"Real men of my generation don't need therapy or medication for their minds."
How it sounds in your head: You served in Vietnam, built a business, raised a family. Your father never talked about his feelings and he survived the Depression. Going to a counselor or taking pills means you're weak, that you can't handle life like a man should.
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."
-- Proverbs 12:15World's toxic masculinity demanding emotional suppression and self-reliance, denying the body's physical needs.
His generation was taught that men endure silently and that seeking help is admission of failure. Every older man he knew 'toughed it out,' making him feel like seeking treatment is betraying his manhood.
The mighty Syrian commander almost missed his healing because the method seemed beneath him - just washing in a river. His servants convinced him to try the simple remedy, and his flesh became like a child's IMMEDIATELY.
I REFUSE the lie that seeking help for my mind makes me less of a man. IT IS WRITTEN that those who heed counsel are WISE, not weak. God created doctors, counselors, and medication as tools of His mercy. I am under the BARAK blessing where provision includes healing by ANY means God chooses. My strength is not in silent suffering but in Christ who dwells in me. IT IS WRITTEN there is NO condemnation - not for taking medication, not for asking for help. I am the righteousness of God in Christ whether I see a therapist or not.
The Father isn't impressed by your silent suffering - He's grieved by it. He's running toward you with every tool of healing available, begging you to receive what He's already provided, just like He begged Naaman to simply dip in the water.