Bonneville International

Counseling On Demand

Bonneville International

  • Why Aren't Boys Getting Enough Mental Health Care?

Why Aren't Boys Getting Enough Mental Health Care?

Wednesday 26th December 2018

Dr. Fred Riley and Derek Overstreet discuss why boys struggle to get mental health care and how we can help them access it.
22 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Engaging
Supportive

About this podcast

Counseling On Demand
Author:
Bonneville International
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Why Boys Struggle to Get the Mental Health Care They Need

If I'm trying to be macho, I don't want to look weak. If he's not strong enough to uphold his feelings, then if he's weak, that impacts the support his brother needs and it impacts a mom and a dad that are exhausted already.
Imagine growing up in a world where expressing your feelings is seen as a sign of weakness. For many young boys, this is their reality, and it’s taking a toll on their mental health. In this eye-opening episode of 'Counseling On Demand', Dr. Fred Riley teams up with guest Derek Overstreet to tackle a pressing issue: why boys aren’t getting the mental health care they desperately need.
The duo dives into societal expectations that push boys to bottle up their emotions and act tough. These harmful stereotypes often prevent boys from seeking help, even when they’re struggling inside. Family dynamics can also be a barrier. If a family doesn’t openly discuss mental health issues, a young boy might not even realize he’s experiencing depression or anxiety. Dr.
Riley and Derek offer practical advice for parents and caregivers on how to create an environment where boys feel safe to open up. They suggest starting with small, supportive conversations and gradually building trust. The episode also highlights the dangers of what they call 'pretender mode', where boys hide their struggles behind a facade of strength. By breaking down these barriers, we can pave the way for better mental health care for boys, helping them lead happier, healthier lives.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and support the young boys in their lives.