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The Power of Connection: Why Men Need a Men’s Support Group

The Power of Connection: Why Men Need a Men’s Support Group

07/14/2023

Society expects men to be strong and self-sufficient and will stigmatize the idea of men’s mental health. As a result, men end up shying off from seeking help when needed. If you were to interact with men, you would learn the sad reality of how much they are hurting and struggling with feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection. The result of this struggle is evident in some of the extreme behaviors we see in society today. These include mass shootings, increased suicide rates, drug abuse, and physical violence. Sometimes, it’s possible to feel lonely even when you have male friends. You may also feel isolated and without a safe place to share your feelings and experiences. This is where a men’s group, like EVRYMAN, can help.

This group creates a haven where you can speak freely and cope with the pressures of modern life with people who listen to you without judging. If you’re adamant about joining EVRYMAN Group, here are various reasons you should.

Group of men in a circle during a training session at EVRYMAN

1. Provide a Sense of Community and Belonging

Do you ever feel lonely and disconnected despite having male friends? You are not alone. Many men find it difficult to express their emotions or may not have the platform to do so. Changing expectations of masculinity, societal pressures, and personal struggles are some factors that lead to this isolation. 

The loneliness and disconnection from society increase vigilance for threats and heighten feelings of vulnerability while raising the desire to reconnect. This loneliness is the social equivalent of physical pain, hunger, and thirst, all of which motivate you to seek social contact. 

This is where a men’s group can be beneficial. EVRYMAN Groups empower men to dig deeper and better understand the concept of vulnerability and connection to other men. This, of course, helps you become a better partner, father, brother, friend, teammate, etc.  

2. Provides a Non-Judgemental Environment Where Men Can Share Feelings and Receive Support

Societal expectations of masculinity discourage men from being vulnerable or showing emotions. This may make it hard to express your emotions. Not having a space to share feelings and experiences can result in loneliness and isolation

A men’s group provides a non-judgmental environment where you can share your feelings with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. EVRYMAN Groups give the space and tools to help you look inward and do the hard work it takes to be whole. Through these groups, you can develop a sense of camaraderie and support. These can also help alleviate feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

Man’s hand on man’s shoulder during a EVRYMAN group session

3. Help Men Navigate Difficult Life Transitions

When going through life transitions, such as divorce, child custody, and relationship issues, you can have difficulty navigating them alone. However, having a support system through these difficult times gives you the strength and courage to keep pressing even when things get more challenging. 

In addition, a men’s group can provide a safe and supportive space where you can share your experiences. Your group members can also offer practical advice and resources to help you navigate the issue you’re facing. The group acts as your valuable resource when going through a difficult time, but you have no other support system.

4. Provide a Space for Men to Discuss Issues Related to Masculinity and Gender

If you have a difficult time discussing masculinity issues and gender roles in other settings, men’s groups can be safe and supportive platforms to discuss these issues openly. Here, you can openly explore your beliefs and attitudes on these issues without the fear of being judged as a stereotype. This can lead to increased self-awareness, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the experiences of others.

A men’s group can also provide practical advice and resources to help you navigate the challenges of being a man and gender roles, such as how to communicate effectively with partners and be a positive role model for children. 

5. Help Overcome Isolation

Providing a safe and supportive space for men to explore and express their emotions is one step closer to helping them develop emotional intelligence.

Men are far less likely than women to seek assistance when they are struggling. An EVRYMAN Group provides men with a safe space to practice being vulnerable. They can connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. By participating in these groups, you can learn tools and skills to live as more complete versions of yourself. 

For instance, these groups can teach you how to communicate effectively, develop empathy, and build stronger relationships with others. In addition, they provide practical advice and resources to help you develop emotional fluency. This includes stress management tips for improving communication skills. 

Man holding his head while struggling with feelings of loneliness

6. Provide a Space for Men to Confront Their Feelings

In a men’s group, you can discuss your feelings and experiences with others who may be going through similar challenges. This can make you feel less alone and more understood. They’re a place to show up as our ‘imperfect self’, to make mistakes without fear of getting ‘canceled’, and learn by doing. 

The groups also provide a platform where you can confront your feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule. This can be a powerful tool in helping you process and heal from past traumas and challenges.

Final Thoughts

Men’s groups are powerful tools to overcome feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection. They provide a non-judgmental environment where men can share their feelings and receive support from others going through similar challenges. By joining a men’s group, men can develop emotional mastery, navigate difficult life transitions, discuss issues related to masculinity, and practice new ways of being.

Men are also taught to be competitive and not collaborative. Our natural tendency to make connections is trained in us. EVRYMAN Drop-In Groups (DIGs) offer opportunities to do our self-development work and be real with other men in a facilitated setting. In-person events and retreats provide much-needed physical connection. Our training programs help connect men with their somatic experience, emotions, and by extension, with the people around them. 

EVRYMAN Groups teach us to learn how to have “hard” conversations and to engage in our lives by doing our work. They teach us how to take responsibility for our shit, to own our emotional housekeeping. We aim to destigmatize men’s vulnerability and emotionality across our culture and help virtually anyone, regardless of training, to develop coping strategies to deal with life’s many challenges. 

If you wish to find supportive spaces where like-minded men can turn to each other for support, then EVRYMAN is the perfect platform for you. Our Fundamentals program provides you with the knowledge, experience, and skills to awaken your authentic self, master your emotions, and discover what you need to be fulfilled. Therefore, join EVRYMAN today and find out what you need to be fulfilled.



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Carl Radke

Carl Radke, Pittsburgh native and Syracuse University TV/Film grad has been working around the TV industry since he was 20 as a model/actor/production assistant. You may recognize Carl from starring as a TV personality on the hit Bravo reality series ‘Summer House’ which began airing in 2017 and Season 7 coming on the horizon. He also currently serves as VP of Sales for Loverboy and is a founding member of the growing better for you alcohol brand. Carl has always had a close relationship to mental health advocacy with his involvement with Heal Our Heroes/Headstrong, a non-profit for mental health resources for our military veterans. Through his own mental health journey Carl has been focused on meditation, therapy, acupuncture to compliment his self care. In August 2020 Carl lost his older brother to several years of addiction and mental health issues. Carl hopes to share his journey and his brother’s story to help families and individuals to break the stigma around addiction and mental health in our society.

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