expectations for men and women. Because women are often viewed as “sensitive,” it’s socially acceptable for them to express their feelings, like sadness or fear. But men, who are seen as strong and fearless, are not encouraged to outwardly express their emotions. These cultural norms and gender stereotypes have been circulating for generations, and they can be toxic, especially for males. Men who express their emotions are often seen as weak. Because of that, many men neglect to show their emotions because they’re afraid of the repercussions. However, suppressing emotions and feelings can be incredibly detrimental to a man’s mental health.

Why Do Men Hide Their Emotions?

There’s no argument that women are more likely to show their emotions than men. From an early age, men are conditioned to believe that expressing their feelings is out of character with the male identity. Doing so can ruin their image of being strong and stoic. Specifically, men are told that crying in front of other people will threaten their masculinity. The same can be said about mental health. Statistically, women are more likely to get diagnosed with depression or anxiety. However, men also deal with mental health disorders and mental distress. Over 30% of men will experience a period of depression at some point during their lifetime, and about 9% of men report having feelings of depression or anxiety every day. Just because men are told to hide their emotions, doesn’t mean they don’t have them. Research shows that men experience emotions at the same level that women do. But because it’s not socially acceptable for a man to cry when he’s sad, it can make it seem like men don’t experience sadness at all. In fact, men who experience sadness or grief are more likely to channel those feelings into different emotions that are seen as more socially acceptable. For instance, a man who is experiencing sadness or depression might be more likely to act aggressively or get angry over something small, rather than cry. Emotions that are associated with dominance or strength are viewed as more masculine, even if the underlying emotion fueling the behavior is different. But when men are told to hide their emotions at all costs, those feelings have to go somewhere. Usually, they compensate by acting in a way that is more stereotypically masculine.

What is the most romantic language?

French. French is often considered to be the most romantic language in the world. It is another Romance language that originated from Latin. French...

Last updated Jan 16, 2021

What makes you feel unloved in a relationship?

It can stem from your insecurities, jealousy, low self-esteem, stress, or other unresolved issues. It's imperative to reflect on it and cross-...

Last updated Mar 25, 2019

Promotion

The Consequences of Emotional Avoidance

Part of what makes us human is our ability to feel our feelings and process our emotions. When we’re happy, we want to smile and show excitement. When we’re angry, our body tenses up and our voice level rises. When we’re sad, we naturally want to cry. When we avoid those emotions, it can lead to a number of consequences, including mental health disorders. Suppressing emotions can lead to depression and anxiety, but for men especially, it can also increase their risk of suicide. Men are much more likely to commit suicide than women. In 2018, men died by suicide about 3.56 times more often than women did. For men, being told to “man up” or “act like a man” is something they learn in childhood, and it stays with them into adulthood. Over time, men get really good at turning off their emotions or coping with their feelings in a way that is more acceptable for males. It creates a cycle of toxic masculinity, which can be hard to break once it’s a habit.

How Men Can Learn to Be Vulnerable

The solution to this issue is for men to learn how to become vulnerable and allow themselves to express their emotions freely. However, this is often easier said than done. It can be difficult for men to feel comfortable showing their emotions, especially if they’ve been hiding them all their life. Here are some ways that men can start becoming more vulnerable to their emotions.

Be honest about the way you’re feeling

To be vulnerable, you need to be honest about the way you’re feeling. So often, men will feel a glimmer of sadness or grief and quickly shut it down. In order to open up about your emotions, you need to accept them and feel them. Recognize the way you’re feeling, and try to figure out what’s making you feel that way. Allow yourself to express those emotions however it feels right.

Find therapeutic hobbies

Do men say I love you faster?

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Sociology Psychology found that, while both male and female college students believe women tend to say “I...

Last updated Aug 28, 2019

Why is 9 the perfect number?

The number 9 is revered in Hinduism and considered a complete, perfected and divine number because it represents the end of a cycle in the decimal...

Last updated Jul 21, 2020

Promotion

Finding hobbies that allow yourself to reflect on your feelings is a great way to tap into your emotions. One man who suffered from lifelong depression and anxiety realized that walking his dog always helped him feel better. He eventually started the organization Dudes & Dogs, which allows men to get together in nature and have real conversations, often about mental health. Other examples of therapeutic activities are cooking, exercising, art, and music.

See a therapist

Men are less likely to see a therapist than women. Part of that is due to the negative stigma around men and mental health. However, seeing a therapist is one of the best ways that men can learn to open up about their feelings. Therapy is a safe space for men to be vulnerable without judgment from anyone else. It can help you learn how to feel your feelings and cope with your emotions in a more healthy and productive way. If you’re dealing with mental health distress, it might be time to ask for help. Getting treatment early on can keep a small problem from growing into a more serious mental health condition later on. At Mission Harbor, we treat a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and more. Our clinical team uses a combination of therapies to help every client recover and live a healthier, happier life. In addition to traditional talk therapy, our treatment programs also include support groups, alternative medicine, peer support, and self-help plans. Contact us today to learn more about getting treatment at Mission Harbor with Santa Barbara and more Southern California locations.

sbtreatment.com - Men and Emotions: The Importance of Becoming Vulnerable

When a woman feels neglected in a relationship?

What happens when a woman feels neglected? When a woman feels neglected in a relationship, she is likely to feel as if she isn't important. This...

Last updated Jul 18, 2020

What part of the face is most attractive?

But the heart shape, otherwise more commonly known as a V-shaped face, has been scientifically proven to be the most visually attractive face shape...

Last updated May 7, 2018

Promotion

Is he into me or just being nice?

The closer he wants to be to you, the more he probably likes you. This body language is a minute way that guys go for physical contact. People who...

Last updated Sep 15, 2018

Promotion

Do men notice a woman's eyes?

The eyes most definitely get all the attention, especially when a man first meets a woman. The shape, size and color can easily tempt a man into...

Last updated Nov 8, 2018