“I’m Fine.” And Other Lies Men Are Told About Mental Health

June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and let’s be honest—many men are still taught, whether directly or indirectly, that therapy isn’t for them. That emotional struggles are a personal failure. That real strength means pushing through and not talking to anyone. In fact, many men dont’t believe they can talk about their feelings or may not even have the words to describe them.

As a psychologist, I hear the same reasons, over and over, as to why men avoid getting support. Let’s take a look at the most common excuses and what’s actually true.

#1: “I should be able to handle this on my own.”

Reality: You probably are handling a lot on your own. But that doesn’t mean you have to.
Just like you'd see a doctor for a broken bone or chronic back pain, therapy is there to help with the things that are harder to “walk off.” Seeking help isn’t giving up—it’s getting smart about your mental health.

#2: “Talking about feelings is uncomfortable.”

Reality: Of course it is. Especially if no one ever taught you how.
Therapy isn’t about spilling your guts or turning into someone you’re not. It’s about figuring out what’s going on beneath the surface and building tools to manage life better. You can talk about things at your pace, in your own way.

#3: “You don’t have time for therapy.”

Reality: If you’re running on empty, you don’t have time not to.
Stress, burnout, relationship tension—they don’t magically disappear. They build. Therapy is an investment of time that actually gives you more bandwidth, not less. With telehealth availability, slip it into a lunch break at work and no commute to the therapy is needed.

#4: “It’s not that bad.”

Reality: Maybe not. But waiting until it is that bad isn’t a plan.
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, coming in before things boil over often leads to better outcomes. You deserve to feel good, not just “not awful.”

#5: “Therapy is for people who are weak.”

Reality: It takes guts to be honest with yourself.
Being vulnerable on purpose? That’s not weakness—it’s strength in its most authentic form. Mental health care is about showing up, doing the work, and creating a life you’re proud of.

At Life Matters Counseling and Psychological Services, in Farmington Utah, we work with men across the lifespan—navigating fatherhood, burnout, identity shifts, trauma, and the quiet stress of always being the strong one.

Whether you’re just starting to question how you’re feeling, or you know you need help but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here. And if I’m not the right fit, I can connect you with someone on our team who is.

No pressure. No shame. Just support.
This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s normalize reaching out.