Why Mental Health
You’d think by 2025, we’d have cracked the code on mental health, right? But here’s the thing: while we’ve made huge strides in talking about mental health, one huge issue still hangs in the air like a thick fog—mental health in men. It’s often brushed aside, ignored, or minimized, and we have to ask why. Why are men’s mental health struggles so often overlooked, even in a time where we’re talking more openly about mental health than ever before?
The Stigma of Masculinity
From the moment boys are born, society gives them a roadmap on how to “be a man”—which, unfortunately, often involves keeping your emotions in check, suppressing vulnerability, and just “toughing it out.” Phrases like “man up” and “boys don’t cry” get drilled into their heads. As they grow up, this idea sticks with them, making it harder to admit when they’re feeling down or struggling. Vulnerability is still often seen as a weakness. So, many men end up not asking for help because, well, they feel like it would undermine their masculinity. It’s like this invisible rulebook that makes it tough to say, “Hey, I’m not okay.”
The Lack of Representation
It doesn’t help that when we look at mental health in media, it’s mostly women we see getting emotional support or struggling openly with mental health issues. Men? They’re either invisible or only shown when they’re angry, violent, or deep into addiction. This only reinforces the stereotype that men’s mental health struggles always look like aggression or substance abuse. It’s rare to see a man in a movie or show just quietly dealing with depression or anxiety, and that lack of representation makes it harder for men to recognize themselves in these conversations. It’s easy to feel isolated when no one else seems to be dealing with what you’re going through.
High Suicide Rates Among Men
Here’s a tough fact: men are way more likely to die by suicide than women, and those numbers have stayed frighteningly consistent over the years. But here’s the kicker—despite these grim statistics, mental health services, media coverage, and research tend to focus a lot more on women’s mental health. It’s as though men’s struggles are somehow less urgent. This only feeds into the misconception that men don’t need help, or that their issues are less important.
Reluctance to Seek Help
So, what happens when men do feel something’s off? A lot of times, they keep it to themselves. Why? Well, for one, they might not even know where to turn for help. Resources can feel out of reach or intimidating. Then, there’s that pesky fear of being judged. Society often places this expectation on men to be tough, so when they start feeling anxious, sad, or stressed, they might shy away from therapy or talking to someone because it feels like admitting weakness. Instead, they might lean on things like drinking, overworking, or even gambling—basically, anything to avoid confronting what’s really going on in their heads.
The Pressure to Provide
Let’s not forget the pressure that men face when it comes to being providers. There’s this heavy societal expectation that men should be the primary breadwinners, and that financial security somehow equates to being a “man.” When things aren’t going well financially, it adds even more weight on an already fragile mental state. If they’re struggling to meet those expectations, it can create feelings of failure, anxiety, and depression. But because they don’t want to seem incapable, a lot of men just keep it inside, putting even more pressure on themselves.
What Needs to Change?
If we’re going to change the conversation around men’s mental health, the first step is breaking down those outdated ideas of masculinity. Men shouldn’t have to feel like they’re betraying their identity if they open up about their emotions. We need to reframe masculinity so that men feel just as comfortable being emotionally honest as they are showing strength.
1. Encourage Emotional Expression
We need to normalize men expressing their emotions. It’s not just about having a social media campaign here and there—it needs to happen in schools, families, and workplaces. Let’s show men that it’s okay to cry, feel vulnerable, and ask for help without fearing that it makes them any less of a man.
2. Provide Accessible Resources
Mental health resources have to be accessible—and not just for women. Services need to speak directly to men, with campaigns and resources that emphasize strength in seeking help. If we can make these resources feel like a natural part of their life, men will be more likely to take that step.
3. Representation Matters
Men need to see other men talking openly about their mental health. Public figures, especially those in leadership roles, should be the ones breaking down these walls. When men see others being open about their mental struggles, it gives them permission to do the same.
4. Workplace Support
Employers should step up and acknowledge the mental health needs of their male employees. Offering mental health days, counseling services, and a nonjudgmental environment can help men feel comfortable seeking help without worrying about how it will affect their career.
5. Education and Awareness
It’s crucial to start young. We need to teach boys from an early age that their mental health is just as important as their physical health. Schools and communities should be creating safe spaces where boys can open up about how they’re really feeling, without judgment.
