For Men
Depression counselling for men can help. We understand that as a man it may make you feel inferior or vulnerable to ask for help. But you shouldn’t have to feel this way. Seeking help makes you stronger. And it means you are looking after yourself so you can better look after the ones around you.
Depression and anxiety can be difficult issues for anybody. Did you know that they affect men and women differently? If you are experiencing either, or both of these, then you know that they can take over and affect your whole life. They have a habit of creeping in and leaving you feeling flat, de-energised, and uninterested in things that used to make you happy.
Perhaps you have been told by those closest to you that they’re worried about you, and that they’re seeing a different version of you. Maybe you are seeing the signs but you can’t make them out. If you have never been in this uncomfortable space before then it can be quite concerning and confronting. If you have overwhelming feelings of helplessness or lack of desire for things you once found enjoyable, it’s time to seek professional help.
For Women
Depression and anxiety are difficult issues for anybody. But they can affect men and women differently and in ways that the other can’t understand. Women, especially, face the brunt of numerous societal pressures and responsibilities than can have a wearing effect on her mental health. Pressures that are internal as well as external. Whether they are career struggles, relationship problems, family issues, body dysmorphia or general wear and tear, there can be a lot on her plate. These issues have a habit of creeping up on you. And in today’s fast-paced world, if they’re not addressed, it can lead to burnout and deterioration of both mind and body. But it’s never too late to ask for help. Whether you don’t think you’re “stressed enough” or “depressed enough,” or if you’ve reached the end of the line and you’re unsure how to escape the bad place, counselling is imperative for every situation. Nothing is too big or too small to seek help for.
Perhaps you’re not feeling yourself lately, or you’re finding that even the things you were once able to do quite easily seem like a chore. Maybe you’re distancing yourself from your children or fighting more with your partner. Work seems impossible and taking care of yourself seems pointless. Something’s different, and you don’t like it. If you are stuck in this uncomfortable place of helplessness and lack of motivation and desire for things you once loved, it is time to seek professional help.
Avoiding Others or Wanting to Be Alone
Lack of Energy or Interest
Second-Guessing Yourself About Asking for Help
Eating Poorly and Not Taking Care of Yourself
Overwhelming Sense of Sadness
Sleeping Poorly
Depression and anxiety are quite common – around one in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime, and one-quarter of Australians will experience an anxiety condition. Unfortunately, despite being so common, depression can still be perceived as a sign of personal weakness or associated with having a mental health condition. This prevents a lot of men and women from seeking help.
For men, these are the biggest barriers to seeking therapy and professional help. Like most Australian men, you have probably been told that you need to “be strong” or “masculine,” and to “man up”. All of these antiquated gender roles hinder you from getting help because you perceive seeking help as a sign of being “weak.” In reality, it takes a lot of courage and strength for men to admit they may be struggling with depression and to seek out professional counselling help. Unfortunately, for most men, they see medication as a cop-out and throw counselling and therapy into the same basket, not understanding how either or both can be important steps to recovery.
While women will ask themselves why they are feeling depressed, men will often attempt to run from it or get busy and preoccupy themselves with meaningless busywork. If you find yourself doing this then you may need to get some help. Anger is a good indicator of depression and so are feelings of shame. If you can relate to this and you want to avoid a downward spiral, then it’s time to act. Unfortunately, men can keep themselves in this place of limbo for years, through denial or resigning themselves to their unsatisfying place in life.
The Benefits of Seeking Counselling for Depression:
Imagine what it will feel like when you’re no longer weighed down by the cloud of depression. Your relationships will be better, your work life will be better, and social situations will feel better and more enjoyable. You’ll feel more engaged with your life and more optimistic about your future.
As a Brisbane therapist who works with men, Paul understands male depression and wants you to know you’re not alone. He provides counselling to men just like you every day with these same depressive symptoms. He has knowledge of the kinds of pain caused by depression and he has seen how it affects not just the men he works with, but their whole families, their work, and their self-esteem. The toughest and hardest hurdle for a depressed man is admitting there is a problem. We encourage you to jump that hurdle now and call to make an appointment. The health and well-being of you and those you love is in the balance.