The Benefits of Therapy for Men’s Mental Health

Joe Miragliotta | 3 months ago

This article is a repost which originally appeared on JOE’S DAILY

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Men often pressure themselves to neglect healthy methods of coping with health issues.

‧ The above is further compounded by a lack of communication.

‧ Learning stress self-awareness can help men to better manage their maladies.

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Men, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to their mental well-being. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles often prevent men from acknowledging their emotions and seeking help. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of therapy for men’s mental health and how it can lead to a happier, healthier life. By incorporating the key phrases ‘Men’s Therapy Benefits’, ‘Male Mental Health Support’, and ‘Improving Men’s Emotional Well-being’, we aim to provide valuable insights into the world of men’s mental health.

Men’s Therapy Benefits

#1: Breaking Down Barriers

One of the most significant benefits of therapy for men is that it helps to break down the barriers that have been built up over the years. Men often face societal pressure to be stoic and emotionally resilient, which can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and reluctance to seek help. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where men can openly discuss their feelings, experiences, and concerns. This process helps to dismantle ingrained beliefs about masculinity and vulnerability, allowing men to develop a healthier relationship with their emotions.

#2: Improved Communication Skills

Therapy can help men improve their communication skills, both in expressing their emotions and in listening to others. By learning to articulate their thoughts and feelings more effectively, men can experience increased emotional intimacy in their relationships and a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others.

#3: Better Stress Management

Men often face unique stressors, such as job pressure, financial concerns, and societal expectations. Therapy can help men identify the sources of their stress and develop healthy coping strategies to manage it more effectively. This may include learning relaxation techniques, setting realistic goals, and creating a better work-life balance. Improved stress management can lead to enhanced overall well-being and a reduction in the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

#4: Enhanced Self-Awareness

Therapy can help men gain a better understanding of themselves, their emotions, and their thought patterns. This self-awareness can lead to improved decision-making, stronger relationships, and a more authentic sense of self. By understanding the root causes of their emotional struggles, men can work towards making positive changes in their lives and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

Male Mental Health Support

#5: Access to Professional Guidance

Seeking therapy provides men with access to a trained professional who can offer support, guidance, and evidence-based techniques to help them overcome their mental health challenges. Therapists can help men develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring that they receive the most effective care possible.

#6: Normalizing Help-Seeking Behavior

Attending therapy can help to normalize the idea of seeking help for mental health issues among men. By engaging in therapy, men can challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek support when needed. This can lead to a more supportive and empathetic society where men’s mental health is valued and prioritized.

Improving Men’s Emotional Well-being

#7: Stronger Relationships

Therapy can help men build and maintain healthier relationships with their partners, family members, and friends. By learning how to communicate more effectively, manage conflicts, and express vulnerability, men can forge deeper connections with others and experience greater emotional intimacy.

#8: Increased Resilience

Engaging in therapy can help men develop the skills and tools needed to cope with life’s challenges and bounce back from adversity more effectively. This increased resilience can lead to a greater sense of confidence and self-efficacy in managing future difficulties.

#9: Enhanced Overall Well-Being

Men who participate in therapy often experience improvements in their overall mental and emotional well-being. This can manifest in various ways, such as reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased self-esteem, and a more positive outlook on life. These improvements can lead to a higher quality of life and a greater sense of fulfillment.

#10: Prevention and Early Intervention

By seeking therapy early on, men can address potential mental health issues before they become more severe. This early intervention can be crucial in preventing the development of chronic mental health disorders and promoting long-term emotional health.

Conclusion

The benefits of therapy for men’s mental health are extensive, from breaking down barriers and improving communication skills to enhancing overall well-being and preventing mental health issues. By seeking male mental health support and prioritizing self-care, men can work towards improving their emotional well-being and living a happier, healthier life. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and self-awareness. By taking this important step, you can embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and emotionally balanced life. Together, we can continue to break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and create a world where everyone feels supported and empowered to seek the help they need.

Biohacking: What Is It?

Biohacking: What Is It?

PEGym will soon be taking on expanded subjects related to self-improvement. One of the more increasingly used terms for DIY uplifts is “biohacking”. This is a very broad term which includes subjects like fitness, longevity and physical training. At the extreme end of the definition are projects like DNA alteration and cyborgization.

We at PEGym support all types of discussions but it should be made clear our intent is to support healthy, beneficent and (unless medically necessary) nonsurgical techniques for self-improvement.

If you would like to discuss or learn about these subjects in more detail please keep an eye on this site. You can also visit our new forum section Body & Mind Improvement.

Body & Mind Improvement

Body & Mind Improvement

In addition to maintain the male enhancement portion of the site, PEGym will be expanding the forums and site to include more data and discussions for new topics within the sphere of self-improvement. Examples of proposed subjects include physical training, sleep improvement, longevity and stress management.

Please visit our new Body & Mind Improvement forum and feel free to create a post!

To get an idea of some of the subjects the forum will begin to expand upon more, please visit our sister site at TheBioHacker.com.

Feedback on the above proposed additions to the site would be most appreciated! Please contact us or feel free to post your questions or concerns in the Body & Mind Improvement forum.

Sexercise: What is it? Benefits, exercises to try, and more

The benefits of sexercise and how to practice it

Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — Written by Zawn Villines on December 13, 2020

This article is a repost which originally appeared on MEDICALNEWSTODAY

Edited for content

Sexercise is exercise to improve sexual performance and function, which may make sex more satisfying for a person and their partner or partners.

