Women are much more likely to seek support for mental health concerns. This is partly due to the fact men are highly socialized to repress their emotional needs, thus creating a stigmatized action in seeking mental health support. For example, men with depression may express their illness through typically “masculine” behaviours such as isolation, aggression or addiction. Some psychologists argue that while women with depression tend to “act in” through emotions like worthlessness, helplessness, and guilt, men are more likely to “act out” through expressions of anger, poor impulse control, and substance abuse.

These behaviours tend to increase in ferocity and frequency the longer the underlying issue is left unchecked. While it is undeniable that men experience the same benefits from engaging in therapy as women, the therapeutic approach might need to slightly shift. The therapeutic result is a reduction in painful symptoms related to a man’s underlying issues as the therapeutic work strengthens.