When Should Men Seek Help?
When should men seek help?
Historically, many men have been reluctant to seek help for emotional/life or physical concerns. This reluctance has negatively impacted the quality of men’s lives, their relationships and has lowered men’s life expectancy (See men’s health crisis). A major barrier for some men in seeking help is the fear of appearing weak. Cost and time are also factors that keep men from seeking help. Additionally, many men try to solve problems on their own without sharing them with others. This is acceptable as an initial strategy, but if your efforts are not working, then it is time to consider seeking assistance from others.
If you think seeking help is a sign of weakness, consider these facts. All professional athletes have trainers/coaches. Successful business leaders seek the help of consultants and advisors to help them fine tune their businesses. Health care providers including physicians and psychologists routinely consult with their colleagues to assist them in being effective providers. Most artists and musicians have mentors and/or peer groups where they can obtain support and feedback about their work.
The McKenzie River Men’s Center, and almost all counselors and medical providers, view help seeking as a sign of wisdom, maturity and strength. It demonstrates that you have the courage to face what is troubling you/or getting in your way of having a happy, healthy, and productive life.
The good news is that men are starting to feel more comfortable is asking for help
Common life situations that motivate men to seek assistance:
Loss of job, status, esteem, romantic relationship, loved one
Encouraged by partner, family, employer, others
Health Issues
Seeking help is RECOMMENDED when feeling/experiencing:
Issues are negatively impacting your relationships with family members, friends or work/school performance
Sad or depressed most of the time
Experiencing prolonged feelings of low self-confidence/esteem
Overwhelmed with stress or tension
Angry/irritable for prolonged period of time
Stuck in one’s work or life situation
Unable to cope with life stresses
Relying on drugs/alcohol to cope with stress
Experiencing a significant loss/transition e.g. loss of job, relationship break up, death of loved one, moving, getting married, graduating, changing jobs, retiring, children leaving home.
Your attempts to solve issues by have not been successful.
It is CRUCIAL that you seek help if you are: (highlighted box)
Having thoughts about being harmful to yourself
Having thoughts about being harmful to others
Engaging in actions that are harmful to yourself or others.
Emergency? Contact (in Lane County): White Bird 541.687.4000
How/where to seek help?
Contact MRMC for referral information.