Celebrity trainer Jason Rosell coined the term sexercise, using it for a specific set of practices to improve a person’s sexual experience.

Physical fitness can affect sexuality by making sex easier and more comfortable, reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and arousal issues, and helping people feel more confident in their bodies.

Exercise may also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, that can cause sexual issues.

A person may use the term sexercise to refer to a wide range of activities, while any exercise specifically to improve sex counts as sexercise.

Benefits of sexual activity for health

Healthful, consensual sexual activity of all varieties can improve health.

Some benefits of sex include:

  • Better heart health: Sex involves exercise, which can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart disease. A 2020 study found that, following a heart attack, people who had sex more than once per week had a 27% reduction in their risk of dying.
  • A healthier immune system: Regular sex may boost immunity, reducing a person’s risk of acquiring infections and certain illnesses.
  • Better emotional health: Sex – and the exercise that sex involves – may reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
  • Better self-esteem: People who have satisfying sex may feel good about themselves.
  • Healthy relationships: A strong, healthy sexual connection with a partner may improve the relationship.
  • Better sleep: Sex may help some people fall asleep faster.
  • Stress management: Sex can be a suitable self-care tool that helps relieve stress.

It is important to note that sex in itself does not necessarily improve health.

Non-consensual, painful, or unpleasant sex may cause severe emotional distress, physical injuries, and other health issues.

Benefits of fitness for sexual performance

Exercise can improve sexual performance in many ways:

  • Reducing ED: In people with penises, regular exercise – especially aerobic exercise such as running or walking – may reduce ED. A 2017 meta-analysis found moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise provided optimal benefits.
  • Counteracting side effects of certain antidepressants on the libido: A 2013 study of females taking antidepressants found that exercising right before sex improved both arousal and global sexual function.
  • Exercise may reduce the risk of chronic medical conditions: These conditions can interfere with sexual performance. For example, diabetes has links with ED, arousal disorders, and some other sexual issues.
  • Improving sexual function: Certain exercises may strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which a person uses during sex. Kegel exercises can help a person orgasm more easily and help with urine leakage and incontinence.
  • Increasing endurance and strength: This may make certain positions and types of sex easier. More endurance may help a person be less tired during prolonged sex sessions.

Exercises to improve sexual performance

Three categories of exercise can help improve sexual performance:

Aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise increases the heart rate. It can help a person maintain a moderate weight, improve blood pressure, boost overall physical fitness, and may help with ED and general sexual performance. Some exercises to try include:

  • Swimming: Offers an intense but low-impact workout for people with joint or muscle pain.
  • Walking: An ideal starting exercise for people who struggle with more intense workouts.
  • Intense aerobic exercise: Includes running or jogging, jumping rope, skiing, and using a stair-climber machine.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the pelvic floor – a group of muscles that support the bladder. These muscles also contract during an orgasm. Try the following to work them:

  • Performing Kegels:
    • Locate the right muscles when urinating.
    • Stop passing urine mid-flow for a few seconds, then start again.
    • Repeat a few times daily.
    • Next, try tensing and releasing the same muscles used to stop urinating several times per day.
    • Work up to tensing the muscles for longer: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or longer.
  • Exercising the multifidus of the pelvic floor:
    • Lie on the stomach, face down, with the forehead in the hands.
    • Lift the pelvis slightly back to point the tailbone toward the ceiling.
    • Hold for 5–10 seconds, working up to three sets of 10 repetitions.
  • Performing squats: Squats help strengthen the body, and in high repetitions, they can provide an intense cardio workout. They also help strengthen the abs and pelvic floor. Not everyone can do a squat at first. Try squatting down as much as possible without bending the back or taking the heels off the floor, then build up to deeper squats.

Strength and flexibility training

Improving general strength and flexibility may make certain sexual positions easier and more comfortable. Some options include:

  • Yoga and pilates: Both focus activities on improving flexibility and functional movement. People can even adapt some yoga positions into sex positions.
  • Lifting weights: Try lifting weights to improve the strength of various muscles and muscle groups. For example, a person who wants to lift their partner might try bench presses and other exercises that strengthen the upper body.
  • Bodyweight exercises: A person does not need weights to strengthen their muscles. Bodyweight exercises, such as leg raises, knee tucks, and squats strengthen the core, lower body, and pelvic floor. Pushups, pullups, and dips target the upper body, potentially making certain positions easier.

Sex positions that couples can use as exercise

Every sex position may present an opportunity for exercise if it meets one of two conditions:

  • The speed and intensity of the sexual activity are intense enough to elevate the heart rate.
  • The activity is physically challenging. For example, it requires stretching or involves a person lifting additional weight.

Some examples of specific positions that might help sexual partners get a workout include:

  • Positions that require a partner to fully or partially lift another: For example, a person who wraps their legs around a partner while the partner holds them in a standing position requires both partners to bear extra weight.
  • Positions that increase physical intensity and encourage partners to move more: For example, if a person is up against the wall with their legs wrapped around their partner, and the other partner is holding them, the couple is both supporting weights. They may also have to move more to increase stimulation and adjust the position.
  • Positions that encourage gentle stretching: It is important not to force the body into an uncomfortable position. However, extending the legs over a partner’s shoulders or getting into yoga-like positions may increase the challenge of sexual activity.

Summary

Exercise is great for overall health, including sexual health.

For most people, exercise is a safe way to improve well-being and sexual performance.

However, those who do not exercise should talk with a doctor before beginning a new fitness routine.

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