When people hear the word addiction, they often think of poor decisions or lack of self-control. But that misunderstanding keeps people stuck—in shame, silence, and stigma. The truth is: addiction isn’t about weakness. It’s about pain.

During Men’s Mental Health Month, it is especially important to name the disparity between men suffering from one or more diagnoses and men receiving therapeutic support. Let’s start encouraging mental health support by approaching with curiosity and interest rather than perpetuating masculinity as a barrier to seeking therapy. 

Carla Cook, LCSW, Healing Solutions Family Therapy Center Clinical Manager As part of our continuing examination of the Wellness Wheel, a...