Mental Health Articles

Why Boys Will Talk About Substance Abuse but Not Mental Health

Teen boys and teen girls drink alcohol and use drugs at roughly the same rates. Yet, substance abuse among males is considered more acceptable and “normal” by parents, peers, and society in general. While girls are encouraged to talk about their feelings, boys are still socialized to be “tough” and to “man up” when they express vulnerability or self-doubt.

As a result, teen boys are far less likely than girls to talk with friends or family about being depressed, anxious, or suicidal. Yet they’re willing to talk openly with peers about binge drinking, drug use, and other risky behaviors—even though these behaviors are typically symptoms of those same mental health challenges.

Read the full article here.