I Need Help | Masculinity Assessment

I need help...

Sometimes it’s hard to tell when it’s time to reach out. Most of us are used to pushing through, figuring things out on our own, or waiting until things calm down. But if you’ve been feeling stuck, short-tempered, disconnected, or like the usual ways of coping just aren’t cutting it anymore, that’s a signal worth paying attention to. Getting help doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you—it means you’re ready to handle things differently. Talking with a professional can help you get perspective, learn new tools, and move forward with a clearer head.

Things are pretty severe right now

"Everything feels like too much."

You might catch yourself thinking that people would be better off without you or that you’re just done trying. If those thoughts show up, that’s your mind waving a flag that it’s time to get help now.

Call 988 for self-harming thoughts
Call 911 for suicidal thoughts
Reach out to your primary care doctor

I've been able to keep going, but just barely.

"I can still function"

...but every day feels like pushing through mud. You might feel angry, drained, or numb more often than not. That’s a good time to find a therapist before things slide further. Psychology today is a great resource for finding help near you. These are the therapists that are serious about their practice and want to put themselves out there to be found by you.

Find a therapist >

Something is just...off.

I'm not crashing, but I'm not steady either.

You might feel unmotivated, restless, or disconnected from what used to give you energy. That’s your cue to start figuring out what needs attention. Do I need to find help? Do I need to go out with my buddies and get out of the house? Start being a bit introspective.

I'm okay...mostly.

I think I'm probably just lonely or stressed out.

"I can do this on my own." You think you might not need therapy right now, but you do need connection. That’s when reaching out to a friend, teammate, or someone you trust can make all the difference. Get out of the house and be with people you love and know that they love you.

How much does it cost?

This greatly depends on several facts: insurance, self-pay options, if the therapist offers sliding-scale... You will have to shop around your area and find out what the going rate is for mental health. Usually you can expect to pay around the same as a doctor visit.

Okayyyy...I'm going to find help.

We are often the last ones to seek help because we are too busy being strong for everyone else. Starting therapy for the first time can feel strange or uncomfortable. You might not know what to expect, what to say, or even if it’s the right move. That’s common. Most people walk in thinking they should already have the words or the answers, but therapy isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about getting curious and finding clarity with someone trained to help. These questions can help you get a feel for what therapy is really like before you take that first step.

What actually happens in therapy?

Think of it as a guided conversation that’s about you, not in a self-absorbed way, but in a “let’s figure out what’s really going on” way. You talk, the therapist listens, asks questions, and helps you connect dots you might not see on your own. It is NOT their job to tell you what to do, but to find the genuine you and lead it back out of the dark.

Do I have to talk about everything right away?

No. You set the pace. Therapy works best when there’s trust, and that takes time. You can start with what feels safe and go deeper when you’re ready.

What if I don’t even know what to say?

That’s more common than you’d think. A good therapist helps you start where you are, even if all you can say is “I don’t know what I’m doing here.” That’s often a great place to begin.

How do I know if I picked the right therapist?

Pay attention to how you feel after the first couple of sessions. Do you feel heard? Do you feel like they "get you?" It’s okay to try a few before you find one that fits. It’s like finding the right coach, not the first one available.

Does needing therapy mean something’s wrong with me?

Not at all. It means you’re self-aware enough to want things to get better. Therapy isn’t a last resort; it’s a tool for growth, clarity, and moving forward with a clearer sense of who you are.

Find a good one >