Men Feel Too: A Male Therapist’s Perspective on Mental Health and Breaking the Silence
- Eric Shimoyama
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Let’s be real.
As men, we’re taught early on how to survive - but not always how to feel. We’re praised for being providers, protectors, problem-solvers… but not for being human. Somewhere along the way, many of us got the message that emotions are a threat to our masculinity. That crying makes us weak. That talking about what’s going on inside our heads makes us less of a man.
I used to believe some of that too.
But then I started doing my own work. And I became a therapist—not just because I wanted to help others, but because I wanted to understand myself better. And what I learned is simple, but powerful:
Men feel too.
We hurt. We grieve. We carry stress and shame and guilt.We also love deeply, dream big, and want peace just like anyone else.We just don’t always know how to say it—or where it’s safe to say it.
The Pressure to Be Everything
Every week, I sit with men who tell me the same things, in different words.
“I can’t afford to break down.”
“I have to stay strong for my family.”
“I don’t want anyone to think I’m weak.”
“I don’t even know what I feel anymore.”
Whether it’s a corporate executive, a new dad, a student, or a man who's been through hell and back - what they all have in common is the pressure. The pressure to show up. To succeed. To suffer in silence.
But silence isn’t strength. Suppression isn’t healing. And surviving isn’t the same as living.
A Message to My Brothers - Men Feel Too!
Whether you’re wearing the suit and tie, the hoodie and jeans, or the uniform—you deserve peace.
You can be strong and still be in therapy.
You can provide for others and still need support yourself.
You can be respected and still be healing.
What Therapy for Men Really Looks Like
Let me be clear: therapy doesn’t make you soft. It makes you self-aware. It gives you tools. It gives you space to actually understand why you feel like you're snapping at everyone, shutting down in your relationship, or carrying this heavy sense of “not enough” no matter how hard you work.
Sometimes we dig into old stuff - family dynamics, grief, trauma that you never had the language for. Other times we just talk through the day-to-day; work stress, relationships, the constant pressure to perform.
You don’t have to come in knowing what to say. You just have to show up.
At Inspired & Free, we’ve created a space that’s different. We understand the layers. We know what it’s like to navigate masculinity, culture, trauma, and expectations—and still try to find peace.
We offer:
Virtual therapy for men that fits into your life
A team of culturally responsive therapists (many of whom are people of color)
No fluff, no judgment—just real conversations that lead to real growth
Breaking the Silence Starts with One Conversation
I’ve seen what happens when men finally exhale. When they finally stop pretending and start unpacking. When they realize that vulnerability doesn’t strip them of their strength—it deepens it.
I’ve had clients tell me:“This is the only place I feel like I can just be.”“I didn’t realize how much I was holding until I said it out loud.”“I should’ve done this years ago.”
So if you’re reading this and thinking, "Yeah, this sounds like me,” I want you to know:
You’re not alone.
You’re not weak.
You’re not broken.
You are human.
And it’s okay to get support.
Let’s Redefine Strength
This month is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, but honestly, this conversation is overdue. The strongest thing you can do isn’t to “tough it out.” It’s to know when it’s time to stop carrying it all by yourself.
Because men feel too—and it’s time we made space for that truth.
Let’s talk.I work with men across the country who are tired of being everything for everyone and still feeling empty.
At Inspired & Free, we offer virtual therapy for men that meets you where you are—no judgment, just real support. Book a free consultation or visit inspiredandfree.com.
Comments