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An issue not spoken about enough, but one that deserves our utmost attention: men’s mental health.

Mental health itself has only recently broken stereotypes, and is now being normalized, discussed, and acknowledged. But men’s mental health remains taboo despite the alarming statistics it has to show. Did you know that over 6 million men are shackled by depression every year? The rate of suicide is also highest amongst middle-aged white men.

Why are we not talking about this? Why aren’t men seeking help for their mental stability? What makes professional help less accessible to men and why? It is our societal stigma, our preconceived ideas of masculinity that strips men of any support they need for this.

The traditional gender norms of masculinity automatically translating to aggressive self-reliance and stoicism are all answers to the above questions. Even now, in 2023, we have this idea that men are not as ‘emotional’ as women, don’t want as much affection or care as women do, and don’t need any sort of help. Let me be clear: it is not a competition, both men and women require help, care, support, and affection not because of their gender, but because they are human.

Men also make wrong decisions, they also feel like not getting out of their beds, and they also need occasional check-ups and self-care days. Asking for help does not make them any less masculine. Just because they are usually physically stronger, we cannot assume that they must always be emotionally stronger too, and must always carry their baggage all by themselves. We know, marry, love, and give birth to men. For their sake, their happiness, well-being, stability, and growth, we must break the stigma that engulfs men’s mental health, and the idea of masculinity that stops them from being humans asking for help.

In our society, numerous events, expectations, and prevailing thoughts have pushed men to a point where their mental well-being is increasingly at risk. A pivotal factor in this predicament is the weight of social expectations. The ingrained notion that ’emotional vulnerability is a sign of weakness’ has been deeply etched into the minds of men. They find themselves compelled to suppress their emotions and confront every situation with unwavering toughness, even when such resilience is unnecessary. This, we believe, is at the core of men’s mental health concerns.

Society has perpetuated stereotypes about men—painting them as perpetually strong, tough, and always in control. However, the undeniable truth is that men, like women, can be just as vulnerable and diverse. Beyond these expectations, other factors, such as work-related challenges, exact a heavy toll on men’s mental health. The societal image of men as the primary providers for their families instills a fear of failure. This fear is not merely about economic responsibilities but extends to the dread of being labeled a failure as a human and as a man. This anxiety often leads men down a path towards depression or, tragically, even suicide.

Society has burdened men with the responsibility to achieve everything, discouraging emotional expression and mandating a perpetual dominant aura. When men fall short of meeting these expectations, they either become the worst versions of themselves or, in extreme cases, contemplate ending their lives.

Lastly, the dynamics of relationships also play a significant role in men’s mental health. The absence of a supportive family can render men incapable of coping with life’s challenges in a rational manner. This lack of support may further exacerbate mental health struggles, contributing to a vicious cycle of distress and despair.

Just like any other individual, a man experiences a range of emotions that he would like to express. However, societal stereotypes revolving around the concept of ‘toxic masculinity’ suppress that feeling. These circumstances coupled with the already chaotic life of a man filled with societal expectations really messes him up, and so here are some common mental health problems faced by men during these times;

Depression is a pervasive challenge, with records indicating that one in five men worldwide is currently grappling with it. The actual number might be much higher, as many refrain from seeking help due to societal pressures. While depression is commonly defined as a constant feeling of sadness and a loss of interest hindering normal day-to-day activities, its manifestations can vary widely among individuals.

The alarming correlation between depression and suicide cannot be overlooked. A person battling depression is 20 times more likely to contemplate suicide than someone who is not. Notably, male suicides account for two-thirds of global suicide cases, highlighting the gravity of the issue.

Substance abuse becomes a concerning avenue for coping with stress or emotional pain for many men. Whether it’s turning to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, these substances often serve as misguided means to navigate the complexities of life.

Furthermore, anxiety disorders affect men in various forms, spanning from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) characterized by chronic feelings of unease to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from past traumatic experiences.

