Mental Health?
Mental health is a combination of an individual’s various aspects including psychological, emotional, and social domains. The modern Ly defined concept of mental health includes vast aspects under these domains which altogether make what we call ‘mental health. According to the revised definition of mental health by the World Health Organization (WHO), it includes realization of ones’ own capabilities, stress coping, productivity and playing a role in the community. As mental health is not restricted to only the conditions lying under the psychotic frame such as schizophrenia, or the conditions under the neurotic frame such as depressive disorders, it also includes various stressing conditions like burnout, anger issues, procrastination, and other daily life challenges that are commonly present but rarely considered. So a continuum has been produced to see where we lie on and take action accordingly.
Mental Health in Men
Generally speaking, all mental health challenges can equally affect any individual however the point on the continuum on where they may lie can differ according to their gender, age, individual traits, and environment. Some conditions are more prevalent in men than women and vice versa. For example, depression and rumination are more prevalent in women while the suicide attempt rate has been found to be higher in men.
Why do men not talk about their mental health?
Continuing the above point where I gave an example of suicide attempts, it is thought as to why men end up attempting suicide more frequently than women despite the fact that they ruminate less. Rationally thinking, the given fact should lead them to not attempt suicide. This difference leads to the thoughts and findings that men rarely discuss their mental health challenges. In this world of stigmatization, men have been given a set standard of staying ‘strong’ while being ignorant of the true meaning of ‘strength’. The general observation and studies show that being emotionally inexpressive is considered to be a part of the strength in men which is why men are rarely seen expressing their feelings openly. This breaks the psychological rule for mental wellbeing and causes damage since the amalgam of thoughts and feelings they have are buried inside them which stays there and becomes even more dangerous.
Let’s see that in an easier way. It is very clear that every individual goes through stressors which has an impact on the emotional, psychological, spiritual, social, or physical aspects. To cope with that, we need to take action and precautions for the future. The first step to any solution is realization and acceptance. If a man never accepts what he is going through, the next door to find the solution and take action can never be unlocked.
And the credit goes to society’s expectations and the gender roles set as a standard for men. This again tells them that being inexpressive means you don’t have the problem, so you are strong! The gender roles require them to be the breadwinners and dominant which is considerable but being in the role they can still talk about their challenges.
The concept of toxic masculinity also holds a great deal of responsibility. Men are reared in a way that teaches them to stay quiet. Moreover, the media has a role in showing models through different cartoons and movies that support this toxic masculinity. As I see around, I can clearly put it into words that men are expected to sort out their problems by themselves. They are thought to be the solutions to their own and others’ problems. This can be one of the greatest hurdles in seeking help.
Reportedly, men see challenges in mental health as a sign of weakness. And as the sum of what society has gifted them with the concept of being a ‘macho’ person combined with their personal perspective of looking at it as a lack of strength or potential, men see themselves as a sign of dominancy who can never go through any mental health condition. Such unrealistic expectations men have from their own selves, do not let them talk about it.
What do you think the macho phrases like ‘man up, ‘be a man’ depict? Do these phrases and such words give a push to the men or are they mental torture?
Consequences!
As a result of gathering up all the torturing stuff in their head and heart, men adopt more harmful coping mechanisms than women. Men are usually found to be following the quickest ways that are easily accessible. When the challenges aren’t talked about, they get bigger and worse, so they start to adapt to more dangerous and risky coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. Or they adopt escape behaviour such as pushing themselves more into work all the time. Thus, adding more stuff to that amalgam.
What can we do?
The basic starts from creating general awareness through various forums. This might include asking them their personal reasons as to why they resist accepting and seeking help. Leading to providing them with general solutions.
We can create more opportunities for men to come and talk about their daily life issues. The reason is that these daily challenges have origins concerning mental health and wellbeing. In this way, men can easily and logically understand the role of mental health and wellbeing. In this way, men can easily and logically understand the role of mental health in their routines.
And then, the most effective can be removing the stigma that revolves around masculinity and the pressure of expectations. The pre-requisite for all of this is to end the stigma around seeking help.
We need to inculcate into their mind that every human being can be vulnerable to stress in different ways. It is normal to get influenced by the stressors around you no matter how small they can be you. Discussing your challenges with others can help you get empathy and support. These are essential components to fight back against your challenges just like a warrior needs his Armor and guns to fight. We can promote the general symptoms as a warning to take help.
Do you think that it is possible to remove the stigma around the mental health of men? Or is it something else worth noticing to help men with their mental well-being?
