A recent survey of 2,000 adults in the UK revealed that 25% of men would not seek professional help for their mental health issues, even if they were facing difficulties. While 40% have tried therapy or counseling, 20% are adamantly against the idea. Among those hesitant to seek help, 13% believe they should handle their issues alone, and 11% doubt the effectiveness of therapy.

Of those who have attended therapy sessions, 21% stopped after trying it once, with 11% hesitant to return due to misconceptions that therapy is not suitable for men. Furthermore, the study highlighted that 10% of individuals are uncomfortable discussing their emotions.

Richard Whitenstall, a qualified therapist from BetterHelp, emphasized that societal stigmas, especially among men, often deter individuals from seeking mental health support. He mentioned that many men give up on therapy after one attempt, underscoring the importance of ensuring a positive and accessible initial experience.

The research also unveiled that 19% of therapy-goers are unlikely to disclose this information to their friends, as men are six times more likely than women to fear ridicule for seeking therapy. On a positive note, half of the men surveyed who have undergone therapy are open to trying it again, with a growing interest in online therapy. Notably, men are twice as likely as women to consider video therapy.

Among those who discontinued therapy, 12% cited a negative past experience, with 20% feeling misunderstood by their therapists. Additionally, a quarter admitted feeling nervous before therapy sessions, impacting their decision to continue.

Whitenstall stressed that past encounters can influence one’s willingness to seek help again, but highlighted the diverse range of available support options. He emphasized that online therapy can provide a less intimidating entry point, particularly for men hesitant about traditional therapy.

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