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What men can gain from therapy [ChicagoTribune.com]

 

[Photo by Ali imran zaidi]

Speaking for my gender, there are two qualities that define most men: We seldom like to ask for help, and we do not like to talk about our feelings. Combining the two -- asking for help about our feelings -- is the ultimate affront to many men's masculinity.

We like to think of ourselves as strong, problem-solver types. But when it comes to emotional and mental issues, men need to quit trying to bottle up their feelings and tough it out, says Darshan Mehta, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "Your mental health is equally as important as your physical health. Not addressing negative feelings can carry over to all aspects of your life and have a profound impact."

When to see a therapist

Depression is the most common reason men should seek professional help. Many life situations -- jobs, relationships -- can trigger its trademark symptoms, such as prolonged sadness, lack of energy, and a constant feeling of stress. For older men, it can also be brought on by financial anxiety about retirement, the death of a spouse or friend, or even the loss of independence, like losing the ability to drive. Left unchecked, these feelings could cause other health problems, such as rapid weight loss, insomnia, declining libido, and changes in memory. They may even lead to destructive behavior like alcohol or opioid dependence.



[For more of this story, written by Matthew Solan, go to http://www.chicagotribune.com/...-20160803-story.html]

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