Trigger Warning: Mentions of depression/mental illnesses.
It is no secret that everyone has mental health issues. But it is a fact that some people talk about it more than others. It is not uncommon for some people to be quiet about their mental health issues. Most of them do not talk about it out of fear. A common fear is how the people closest to them will see them. This is due to the stigma surrounding mental health. No one wants to be seen as weak, but their mental illness is not a weakness. However, this perception of weakness is deeply rooted in society, and the people affected by this are men.
Men not talking about their mental health is a common occurrence. However, it is not their fault. The fear of being seen as “weak” or “unmanly” is why many men hide their problems. Social stigmas and stereotypes cause men to hide their mental health issues. Only a small percentage of men seek treatment for their mental health, while other men feel like they should not seek treatment.
However, in 2021 there was an increase in men getting treatment for their mental health issues. These men use resources as a beneficial tool for themselves and the people around them. One of the resources that are commonly used in literature: Books that range from self-help to stories of others battling their mental health. But the books listed here address men’s mental health. The books also explain why social stigmas and stereotypes hurt them. These books are prominent in men’s mental health because it is not normally addressed.
Men’s Mental Health: We Shouldn’t Have To Stay Hidden By Joshua C.
Mental health is important for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It impacts how we think, feel, and behave, and can affect our relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
– Joshua C.
As it is apparent from the quote above, this book advocates for mental health to get taken seriously. This message gets repeated in the topics that the book covers. This helpful guide is a short read, but that does not diminish its helpful strategies for maintaining mental health. This book recommendation is for men who do not know where to begin their mental health journey. Joshua C. also explains the social stigmas men face and how they can overcome them.
Mental Health for Men: Common Problems ~ Practical Solutions By Dr. John Ashfield
There is much debate about what mental health is. Is it a state of happiness, being able to cope and having a certain degree of self-confidence, or perhaps some state or degree of wellness or wellbeing?
– Doctor John Ashfield
This book is easy to read, with chapters focusing on the most unlikely topics. However, that does not take away from the knowledge the author gives to the reader. The book describes the key topics of men’s mental health and talks about the stigmas that affect them. It also provides sensible solutions to these problems. This recommendation is for men looking for answers for their mental health. Even though it is a book for men, everyone can learn from a new perspective.
The Highly Sensitive Man By Tom Falkenstein
I consider the high sensitivity of many men to be a completely essential part of masculine identity and something that can enrich the lives of these men and the lives of others. Sensitivity is in no way a shameful or “unmanly” flaw that one has to get over.
– Tom Falkenstein
From the quote above, it is obvious that this book depicts how these men think, feel, and empathize with others. It also describes how these men face challenges that portray them as “unmanly.” This book is another easy read with breakdowns of the research on high sensitivity. It also gives techniques to men who need help with emotion regulation and overstimulation. This recommendation is for these men who need a starting point for their mental health journey.
Nothing’s Wrong: A Man’s Guide to Managing Emotions By David Kundtz
I have no power to tell you what to feel nor any interest in doing so; my purpose is rather to help you identify and express whatever you feel in a healthy way and to be comfortable with the feelings of others.
– David Kundtz
According to the quote above, Kundtz’s book helps men learn about their emotions. This book is nothing like the rest on the list as it shows men healthy ways to process their emotions. It is an easy read with five chapters and an introduction. But these chapters describe different techniques to men on how to show what they are feeling. This book recommendation is for men who have trouble talking about how they feel.
Additionally, these books are not the only ones that cover men’s mental health. More authors and psychologists writing about men’s mental health. These writers are bringing awareness to men’s mental health. They are showing everyone how stereotypes and social stigmas affect men. As a result of this, more and more men are bringing attention and awareness to the issues they face. Everyone’s mental health is not the same, but if more people address it, then everyone will talk about it.
Check out more mental health book recommendations here!