Depression Among Men in Utah - A Therapists Perspective
- getwellnesssimplif
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Depression is a significant concern among men in Utah, with different reasons that influence its common prevalence. In fact, in Utah, the amount of doctor-diagnosed depression among adults shows a notable gender disparity. As of 2022, approximately 18.1% of adult men have been diagnosed with depression, compared to 34.3% of adult women.*
While the rate is higher among women, the statistic for men indicates that nearly one in five adult men in Utah experience depression, underscoring a significant public health concern.
Challenges in Seeking Therapy for Men
Despite how common male depression in Utah can be, many men face barriers to seeking therapy:
Societal Expectations: Traditional gender roles often discourage men from expressing vulnerability. A survey revealed that 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, with reasons including embarrassment and avoiding negative stigmas.**
Lack of Recognizing Depression Symptoms: Men may not recognize or may even downplay the signs of depression, thinking they are just signs of stress. Mental Health America reports that six million men in the U.S. are affected by depression each year, yet many do not seek treatment or recognize the signs.***
Access to Mental Care for Men in Utah: Utah faces a mental health care shortage, which gets worse during winter months due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In 2022, nearly 36% of Utah adults with anxiety or depression symptoms couldn't access needed counseling or therapy, higher than the national average of 28%.****
Benefits of Seeking a Male Therapist for Male Depression
Working with a male therapist can offer unique advantages for men dealing with depression:
It’s OK to be Vulnerable: Working with a male therapist can help men feel more comfortable expressing emotions, and combat the stigma that showing emotion is a sign of weakness.
Relatable Conversations: A male therapist may provide shared experiences which creates a strong alliance and not feeling so alone.
Feels Safe: When a man seeks out a male therapist, it can be a safer, and less embarrassing space than when a man visits a female therapist (not to discredit the amazing female therapists out there).
Depression among men in Utah is a big issue. By finding and creating environments where men feel understood and supported, we can improve mental health outcomes and overall well-being.
Sources:
**** axios.com
Aaron Benson, LCSW focusing on Online Therapy for Men
Aaron has almost two decades' worth of experience helping people with different mental health issues including being a substance abuse counselor, health coach, and clinician. He specializes in helping men with anxiety, depression, grief, confidence, and anger issues.
Aaron received a Bachelor of Sciences degree from Brigham Young University as well as a Masters of Social Work Degree from Eastern Washington University. His speciality is helping men in Utah and North Dakota through online therapy services.
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