Reiterating a point as stated earlier, most men shy from seeking professional medical attention and therefore it is evident he fights all his battles internally, without alerting his surroundings. But then, how can anyone notice? And when no one notices, the man is further incited towards taking his own life. So, to avoid this dilemma of losing people just because of the lack of attention, here are some signs that are crucial to take care of in a man’s life:

Mood Swings; men don’t usually express signs of constant sadness, rather, they might exhibit anger, irritability or a generally negative mood. They usually express pain through aggression as vulnerability is considered feminine in society.

Physical signs include chronic physical complaints mostly in the head and stomach area are related to underlying mental health issues.

Changes in behavior also prove to be a pivotal sign. Men experiencing mental health challenges may withdraw from social activities, isolate themselves, or avoid interactions with friends and family. This may be accompanied by sleep disorders like insomnia or increased sleep. Engaging in risky behaviors is also a sign of mental disorders as many people may experience what’s called ‘passive suicidal thoughts’ in which they would not harm themselves -but may perform actions which could unalive them.

Take a look at their work or academic performance- a noticeable decline in academic achievements, productivity or concentration at work may be a major sign of mental disorders.

Lastly, suicidal thoughts and verbalizing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or having thoughts of self-harm require immediate attention and intervention.

Addressing men’s mental health is important, and we need different ways to help. First, it’s crucial to encourage guys to talk openly about their feelings. This means making it okay for them to share what’s going on without worrying about being judged. We can do this by promoting understanding of emotions and making it normal for guys to talk about their struggles. Another important step is building a strong support system. This involves creating a safe space where men can connect with friends, family, and others who care. Having people around who understand and encourage them can make a big difference. It’s also important to say that it’s okay to get professional help. Going to a therapist or counselor should be seen as a positive step. Lastly, taking care of mental health should involve doing things that help overall well-being, like mindfulness, exercise, and finding a good balance between work and personal life. By combining these ways, we can create a supportive environment where men can deal with challenges and improve their mental health.

To boost men’s mental health awareness, the influence of family and friends plays a pivotal role. Men are a very important part of a family, especially a father. So, any impact on their mental health affects the whole family, which is why it is really important for families to be their number one source of support. One way you can do that is by treating them with utmost care, patience and encouragement. Whether you are a family member or a friend, listen to them with empathy and try to understand their situation without any judgmental remarks. Another great way to raise awareness for men’s mental health can be by initiating conversations among your families or friends. By sharing personal stories and experiences, someone suffering from depression, anxiety or trauma will not feel alone. We need to remind them that we are with them in their dark and daunting journey and they will soon see the light of positivity influencing their life. Your single word has the potential to either uplift someone’s entire day or cast a shadow on them, making their day gloomy and negative. So, choosing how you talk to your loved one will make a huge impact on their mental health.

In a world where Men’s mental health is frequently overshadowed, it is essential to shatter the silence and confront this overdue conversation. To liberate men from societal expectations, many initiatives have emerged to provide a safe space to talk and offer support. The Movember Foundation, behind the initiative to grow moustaches in November to raise awareness and funds, aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Their funds go towards other support programs and initiatives related to men’s health. HeadsUpGuys is another online resource that provides tips, articles and narratives that help men deal with depression. If you are looking for a more humourous approach, then Man Therapy encourages engaging conversations surrounding mental health. Other than that there are several online forums or groups on Men’s Group that provide a great place to share your problems, where you may also find other men going through the same issues and problems. Several podcasts and books, such as “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl or “Reasons to Stay Alive” by Matt Haig, raise the voice for men’s mental health and let the world know that this isn’t a topic to shy away from or avoid. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis and need to talk to someone immediately, then you can contact the ROZAN Crisis helpline (+92 42 3662 1939), UMANG (0317 4288665) or Taskeen helpline (+92 42 35761999). There may be other local medical services available that you can seek help from in case you are in immediate danger regarding your health. 

In closing, dismantling the stigma surrounding men’s mental health is a collective duty. By fostering open conversations, recognizing signs, and providing unwavering support, we can create a world where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being. Initiatives like Movember and online platforms are steps in the right direction. Let’s continue amplifying awareness, sharing stories, and fostering a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can lead mentally healthy lives. Change starts with us, one conversation at a time.