Support Groups

A group of males with a common problem, usually meeting weekly to express feelings, vent frustrations, and explore effective coping strategies.

What is it?

For many men, these male-only support groups provide the ideal setting in which to speak honestly about their problems, as well as discuss topics surrounding masculinity.

For a lot of men, it can feel hard to open up to other men, including best friends and male family members, since they may feel they have to live up to a macho persona around these people. In a men’s support group, on the other hand, you can drop your persona and speak authentically. No one is trying to prove their manhood in these groups.

Men’s support groups can allow men to learn to trust other men. As a man, you may be hesitant about showing signs of vulnerability, emotion, or sensitivity due to past experiences. As a boy growing up or as an adult man, showing your vulnerable side may have been met with judgement or teasing from other boys or men. This can make it hard to open up to other men in your life. The benefit of men’s support groups is that they encourage men to support each other and show empathy towards one another. A lot of men lack this sort of relationship with other men – and this is one reason why so many men are struggling with their mental health. They simply don’t have the same emotional support enjoyed by their female counterparts.

Men’s support groups allow men to see that they’re not alone in their struggles. Hearing someone talking about an experience that resonates very deeply with you is often one of the best ways to combat the feeling of isolation that comes with mental health issues. Also, as a man suffering from mental health issues, it can often feel like you’re a failure of a man, and that every other man out there seems to be coping just fine. Going to a men’s support group, though, can show you that many other men are grappling with similar issues as you and that this is not a sign of poor character.

Another benefit of men’s support groups is that they can make it easier for men to discuss certain topics that they otherwise wouldn’t talk about if women were present.  For some men, this is less of an issue in a male-only group. In addition, men’s support groups give men a chance to focus on aspects of masculinity that are contributing to their poor mental health. This can allow men in the room to see the problems caused by their gender, which is a topic that might not get enough attention in a mixed-gender group.

Keep in mind that a therapist may not recommend group therapy as a treatment option at first. One reason is because it can be difficult to share personal information in a group setting, especially at the beginning of treatment.

improved with counselLing

~|arrow_carrot-right_alt~|elegant-themes~|solid

Anger Control

Read More

THE STORM BEFORE THE CALM

Anger is one of the most important emotions you have. When you’re angry, it’s a red flag that something needs to change, and when you’re extremely angry, something needs to change immediately. It is normal to experience anger. When managed correctly, anger can be an important ally to a healthy male.

~|arrow_carrot-right_alt~|elegant-themes~|solid

Stress

Read More

Stress is what happens when too many things don't go your way. People who drive slow in the fast lane cause stress. Working too much overtime causes stress. Getting a parking ticket causes stress. In fact, just thinking about these things makes me feel stressed. But it's important to learn to let things roll off of you. If left unchecked, stress can cause serious health problems.

 

~|arrow_carrot-right_alt~|elegant-themes~|solid

Anxiety

Read More

WHEN WORRY GRABS YOU BY THE BALLS

Everyday, anxiety disorders affect the ability of approximately 8 million men to live a normal, happy life. And I'm not just talking about the sweaty palms, stomach butterflies and urge to soil your briefs you get every time you have to speak in public or call your father-in-law. No, I'm talking about feelings of worry, stress, fear and impending doom so severe they interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships and even get a decent night's sleep.

~|arrow_carrot-right_alt~|elegant-themes~|solid

Depression

Read More

THE Y CHROMOSOME ISN'T IMMUNE

Depression is a serious, yet treatable mental health disorder that can affect any man, no matter how keen his sense of direction or burly his mustache. While depression is often associated with sadness and hopelessness, it often manifests itself in fits of rage, unnecessary risk taking and alcohol or drug abuse in men.

~|arrow_carrot-right_alt~|elegant-themes~|solid

Alcohol/Drug control

Read More

GET YOUR ADDICTIONS IN CHECKMATE

Drinking and experimenting with drugs has been firmly endorsed by male culture since the beginning of time. Guys drink. Guys smoke. Guys have even created holidays devoted to boozing and using. (I'm looking at you, Cinco de Mayo). Unfortunately, guys also self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to cope with problems like depression, anxiety and rage. Often, this is when recreational use can turn into a serious problem.

~|arrow_carrot-right_alt~|elegant-themes~|solid

Communication Problems

Read More

Lets face it, men and women are from different planets, so it's only logical that we would communicate and interpret information differently. Barriers to communication develop in any circumstance or social relationship. There are many forms of verbal and non-verbal communication which lead to arguments or tension in personal, platonic or professional relationships. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Shouldn't men keep their feelings to themselves?

This is a myth that has been instilled in male culture since the Jurassic Period, but that doesn't make it true. In reality, it's very important for guys to talk about their feelings, because keeping them bottled up only makes them worse. It's time men start sharing their feelings with their friends and family members.

WHEN A PERSON DIES BY SUICIDE, IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT PERSON'S CHARACTER?

There's nothing inherently wrong with the personality or character of a person who dies by suicide. However, 90% of the time, there is an underlying sickness in the brain. And, like any organ, such as the heart, liver or kidneys, when the brain gets sick too often, it can lead to some life-threatening consequences.

CAN'T I JUST FIX MY PROBLEMS BY MYSELF?

As you know, men are the ultimate do-it-themselvers. So, it's only natural that many of them believe they can fix their emotional, behavioral and mental problems themselves. With mental disorders like depression and anxiety, trying to fix them without professional assistance is like trying to heal a broken femur without a surgeon.

ISN'T THERE SOME KIND OF PILL I CAN TAKE TO FIX MY DEPRESSION?

Unfortunately, it's not that easy. While medication can play an important role in treating depression, it's important that you combine medication with professional treatment from a real man therapist.

IS PUNCHING SOMETHING OR SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS A GOOD WAY TO RELEASE ANGER?

It's commonly believed that doing these activities (called catharsis) is a good way to prevent anger from boiling over. Unfortunately, it is not true. Studies show that people who release anger in this violent manner actually begin to associate anger with violence and become even more aggressive. If you are feeling angry, it's best to take a 5-minute timeout and let your anger pass.

DO PEOPLE WHO ABUSE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL JUST SUFFER FROM A LACK OF WILLPOWER?

Unlike other temptations, such as chocolate cake and Internet porn, alcohol and drugs are different kinds of temptresses. They can actually cause significant changes in the brain that lead to dependency.

Contact MASC TODAY

Ask a question or book an appointment below.

Our hours are 10am - 6pm Monday to Thursday and 10am - 3pm on Friday.

For emergencies call 239-1111 or visit your nearest hospital

~|icon_phone~|elegant-themes~|solid

(441) 601-6272

~|icon_pin~|elegant-themes~|solid

ADDRESS

Williams House
2nd Floor
20 Reid Reid Street
Hamilton, HM11
(Upstairs of Coconut Rock Restaurant)
~|icon_mail~|elegant-themes~|solid

contact@mascbda.com