Who's the Man?
At Boundless, we work with people who identify as men. Whether you are a straight, cisgender, transgender, gay, bisexual man-- we honor each and every aspect of a male-identifying person's 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 their own distinctive struggles. In fact, at Boundless, we believe it is further important to highlight that men often face their own unique struggles because of the connotations of their gender.
Men's Mental Health Quick Facts​
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Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for men globally
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Approximately 3 out of 4 people who die by suicide are men
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Men have a higher overall suicide rate compared to women worldwide​
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Men in professions such as military, healthcare, and emergency services, may face higher suicide rates due to unaddressed work-related stress and trauma
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Substance use, particularly alcohol, is often associated with suicide in men, as it can exacerbate mental health issues and increase impulsivity​​​
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Men tend to exhibit mental health symptoms differently than women, specifically those associated with depression, which tend to show up as irritability, anger, and social withdrawal and are often misdiagnosed
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Men are more likely to turn to substance use to cope with mental health issues
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In many countries, men above the age of 45 have the highest suicide rates
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Men who are part of intersectional minority groups, such as gay, trans, or bisexual men, are at a higher risk for anxiety and depression due to social stigma and discrimination
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Men from diverse cultural backgrounds encounter 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​
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Men are 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.
If reading this makes you shudder at the thought of being so visible, then you have come to the right place. Of course, it's uncomfortable, but perhaps there is a reason that you are still reading this despite it all. If you are feeling ready to take the leap, reach out to the Boundless team for help today.
The Impact of Hyper-Masculine Stereotypes
The modern stereotype of masculinity is a complex construct that has evolved over centuries and has been influenced by various historical, cultural, and social factors. Although the exact origins and development of this stereotype are difficult to pinpoint, the ancient philosophy of Stoicism has had a significant impact on shaping the gender roles of men cross-culturally.
While philosophical Stoicism has many positive teachings such as the promotion of resilience, self-empowerment, and acceptance-- society has distorted and over-exaggerated certain values and wrongfully superimposed them onto the modern concept of masculinity. This has had a detrimental impact on the way in which men experience their emotions and prioritize their mental health. Ironically, Stoicism fundamentally seeks to denounce extremes, however, society has done exactly that by idealizing certain virtues that ultimately uphold toxic masculinity. It is important to understand these ideals so that we can begin to break them down and in turn help men access the mental health services they so deserve.
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The Ideal of Emotional Suppression: Stoicism's emphasis on detachment and freedom from the rule of emotions may lead some men to suppress or deny their emotional experiences. Denial of emotional experiences can lead to latent anger, resentment, apathy, lack of social connection, isolation, and much more.
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The Ideal of Invulnerability: Stoicism often views vulnerability as a weakness. This perspective can deter men from expressing their thoughts, feelings, and needs when they need to most. It's crucial to remember that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but an essential aspect of being human and building authentic connections.
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The Ideal of Isolation, Independence, & Self-Reliance: Stoicism's focus on self-reliance and inner strength places undue emphasis on the idea that one should "bear their own burdens." While these traits can be positive in moderation, excessive self-reliance may lead men to avoid seeking support from others, such as friends, family, or mental health professionals. This self-imposed isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and isolation and the reluctance to seek support can prevent timely intervention and lead to worsening mental health conditions.
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The Ideal of Total Emotional Control: Striving for an unattainable level of emotional control may lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism.
The Ideal of Logic & Reason: Overemphasizing the importance of logic and reason might lead some 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.
