Strength in Emotions
Do any of these sound familiar?
“Boys don’t cry.”
“No pain, no gain.”
“You should be the provider.“
“You should be strong like a man.”
“You shouldn’t show your emotions.”
Has someone told you any of the above thoughts at any point in your life? Did you believe them? Do you still? What if I told you, it is actually very healthy to cry, and it won’t affect your masculinity one bit? Or if I said, it is perfectly fine if your significant other earns more money than you? And, if we are talking strength between the genders, isn’t it the woman who has to carry and squeeze out a 7 lb. object through a small orifice? I don’t know about you, but I am extremely thankful it isn’t the men who deliver babies from their bodies!
Regardless of your stance on masculinity or femininity, or if you are male, female or other, we all have stress, issues, problems, mental health concerns, and reasons to seek help. We have been given heaps of information on what we “should” or “should not” be doing, but who is this great, all-knowing, person who makes up the “should” and “should not” rules? Besides, “should” and “should nots” are prime examples of premeditated failure. When we say “I should” it implies we are doing something wrong to begin with.
So, let’s take a moment to revisit what is important. For example, it is okay to seek help when stress has become overwhelming, or when you are having troubles keeping your feelings in check, or, to make it more relevant to the present times, it is okay to seek help when a global pandemic has you worried, concerned, and feeling helpless. It is important to take care of your mental health, to take a breather away from the stress and anxiety; to let someone help you take a step back, reevaluate your situation and state of being, and develop a plan for a healthy mind.
Seeking help does not mean you are weak; the opposite of that, it takes a strong person to admit when they need help, is much closer to the truth. Regardless of your gender, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, or any other identifying descriptor, it is okay to seek mental health counseling.
Life is about balance. If we treat only the physical part of our bodies, our minds are left in pain. If we treat only the mental part of our bodies, our physical health deteriorates. Let me help you find your balance so you can begin to heal your struggles.
Larry Clark, MA, LCMHCA, LCASA specializes in helping those with ADHD, high functioning Autism, addictions and recovery, anxiety, depression, and anger management. Larry also works with all genders, sex positive mindsets and intimate relationship development clients, LGBTQ+, hetero and all other sexuality clients. In short, Larry provides a safe space for all individuals and couples(+) to fully benefit from the counseling experience, without judgement. If Larry is not the right fit for you, he will help you find a therapist who is.
