Who's the Man?
At Boundless, we work with people who identify as men. Whether you are a straight, cisgender, transgender, gay, or bisexual man-- we honor every aspect of your identity.
If you do happen to have a queer-intersecting identity, you might also be interested in our Therapy for the Queer Community page.
The Importance of Men's Mental Health
Deeply human experiences such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief (and more) know no boundaries. That's why it is essential to acknowledge that everyone, despite their gender, is prone to face distinctive struggles. In fact, at Boundless, we believe it is important to highlight that men often face unique struggles because of the connotations of their gender.
Men's Mental Health Quick Facts​
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Suicide is a leading cause of death for men globally, with men accounting for approximately 3 out of 4 suicides.
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Men have a higher overall suicide rate compared to women worldwide.
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Professions such as the military, healthcare, and emergency services see higher suicide rates due to work-related stress and trauma.
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Substance use, particularly alcohol, is often linked to male suicide, exacerbating mental health issues and impulsivity.
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Men often exhibit mental health symptoms differently than women, showing depression as irritability, anger, and social withdrawal, leading to misdiagnosis.
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Men are more likely to turn to substance use to cope with mental health issues.
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Men above the age of 45 have the highest suicide rates in many countries.
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Men from intersectional minority groups, such as gay, trans, or bisexual men, are at higher risk for anxiety and depression due to social stigma and discrimination.
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Men from diverse cultural backgrounds face additional challenges in accessing mental health care due to stigma, racism, or language barriers.
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Men are more likely to develop substance use disorders but less likely to seek treatment for mental health issues and substance use disorders due to stigma, concerns about appearing "weak," and lack of awareness about available resources.
At Boundless, we strive to create a safe environment for men to be human. Our therapeutic space is one wherein you are invited to step out of the limits of stereotypical gender roles that seek to punish your innate expressiveness and vulnerability. We help men seek refuge from the shackles of societal expectations which demand that challenges be navigated with icy stoicism: a sense of being unaffected, solitary, and emotionless. We see this as a state of being disconnected from purpose, meaning, and ultimately self-- and through the therapeutic work, we help you realign with these vital qualities.
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If you are a man seeking therapy, we welcome you to take refuge at Boundless. Here, you are given permission, perhaps for the first time in your life, to fully emote, explore, process, and heal from your pain with the unconditionally kind and non-judgmental support of our specialized therapists.
Rest assured, our services are entirely confidential and customized to your needs. As mental health professionals who are keenly aware of the gaps in men's mental health services, we understand that men have varying levels of experience and comfortability when it comes to therapy. Our goal is to meet you where you are, starting exactly where you are willing to start, and progressing as time and trust builds.
The Impact of Hyper-Masculine Stereotypes
The modern stereotype of masculinity is complex, evolving over centuries and influenced by various historical, cultural, and social factors. One significant influence is the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, which has shaped male gender roles cross-culturally.
While Stoicism promotes resilience, self-empowerment, and acceptance, society has distorted and exaggerated certain values, wrongfully superimposing them onto modern masculinity. This distortion impacts men's emotional experiences and mental health. Ironically, Stoicism denounces extremes, but society has idealized certain virtues that uphold toxic masculinity. Understanding these ideals is crucial to breaking them down and helping men access the mental health services they deserve.
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Emotional Suppression: Stoicism's emphasis on detachment may lead men to suppress emotions, causing latent anger, resentment, apathy, isolation, and more.
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Invulnerability: Stoicism views vulnerability as a weakness, deterring men from expressing their needs. Vulnerability is essential for building authentic connections.
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Isolation and Self-Reliance: Stoicism's focus on self-reliance can lead men to avoid seeking support, worsening feelings of loneliness and isolation.
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Total Emotional Control: Striving for unattainable emotional control can lead to inadequacy and self-criticism.
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Logic and Reason: Overemphasizing logic may cause men to downplay or disregard their emotional needs.
A Final Word
At Boundless, we champion emotional vulnerability and self-expression as the highest form of strength-- and certainly the furthest thing from weakness. Therapy is tough, but you are tougher.
If emotional freedom is something that you are seeking, schedule a free 15 minute consultation with one of our skilled clinicians today.
