Men and Mental Health: Fighting the Stigma of Seeking Help
In a world where strength is often equated with silence and stoicism, men face unique challenges in addressing their mental health.
Despite advancements in mental health awareness, the stigma surrounding men asking for help persists, leading to unaddressed issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide. This article explores the cultural, psychological, and systemic barriers that contribute to this stigma and proposes strategies to encourage men to seek the help they need.
Understanding the Stigma
Stigma is one of the most significant barriers preventing men from accessing mental health services. The notion that "real men don't cry" or must always "tough it out" is deeply ingrained in many cultures. These beliefs not only shape how men perceive their own mental health struggles but also how society reacts when they attempt to express vulnerability.
Research shows that men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), men are significantly less likely to use mental health services, even when experiencing severe symptoms. This reluctance is often due to fears of appearing weak, being judged, or facing discrimination.
Cultural and Social Conditioning
From a young age, boys are taught to hide their feelings and "man up" in the face of adversity. Emotional suppression becomes a learned behaviour that follows them into adulthood. In many societies, emotional expression is seen as a feminine trait, leading men to internalise their struggles.
This internalisation often manifests in harmful ways, including aggression, substance abuse, and isolation. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can go undiagnosed in men because their symptoms may differ from those commonly seen in women. For example, while women may express depression through sadness or crying, men may exhibit irritability, anger, or risk-taking behaviours
The Role of Masculinity
Hegemonic masculinity, a concept that refers to the dominant social position of men and the subordinate social position of women, plays a significant role in shaping male identity. Under this model, traits like dominance, control, emotional restraint, and independence are valued, while vulnerability and emotional openness are seen as weaknesses.
This rigid framework not only limits emotional expression but also creates a disconnect between men and the mental health support they need. Many men fear that acknowledging emotional pain will diminish their masculinity or lead to social exclusion.
The Consequences of Silence
The consequences of untreated mental health issues among men are alarming. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suicide is one of the leading causes of death among men under 50 globally. In many countries, including India, the UK, and the United States, male suicide rates significantly surpass those of females.
Substance abuse is another critical issue. Many men use alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms to deal with emotional distress, which often exacerbates their mental health problems. Chronic stress, if unaddressed, can also lead to physical health issues such as cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function.
Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Change
Addressing the stigma around men and mental health requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies to create a more supportive environment:
1. Promote Open Conversations: Encourage men to talk about their feelings through campaigns, workshops, and public platforms. Normalise emotional expression by featuring male role models who speak openly about their mental health.
2. Redefine Masculinity: Challenge traditional notions of masculinity that equate strength with emotional suppression. Introduce alternative narratives that associate courage with vulnerability and seeking help.
3. Education and Awareness: Include mental health education in schools and workplaces to foster early awareness and reduce misinformation. Educate communities about how mental health symptoms can present differently in men.
4. Male-Friendly Mental Health Services: Design mental health services that cater to men's preferences, such as action-oriented therapy models like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), group activities, or online platforms that offer anonymity.
5. Workplace Initiatives: Encourage employers to support mental wellness by offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPS), mental health days, and training sessions for managers to recognise signs of distress in male employees.
6. Peer Support Groups: Develop peer-led support groups where men can share experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space. These groups can reduce isolation and foster a sense of community.
Role of Mental Health Professionals
Mental health professionals play a pivotal role in dismantling stigma. By creating an environment of empathy, validation, and confidentiality, therapists can help men feel more comfortable opening up. Tailoring therapeutic approaches to align with the client's comfort level and cultural background is essential.
Professionals should also consider incorporating Motivational Interviewing (MI), a client-centred technique that helps resolve ambivalence and empowers individuals to take ownership of their mental health journey. This approach is particularly effective for men who may be hesitant to engage in traditional therapy.
A Call to Action
It is imperative that society as a whole reexamines its expectations of men and makes space for emotional authenticity. Family members, friends, educators, and policymakers must all work together to foster a culture where seeking mental health support is not just accepted but encouraged.
Men need to know that they are not alone, that their struggles are valid, and that asking for help requires courage and is a sign of strength. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of silence and empower men to lead mentally healthier lives.
Conclusion
The stigma surrounding men and mental health is deeply entrenched, but not insurmountable. By challenging outdated stereotypes, promoting mental health literacy, and offering accessible support systems, we can create a world where men feel safe and supported in their mental health journey. Mental wellness is a human right, not a gendered privilege, and it’s time we start treating it as such.
References:
1. American Psychological Association. (2020). "APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men."
2. World Health Organisation. (2021). "Suicide worldwide in 2019: Global Health Estimates."
3. Mahalik, J. R., Burns, S. M., & Syzdek, M. (2007). "Masculinity and perceived normative health behaviours as predictors of men's health behaviours."
4. Addis, M. E., & Mahalik, J. R. (2003). "Men, masculinity, and the contexts of help seeking."
5. Seidler, Z. E., Dawes, A. J., Rice, S. M., Oliffe, J. L., & Dhillon, H. M. (2016). "The role of masculinity in men's help-seeking for depression: A systematic review."
Sachitra is a qualified Psychologist (Counselling), based in Andheri (West), Mumbai, India.
With a commitment to mental health, Dr Chakravorty PhD provides services in Bengali, English and Hindi/Urdu, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Coaching (Life), Counselling, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Psychotherapy (CBT), Psychotherapy (Individual) and Therapy (Online).
Dr Chakravorty PhD has expertise in Adjusting to Change/Life Transitions, Adolescent Counselling, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Isolation, Mental Health, Mood Swings / Mood Disturbance, Parent/Teen Conflict, Relationship Counselling and Stress Management.
Click here to schedule a session with Dr Chakravorty PhD.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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