Almost 40% of men report never opening up or talking to someone about their mental health. This often stems from concepts of traditional masculinity in the US, rooted in values such as strength and independence [1].
Men are often conditioned that manliness equals stoicism, logic, self-sufficiency, and lack of emotional expression, and this is one of the top reasons many do not seek support or let themselves process feelings or emotions associated with trauma.
Unprocessed trauma carries burdens far heavier than just “feeling sad”. It increases the risk of substance abuse, violence, anger issues, and physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, low libido, and even weakens the immune system, leading to higher rates of infection.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening event, such as violence or abuse. Men experience high rates of trauma exposure, particularly from interpersonal violence, combat (for those in the military), and race-based discrimination.
When trauma remains unprocessed, it can evolve into Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a chronic condition where symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance persist beyond a month, affecting around 1.8% of men in the US, although rates are thought to be much higher, as many men do not seek treatment [2].
PTSD increases activity in the amygdala (heightening fear responses), shrinks the hippocampus (impairing memory), and impacts the prefrontal cortex (reducing emotional control). It also floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol, causing the autonomic nervous system to go into fight or flight mode, which can elevate heart rate, weaken immunity, and increase the risk of chronic disease [3].
Common Types of Trauma Affecting Men
In 2018, the American Psychological Association identified five major types of trauma that affect men in the United States. These include [2]:
- Interpersonal Violence: Physical assault or abuse, often by other men, such as family or strangers. Men in urban areas face higher risks of this from muggings, fights, and gang violence.
- Sexual Assault: Involves non-consensual sexual acts, with 90-95% of cases among men going unreported due to stigma. Victims often experience shame and isolation.
- Combat Experiences: Often from military or police service, such as surviving bombs, seeing comrades killed, and civilian casualties.
- Historical Trauma: Trauma passed down through groups or families from events like war or genocide, also known as intergenerational trauma. This is especially common in Native American men who still carry the impact from conversion boarding schools and land loss, and have higher-than-average suicide rates.
- Race-based Trauma: Discrimination, racial profiling, or systemic racism often increase poverty and violence for men of color, as well as does higher incarceration rates.
Signs of Unresolved Trauma in Men
| Physical Signs | Emotional Signs | Behavioral Signs |
| Headaches, migraines | Anger, shame, self-loathing | Isolation or social withdrawal |
| Muscle tension | Emotional numbness, being nonchalant, or passive about life | Aggression, controlling behavior, or violence |
| Trouble sleeping or excessive fatigue | Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety | Workaholism, escapism with video games, and porn |
| Trouble focusing, or memory loss | Mood swings (may seem loving one day, and cold or off-putting the next) | Drug or alcohol abuse |
The Cost of Staying Silent and Trauma’s Impact on Physical Health
Trauma does not just affect mental health or cause feelings of being sad or depressed. Five physical health effects of unresolved trauma in men include [3][4]:
- Chronic Pain Syndrome: Tension headaches, lower back pain, neck and shoulder strain from the nervous system being in constant survival mode.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Increased blood pressure levels, heart rate, and plaque buildup raise the chances of hypertension, heart attacks, or strokes.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Trauma disrupts the gut-brain axis, causing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, or ulcers, due to chronic inflammation and motility issues.
- Immune System Suppression: Weakened immunity from prolonged stress leads to frequent infections, autoimmune flares, or slower wound healing.
- Sleep and Fatigue Disorders: Insomnia, nightmares, or restless sleep patterns result in chronic fatigue, daytime exhaustion, and hormonal imbalances like low testosterone.
Trauma Therapy for Men at Holdfast Recovery
At Holdfast Recovery, we help men find support and strength through vulnerability, faith, and self-transformation, using our unique approach, Neurofaith™. It combines cutting-edge neuroscience with Christ-centered care to treat addiction at its roots: the trauma that drives it.
Trauma-Focused CBT: TF-CBT integrates standard cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions, helping clients process traumatic experiences and associated feelings, then reinforcing coping skills grounded in the present moment. It is evidence-based and highly effective for treating PTSD and improving daily functioning and relationships impacted by trauma.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS therapy helps clients access and heal fragmented internal “parts” that result from trauma. It encourages self-compassion and emotional regulation by understanding these internal parts and integrating them into the core self. IFS is particularly effective for complex trauma, such as developmental and attachment-related issues.
Attachment-Based Family Therapy: This approach focuses on repairing attachment-based relationships, which are often central in trauma. It works by rebuilding trust, connection, and secure attachment within family systems to reduce symptoms rooted in relational trauma.
Polyvagal Informed Therapy: This targets regulation of the autonomic nervous system by helping clients safely experience and integrate traumatic physiological states. It improves emotional regulation and social engagement by calming dysregulated nervous system responses typical in PTSD, such as aggression or hypervigilance.
Group Therapy: Provides social support and can modify traditional ideas of masculinity that discourage men from sharing trauma. It decreases isolation and has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms by fostering mutual understanding and support.
Equine-Assisted Therapy: Horse therapy promotes emotional awareness and trust-building. It engages men physically and emotionally, supporting trauma recovery by developing present-moment mindfulness, safety, and relational skills through nonverbal communication.
Seeking Support Is A Sign of Strength at Holdfast Recovery
Seeking help is about restoring your power, rebuilding your spirit, and reclaiming your life with proven therapies designed for men who want real, lasting change. At Holdfast Recovery, we help men address unprocessed emotions and find support for their mental health through Christ-centered care and personalized programs.
We combine strength training, outdoor recreation, horseback riding, and emotional skill-building to help clients break deep-rooted trauma and develop positive coping strategies to overcome addiction. Contact our admissions team and take the first step toward self-transformation today.
Sources
[1] Hawkins, S. Men’s Mental Health. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
[2] APA. Trauma.
[3] Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. 2014. Understanding the Impact of Trauma. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
[4] Wachen, J. Trauma, PTSD, and Physical Health. National Center for PTSD, US Department of Veterans Affairs.