Men’s Mental Health Month 2025: How Men Can Prioritize Their Wellness in the Face of Family Law Challenges
This Men’s Mental Health Month, we explore how men can prioritize their mental and emotional wellness during challenging family law issues by providing tips for managing stress and seeking the support they need.
Key Takeaways:
Men often face emotional isolation during divorce and custody battles, but it’s crucial to recognize and express emotions rather than suppress them.
Therapy and counseling gives men the tools and skills they need to improve their mental health by helping them process their emotions and build resilience during tough times.
A compassionate family law attorney can offer not only legal guidance based on years of experience, but also the emotional support that men often need to stay focused and reduce stress throughout the legal process.
Every year in the U.S., June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month. Unfortunately, the data surrounding men who suffer from mental illness is staggering and heartbreaking; in one study alone, a survey of 1,000 men found that:
77% suffered with symptoms of common mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, or depression
40% had never spoken to anyone about their mental health
29% felt “too embarrassed” to speak about it
20% experienced “negative stigma” on the issue of men’s mental health
40% would only be compelled to seek professional help if they had thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, so we all must play a part in bringing awareness to this issue - including us here at Hembree Bell Law Firm.As a family law firm that works closely with men going through some of the toughest challenges in their lives, we’ve seen firsthand how divorce, custody battles, and financial instability can impact the lives of men. But because they have historically been expected not to show vulnerability, many feel pressured to handle these challenges alone, leading to emotional isolation, stress, and mental health struggles that go unaddressed.At our firm, we understand the importance of supporting not only your legal needs but also your emotional well-being. We believe that acknowledging the toll these battles take on your mental health is a vital part of the process, and we’re here to help you navigate both the legal and emotional aspects of this journey. In this blog, we’ll share some tips for prioritizing your wellness along the way.
Understanding the Unique Challenges Men Face in Family Law
Divorce, custody, and other family law matters are hard for everyone, but men often face unique challenges in the family court sphere that leave them feeling like they are fighting a losing battle. Historically, men have been typecast as individuals who are usually too focused on their careers or being the breadwinner to be present, involved husbands and fathers.These outdated stereotypes often lead to men struggling with:
Emotional Isolation: Men are often expected to suppress their emotions and keep a “business as usual” attitude, leading to feelings of isolation and added stress as they navigate family law issues.
Financial Stress: The financial challenges of divorce - especially in the aftermath of inequitable spousal support, child support, or asset division - can take a significant toll on a man’s mental and emotional well-being, adding pressure to an already difficult situation.
Custody Struggles: Many fathers are subject to an intense struggle just to prove their worthiness for equal custody or visitation rights to their own children, which can result in heightened anxiety and a sense of having to fight twice as hard as mothers.
False Accusations and Character Smears: Far too often, men are the victims of false accusations, such as claims of violence, abuse, or neglect, which can harm their reputation and add further emotional strain.
Prioritizing Mental Health: Practical Tips for Men Navigating the Realm of Family Law
If you’re a man going through issues like these, you may be so overwhelmed that you aren’t sure where to turn or what to do. There are three main steps you can take to protect your mental and emotional health as you navigate the days ahead:
Recognize the Emotional Impact -
One of the most harmful things you could do during this time is to suppress your emotions. As stated above, this is the fastest way to emotionally isolate yourself and add unnecessary stress to your plate. It’s critical that you acknowledge your emotions and remind yourself that it’s okay to feel them. There are no awards given out to the guy who is the least bothered by his divorce or custody battle! Being up front - especially with yourself - is the first step toward a more positive outlook.
Seek Therapy and Counseling -
Though we still have a long way to go, more men than ever are taking their mental health into their own hands and making the courageous decision to seek professional help when they are struggling. Studies show that therapy and counseling positively impacts men in a variety of ways, but the most significant is that they begin to see that true masculine strength comes from expanding the ways they see themselves and acknowledging the challenges they have overcome.
Build a Support System -
In addition to a mental health professional, you’ll also need a support system of other individuals in your corner encouraging you as you navigate the legal system and the emotions it brings. It’s imperative that you find trusted family members, friends, and religious leaders you can lean on during this time without any fear of judgement or shame.Moreover, you’ll want to seek an experienced family law attorney who can help you tackle the legal system successfully. This may seem easy enough (there are plenty of them out there), but not all lawyers operate in the same manner. Spend time on your search to ensure the one you choose understands the specific challenges men face, cares about your goals, and validates your experience.
The Importance of Legal Representation for Your Mental Health
Many people underestimate the difference that the right family law attorney can make - not only when it comes to your actual legal issue, but your mental and emotional health as you navigate it. Lawyers are people too, and that means that they’re all different, so it’s important to find the one that’s the right fit for you. A lawyer who is empathetic to your situation can help you stay focused on your long-term goals while offering the support you need to move forward without becoming overwhelmed by the emotional stress.
Trust Hembree Bell Law Firm to Help You Embrace Wellness at Every Step! Reach Out Today to Book Your Free Case Evaluation and Speak to a Team That Cares.
We know that prioritizing your mental health is easier said than done, especially for men. However, we’re here to encourage you to look forward and help you take steps toward rebuilding your life in a way that makes you proud! Seeking help - whether through therapy, legal advice, or trusted members of your support system - takes strength and is key to promoting your mental, emotional, and physical wellness.Take the first step today by contacting us to book your free case evaluation and learn more about how our compassionate team of Texas family law attorneys can support you on this journey.