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Writer's pictureEditor Darren Birks

Psychology's War on Men: How Modern Mental Health Practices Undermine Masculinity

Once a science of understanding, psychology today too often treats traditional masculinity as a problem to be fixed, sidelining men’s unique strengths in favour of a one-size-fits-all approach.


The overwhelming majority of modern Psychologists treats men appallingly. With the rare exception of a handful such as Jordan B Peterson and Gad Saad, Psychologists appear to have a contempt for men that colours everything they do.


Originally dedicated to understanding the human mind in a comprehensive and unbiased way, psychology today has become an ideological battleground, driven by narratives that don't just undermine traditional masculinity, they simply seek to destroy it.


Where psychology once celebrated diversity in coping mechanisms and behaviours, it now too often sees strength, stoicism, and ambition as problems to be fixed rather than virtues to be recognised. The message? Men, specifically, need fixing, and their natural tendencies are a core part of the problem.


This ideological shift didn’t happen by accident or over night. For years, certain academics and activists—predominantly on the far left—have steadily infiltrated the field, turning psychology into a platform for identity politics.  Everything is seen through the lens of identity politics. Men are seen as defective women. traditional masculinity is seen as toxic, and any and all treatment is now aimed at 'curing' those two character flaws.


Left wing doctors who now all but dominate the profession have transformed mental health discourse into a commentary on social justice issues, at the expense of balanced, evidence-based practice. These proponents argue that many traditionally masculine traits, such as working through problems independently, embracing competition, or even prioritising career ambitions, are unhealthy or symptomatic of a “toxic” mindset.


What was once seen as a constructive coping strategy—self-reliance—has been recast as avoidance. Competition, once regarded as a driver of personal and professional development, is now depicted as an expression of aggression or dominance. As a result, the modern psychological framework increasingly treats men as “defective women,” individuals who must be “retrained” to adopt coping mechanisms that fit a narrower, and often more feminine, mold.


This shift has had real-world consequences, particularly for men who are struggling with mental health issues. Psychological services have become more standardised, with a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t take into account gender differences in coping and resilience.


If a man is going through a period of anxiety or depression, traditional male ways of coping, such as focusing on work, engaging in physical activities, or relying on a close-knit circle of friends, may be discouraged. Instead, he’s encouraged to “open up” in a manner that may feel unnatural or unhelpful. 


In certain therapeutic settings, men are even pressured to identify aspects of their personality or behaviour that supposedly contribute to a “toxic” culture, regardless of whether these behaviours are genuinely harmful or anything to do with the problem they are seeking advice for. Now any man presenting with psychiatric symptoms will be expected to first 'admit their sins' like they're in Catholic confessional or a Scientology Auditing session.


The consequences of this approach are evident in mental health statistics. Although mental health services are more widely available than ever, men continue to report lower levels of satisfaction with therapy, and suicide rates among men remain significantly higher than those of women. In many cases, men hesitate to seek help, not because they are unwilling to address their mental health, but because they feel that therapy is not designed with their needs in mind. They'd be right, it's not. When men do reach out, they often feel pressured to adopt a therapeutic approach that doesn’t align with their values, leading to frustration and often worsening mental health. Ironically, an approach that purports to be inclusive ends up marginalising a significant segment of the population.


The NHS along with Charities and the Media often run campaigns to supposedly tackle the 'mental health crisis' men are facing. However, there's not a single piece of evidence proving that they've saved a life, cured a patient or reduced NHS waiting lists. They are all superficial bollocks.


The modern mental health system now completely overlooks the fact that many men benefit from strategies rooted in traditional masculinity. That thing that is now seen as 'toxic'. Studies have shown that physical exercise, competitive activities, and problem-focused coping are far more effective than any talking-therapy or drugs combo ever devised.


men who exercise, do competitive activities, and problem-solve manage stress much better than those who don't whilst maintaining a positive outlook. These activities provide a sense of purpose and structure, enabling men to channel their energy in constructive ways.


However, the current psychological model is now a million miles away from these approaches, favouring more introspective methods that both manipulate and denigrate what it is to be masculine.


If you’re a man experiencing a low point in your mental well-being, some experts argue that the last thing you should do is rush to a therapist who will try to undermine your masculinity.


Instead, they suggest finding approaches tailored to men’s unique experiences and values. This might mean engaging in physical activities, setting personal goals, or finding support from peers who understand your experiences. In a world that increasingly equates masculinity with toxicity, these alternative routes to mental wellness are not only empowering but proving essential.


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