Men need to know it’s okay…!!!! Let’s talk about men’s mental health

Men need to know it's okay…!!!! Let's talk about men’s mental health

Men’s mental health is an important yet often overlooked health concern. Both men and women experience mental health difficulties. However, there are some notable differences between the issues affecting them and the factors that influence those issues.

How often have you seen men openly discuss their mental health at work? Probably, not very often. But does that mean they’re coping with it better? No.

The research on men’s mental health shows how distress manifests differently in men than women, and how they cope with stress differs as well. Men are far less likely to seek help for mental health challenges, irrespective of age, nationality, or ethnic or racial background. More often than not, the demotivator is driven by gender-related barriers and stigmas.

Men face both self-stigma and social stigma about showing their emotions or talking about their level of anxiety, low mood, and stress. The self-stigma comes from the often-unconscious masculine ideals that have been culturally conditioned and socialized into their narrative of self, or their identity as men. The traditional male stereotype in several cultures includes ideas that men are expected to be assertive, ambitious, independent, self-reliant, in control, strong, and successful earners who have stable jobs and high-income security. These socialized ideals of masculinity motivate men to strive and live up to societal expectations to be strong (vs. weak), self-sufficient (vs. needing help), action-oriented (vs. emotional) and in control of their life (vs. lacking influence on their own life). This can reduce their capacity to acknowledge and recognize their own sadness and articulate those feelings to themselves.

In this civilized society, both men and women have different roles to play. Several researchers have stated that there is a silent crisis in the mental health of men.

Since their childhood, they are taught to become the moral, financial, and physical support of the family when they grow up. Our society has always portrayed man as a stronger gender – one who is physically strong, doesn’t cry and is emotionally stronger. This myth not only makes men weaker but also pressurizes them to succumb to live up to the ideals of society. They try to find fault in themselves if they are diagnosed with any mental health illnesses be it depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric illnesses. Men should have the freedom to recognise and seek professional support if they are suffering from symptoms of mental health issues or if they know someone who is. Early identification can help them in managing these symptoms better.

One of the significant challenges with helping men address their mental health is encouraging and allowing them to speak openly and confidently about it. As a supportive resource for men, it is always helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms that a male in your life may be experiencing mental health-related concerns. Although day to day changes in behavior are common and not cause for immediate concern, if behavioral changes continue for an extended period, typically two to four weeks it may be an indication of a mental health disorder.

If we look at our individual ability to support and facilitate change, there is a lot that we can do to influence how we think about men’s mental health. Becoming an ally for those in need of, or seeking mental health support provides a safe, unbiased and supportive network for those in need.
With a greater understanding of the challenges men face when it comes to mental health, and given the various signs and symptoms that your male counterparts may exhibit, what are the actions that you and/or your organization should be doing to support men’s mental health?
● Become better informed. Understanding what men may be facing when it comes to mental health is the first step in supporting them. Reaching out to local health organizations is a great way to further your learning.
● Ask what you can do. Mental health-related challenges can be difficult for anyone to talk about, so simply asking the question can be a significant step in providing the right support to this individual.
● Be there to listen. It takes a lot of courage for someone to open up about their mental health. Listening can be one of the most powerful ways to help someone, as it allows the individual to process and share their challenges.

Asking for help can be hard for men. But without treatment, the problem is unlikely to go away, and it may get worse.

Untreated illness can make you and the people close to you miserable. It can cause problems in every aspect of your life, including your health, career, relationships and personal safety.
Get help when you need it!
By Pranshu Mehendiratta