When it comes to talking about mental health problems and visiting a therapist, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding that in society. Opening up about stress and anxiety is not easy for everybody. This is especially the case for men. While people talk about being understanding, non-judgmental and kind, when it comes to men’s mental health, many still consider it to be unmanly for them to open up.
They think men crying is something shameful, people often say that “boys don’t cry,” but it’s time to change that thinking. It’s time to understand that even men feel down at times and we should give them a safe space to open up and talk about their mental health too.
Silent Struggle
From a young age, boys are taught that they should learn to man up, be strong and not cry. While these phrases may sound harmless, they can have a huge impact on a young boy’s mind, causing them to bottle up their feelings even when they turn into an adult. Such words can cause them to think, they shouldn’t cry and express their emotions, as they need to be strong.
However, bottling up is not the solution. Not talking about what you feel or your problems can lead to issues like anxiety, depression and even substance abuse. This is why it’s important to find a healthy way to express oneself. Men should be taught from a young age that expressing themselves and seeking help for mental health concerns is normal.
Real Emotions
Men experience stress from all directions, whether it’s work pressure, financial burdens, family responsibilities, or societal expectations. On top of that, if they are told not to express how they feel and hide their emotions, it can eventually lead to mental burnout.
We must understand that men, too, are humans. They are not emotionless, so when they feel down, they should express their emotions. Boys should be taught from a young age that, irrespective of their gender, expressing emotions and having a conversation around mental health is totally normal.
Breaking Stereotypes
More and more public figures have started to openly talk about mental health struggles. This is a step in the right direction, but we need to take it a step ahead and break these stereotypes. We need to encourage people that mental health conversations should happen at home, in workplaces and even among friends. The more we normalize these conversations, the easier it becomes for men to open up and ask for help without fear of being judged.
Why This Matters for Everyone
You may think that men’s mental health won’t affect you. However, that is far from the truth. In reality, it affects families, communities and society as a whole, so when men ignore their mental health, it affects not just them but also those around them. It can show up in ways like anger, withdrawal and even dangerous behaviors. On the other hand, when men feel safe to talk and open up, they become better partners, parents, friends and colleagues. This is why, when it comes to mental health for men, we should encourage them to share their feelings.
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