I often see discourse on the double standards of how society treats the mental wellbeing of men versus women and how it’s completely unfair. But in my personal experience of speaking with other women I’ve never heard any of them say such things or hold such beliefs that men don’t deserve that kind of help. I personally don’t hold that belief and I do hope that the men in my life do not feel scared to reach out to me if they are struggling; as I truly believe everyone deserves the opportunity to get help if they need it Of course it is such a broad subject that it can not be so easily fixed or answered but what I’m unsure about is how and why do you feel invalidated (if you do feel that way) Do the women/non-men in your life or in society make you feel as though you are not seen or heard? Or is it that other men push that ideology into you throughout your life so you are ashamed of your struggling? Thank you, I hope you understand my question as I really am curious on the topic. Future Edit Note: for Clarification: Yes, I do agree that society looks down upon and is unfair towards mens’ mental health. This is not meant to be doubtful post that does not believe that men aren’t looked down upon in that way. It is moreso an investigation on how or why this belief can manifest. submitted by /u/AnxiousGuitar8011
Originally posted by u/AnxiousGuitar8011 on r/AskMen
Im a 26yo autistic man. Well i think i had problems regarding mental health. During childhood, i was bullied a lot. Kids would even drown my face in the toilet, let me breathe a bit, like the enough for me to survive, then drown again. Sometimes there was shit and/or piss there. Not the only kind of agression i suffered but the one that traumatized me more because it was disgusting and suffocating, and happened an awfully lot of times. I had some friends during age 11-15, but they werent from school, but neighbours. School was a dark and evil place for me, sadly.
My friends moved out of town when i was 16. I miss them to this day, they were 2 boys and 2 girls, i got the IG account of 2 of them but the other 2 i never found any kind of contact, sadly. But at least bullying stopped. My mental health recovered a bit, but i felt lonely. During college, people were more supportive of me, i felt like i was respected and in a community.
I got the diagnosis of autism 3 years ago. Honestly, late, i wish i was diagnosed as a boy. But im happy that im able to enjoy knowing about my identity, i feel free. During this time, i also joined therapies. Im thinking of joining sexual therapy too. Definitely, therapies and college helped my mental health a lot. I feel happy these days.
Thats my personal experience, but i think that, in general, for guys, theres less incentive to search for mental health professionals. Youre supposed to “man up”…id always suggest for a guy to do therapy though. Therapy is good.