Men and Mental Health: A Q&A With Thrive Therapist Brett Glanzmann

Thrive • Jun 07, 2021

Many men are under immense pressure to provide for their families, maintain relationships with their partners, and be good fathers. Therapy can provide an outlet for this pressure, while also promoting personal growth. Learn more about mental health support for men from the Q&A below, featuring Thrive Therapist, Brett Glanzmann, MFTI.

Are there any mental health struggles that men are more prone to? What are they and what causes them?

The majority of the men I see in therapy are struggling with anxiety and/or depression. They have trouble with the pressures of work and home and tend to feel like they are always letting someone down. Many take their role of “primary provider” very seriously, so if there are struggles at work it deeply affects their sense of self. Often they are having difficulty in their couple relationship, but doing couples therapy will make them feel too vulnerable, so they would rather work on themselves with their own therapist.

Why is mental health support for men stigmatized? Why do you think some men are hesitant to seek mental health support?

Although men are as likely to have mental health issues as women, they are much less likely to talk about them or seek help. Admitting a need or a weakness goes against traditional social expectations. Many men grow up being told to “man up” and “deal with it.” They get the message that they’re supposed to handle their own problems and not rely on anyone else.

How can a man know if they have a mental health condition that requires professional help?

I’m of the mindset that all men could benefit from a safe and confidential space to work through their anxieties. But I would say that when a man no longer has experiences of joy on a daily basis, there is a problem. When a man finds it difficult to face the day with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose, he may need to seek help. One of the greatest signs that professional help is needed is when the man’s loved ones begin to convey their concern and worry. While it’s difficult for most men to receive feedback, their loved ones probably have a more accurate picture of their mental health.

How can mental health support help a man with their personal growth (even if they don’t have a pressing mental health condition)?

Men tend to stuff their anxieties and worries because they don’t want to cause their loved ones to worry. As a result, they become like a pressure cooker, with the stress and pressure building up until it explodes. It’s going to come out one way or another, and it’s usually in destructive ways. A counselor can function as a pressure release valve, allowing the man to unload the pressure without hurting his loved ones. Also, the counseling appointment is an opportunity to learn strategies for building better relationships, setting healthier boundaries, engaging in self-care, and setting goals.

What are some simple day-to-day practices that men can do to support their mental health?

Getting sufficient sleep and exercise are probably the most important daily activities to help with men’s mental health. It’s important to take occasional breaks at work. This time could be used to reflect, read, or meditate.

To learn more about Thrive’s therapeutic services, reach out to us.

About the Author

BRETT GLANZMANN, MFT-INTERN — Thrive Therapist

Brett Glanzmann, MFT-Intern, earned his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno. He offers individual, couples, and family therapy, believing that people possess the resources required to maximize their quality of life. Brett has a specific passion for helping all types of couples rediscover their unique connection while growing in their communication skills. He enjoys helping his clients pursue meaning in their everyday lives, removing the obstacles that hinder growth and thriving. Brett also enjoys inclusive, faith-based counseling, having over 20 years of pastoral counseling experience in the Truckee Meadows.

The post Men and Mental Health: A Q&A With Thrive Therapist Brett Glanzmann first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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Clean House, Healthy Mind: Spring Cleaning Benefits for Mental Health

By Sage Tippie • 23 Apr, 2024

Spring Cleaning Benefits for Mental Health Spring is a time of new beginnings, change, and transitions, including in our homes. With the warmer weather kicking motivation into high gear, Spring can be a prime time to do a deep clean. Not only is a clean space aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, but it can also help to improve your mental health. Learn about how tidying up your space can also tidy up your thoughts below along with tips for cleaning when you’re struggling with your mental health. 4 Reasons Why Cleaning is Beneficial to Mental health 1.Decreased Stress Not only does an uncluttered space provide a sense of calm, but the physical act of cleaning can release feel-good endorphins, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. As you cross tasks off your checklist, your body also releases Dopamine. Also known as the “happy hormone”, Dopamine provides a sense of accomplishment and pride that can promote motivation in other areas of our lives. 2. Improved Focus Studies have shown that an uncluttered space can also lead to an uncluttered mind. Your focus can be drawn away from important tasks by a chaotic, messy space. Research has also shown a connection between procrastination and clutter, as an unwillingness to tackle larger chores like cleaning can translate over into various areas of our lives. By keeping your space tidy, it can inspire you to stay on top of other major tasks like work and school assignments. 3. Regulated Emotions According to this 2015 study , cleaning can function as a practice in mindfulness, providing an increased sense of calm and inspiration. Slowing down while cleaning gives you room to relax and free your mind of burdens, stressors, and irritants that can affect your mental health. Cleaning can even be considered a practice of self-care as the action helps you to connect with yourself and the outcome allows you to better enjoy your own space. 4. Sense of Order and Control When experiencing mental health struggles, people may feel a lack of control over their lives and emotions. Cleaning even small areas of the home can provide an increased sense of order and control as you cross tasks off your to-do list. Through realizing your own power by simply completing minor tasks like cleaning, it can reaffirm your ability to do more. 10 Tips for Cleaning When Struggling with Mental Health Mental health struggles and disorders commonly create barriers to one’s ability to clean and properly practice personal hygiene. Although these behaviors are normal side effects of mental health disorders, we want to work to aid our clients in cleaning to the best of their ability even in difficult times. Below, Thrive Wellness occupational therapist Meadow Deason shares some helpful tips she gives to clients when they struggle with cleaning due to mental health conditions: 1.Ask For Help Having support to clean can make a huge difference. Do the cleaning with the person helping you and have them hold you accountable. 2. Don't Wait for Motivation Motivation might not come before action, but it can build as you begin to see the results of your efforts. 3. Start Small Start with one area or one task and go from there. For example, concentrate on your bedroom first and then move on to the living room and bathroom. 4. Do Something Daily Even if you do only one small cleaning task a day, doing that one task creates momentum and prevents small tasks from building up and becoming overwhelming. 5. Use Sensory Modulation Change your environment by playing music, adjusting the lighting, or using aromatherapy. This can help to put you in a new headspace for cleaning. 6. Start with "High Impact" Tasks Start with more intensive or all-over cleaning tasks such as picking up clutter or doing the dishes. The visual "noise" of some tasks makes a large impact on the entire space, building motivation to continue cleaning. 7. Make a To-Do List Write a detailed to-do list of tasks and cross them off as you go. Physically marking down what you’ve accomplished can promote increased motivation. 8. Reward Yourself Set up a reward system where you reward yourself with a favorite activity or item when you complete a task as an incentive to clean. 9. Use the Rocket Method Don't think about it, just choose a task, countdown from five or ten and then start. This can help you to avoid potential anxiety and dread that can prevent you from cleaning. 10. Gamify Tasks Make up a game for your tasks or time yourself to promote increased engagement in cleaning. Your ability to complete tasks can be affected by a multitude of different factors and conditions including OCD , anxiety, depression , ADHD , and more. If you are struggling with motivation due to your mental health, help is here at Thrive Wellness.

child getting bandaid from doctor while mother smiles

The Importance of Whole Family Primary Care: A Q&A with Dr. Stephanie Wright

26 Mar, 2024

By serving the whole family, physicians are able to have a better understanding of family dynamics, family health care goals, and history of disease in the family.