The Stigma of Men’s Mental Health

In addition to being a month of celebration for the arrival of summer, many people need to be made aware that June is also Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Although talking about such a significant issue shouldn’t be limited to a single month of the year, it provides an excellent chance to consider the advancements and enduring obstacles that men still encounter when trying to get professional assistance.

Picture of Men’s Mental Health Based on the Data 

It’s no secret that men are less likely than women to seek mental health therapy. Compared to 58% of women, only 35% of men said they would seek professional mental health assistance, according to a recent survey.    It should go without saying that men do not seek therapy because they are less likely to experience mental health issues. In many instances, the opposite is true.

Men are also more likely to abuse drugs and commit suicide at significantly higher rates.   According to studies, men can also exhibit depressive symptoms that don’t always fit the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conventional guidelines. Instead of mentioning well-known symptoms like persistent exhaustion, altered appetite, and diminished interest in hobbies, they frequently mention outward behaviours like drinking or acting aggressively, which are often harder to link to a medical diagnosis.

Strategies to Lessen the Stigma Associated with Men’s Mental Health 

Conventions and societal discourse support the idea that being a man means always being tough and independent. Social stigma and ingrained masculinity norms play pivotal roles in shaping men’s attitudes towards mental health problems and their willingness to seek help. One major obstacle is the fear of being seen as weak or vulnerable. The conventional definition of masculinity, which prioritises strength, stoicism, and independence—often at the price of emotional expression and vulnerability—complicates matters.

Publicly disclosing therapy experiences

In the past, many people were embarrassed or ashamed to acknowledge that they had sought therapy, which is why myths thrive when no one, or very few, is willing to question a deeply held belief publicly. However, things have changed. The progress made in the past ten years, evidenced by the increased public discourse challenging ingrained notions of masculinity, is a reason for hope.   More and more men are open to talking about their experiences with mental health, including whether they have sought therapy or taken medicine for anxiety or depression. This increased openness serves to spread healthier and more open approaches to mental health through public figures or social media, fostering a more supportive environment for men’s mental health.

The option of online therapy boosts this trend of more people accessing therapy since online counselling is convenient, confidential, affordable and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Hope Trust is a pioneer and leader with a robust online platform for addressing addiction and psychological well-being issues, including relationships.

Establishing and preserving wholesome relationships and communities

It’s beneficial to hear celebrities, ads, or social media influencers discuss therapy, but overcoming ingrained misconceptions requires involving one’s close relationships. Being in the company of loved ones who encourage you to be open and honest with them can help you avoid depressive symptoms and even lessen some of the adverse effects of mental illness.

Normalising men in roles related to mental health 

There are undoubtedly advantages for men to speak with a therapist of the same sex. Still, men are more likely to feel unconcerned about the gender of their therapists than women, who typically prefer a female therapist. Men are likely to feel less ashamed and embarrassed when discussing gender-related subjects, whether they are imposed by society or not, just as women may feel less ashamed and embarrassed when speaking with someone who has personal experience of the difficulties faced by women. However, because most psychologists and therapists are women, this can reinforce the notion that talking about mental health is a “feminine” activity and, consequently, undermines one’s masculinity.

Men’s mental health scenario in India

As a society, we are becoming more open about discussing anxiety, depression, and stress, which has made many people feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.

However, men’s mental health continues to be overlooked. In India, approximately 40% of men do not openly discuss their mental health due to stigma and misconceptions, such as the incorrect belief that men should handle their emotions independently and a mental health system that ignores the symptoms of male depression.

Historically, social expectations have demanded that men exhibit strength, resilience, and emotional stoicism. Due to biological differences, men and women perceive and process emotions differently. Hormonal influences, such as testosterone, also affect men’s diverse emotional responses.

Women are more likely to seek affiliation and emotional support when facing adversity, whereas men are more likely to isolate themselves.

Current mental health diagnostic systems can easily overlook depression in many men who, instead of sadness, experience physical pain, anger, or numbness. These symptoms are well-known in affective disorders, but they are neither necessary nor sufficient for a diagnosis under current criteria.

As a result, many men suffer in silence, isolate themselves, or turn to substance abuse to cope with their internal struggles. This explains the statistical paradox in which women are diagnosed with depression twice as often as men. However, men have a much higher risk of suicide – more than 2.5 times the rate of women, according to one recent study.

Depression in men may present differently than in women. While traditional symptoms like sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep and appetite are common, men may also experience irritability, anger, substance abuse, and libido changes. Men who suffer from depression frequently exhibit episodes of anger, irritability, and substance abuse. They may push others away and lose touch with loved ones.

When we think of depression, we often imagine someone who is not working, is at home and lacks the energy to complete daily tasks. However, many men cope by working longer hours or distracting themselves with excessive work. In such cases, identifying a mental health problem becomes even more difficult because it frequently manifests as assertion, aggression, or competition. It is critical to raise awareness of these issues and assist men in overcoming both internal and systemic barriers to seeking help.

What You Can Do for the Men in Your Life

  • If a male figure in your life—brother, father, husband, boyfriend, or partner—withdraws from activities or engages in excessively imbalanced activities. In that case, there are some things you can do to help:
  • Encourage people to seek professional help if they show signs of significant distress. Suggest therapy, counselling, or psychiatric support, and offer to help them find resources or accompany them if necessary.
  • Promote open communication: Establish a safe environment for open and honest discussions. Encourage people to express their emotions without judgment. Engage in non-confrontational activities, such as walking or drinking coffee.
  • Stay in touch: Maintain regular communication and check their well-being. Maintain a sense of connection to combat loneliness, which can worsen mental health problems. Recognise when to give them space to process their emotions and thoughts.
  • Be aware of stereotypes: Challenge traditional masculine stereotypes. Spread that seeking help is a brave and positive step towards better mental health.
  • Educate yourself: Learn about mental health issues, including common symptoms and resources. This knowledge can help you better understand your loved one’s situation and provide informed support.

What You Can Do as a Man

You must take proactive steps to improve your mental health as a man. Here are some ways to help yourself:

Finding a suitable therapist 

Finding the right therapist who fits your schedule and makes you feel at ease can be challenging. In the past, the procedure was so demanding that it turned off many people who were already wary of therapy. However, that is no longer true. With the help of online platforms like Hope Trust, you can easily filter for the criteria you’re looking for, such as availability, price, and more, empowering you to take control of your mental health journey and find a therapist who meets your needs.

Click www.hopetrustindia.com for an instant online appointment with a therapist.  Â