Table of Contents
Man up’ is something men have been advised to do in any situation around the world. Right from cycling to riding a car, men are expected to learn everything in a jiffy. A study conducted in 2021 revealed that 33% of men experienced depression, 38% of men suffered from stress, and 29% grappled with anxiety issues [ref].
From a young age, men are discouraged from expressing their vulnerability and feelings and, worst, from crying at all. There is this undue pressure on them to perform well in every sphere and control their emotions. As a society, we have become so engrossed with other vital issues that we have entirely ignored men’s mental health.
Why Do Men Fear Expressing Their Emotions?
Have you ever thought about why men suppress their emotions when, even if they have something to express, they choose to remain silent? Why do men go through hardships but choose not to tell anyone about it? Why is it that men can move boulders for their family’s happiness but cannot lift a finger for their own?
Society expects men to be rough and tough in every situation. And, if you don’t meet societal expectations, you would be laughed off and not considered a traditional manly figure anymore. Men feel emotions but hesitate to let any of them surface. Why? Because the ‘man up’ Nazis will disapprove of that. People often resort to name-calling when they find men vulnerable. Social stigma prevents men from seeking help or discussing their struggles, even with professionals [ref].
38% of men hesitate to address their mental health actively [ref]. The societal pressure, the mental pressure, the economic pressure, the education pressure, the ‘protect everyone’ pressure, and the ‘several unsaid’ pressures form constant clouds in a man’s life, raining every now and then, are enough to drain a man’s mental health, but society doesn’t want him to get drenched at all? How’s that even possible? The idea that ‘men don’t feel pain’ is being ingrained into the minds of young boys, which is the starting point of ignoring the emotional health of men. When you are dissuading young boys from even feeling the pain in the first place, how do you expect them to grow into emotionally available adults?
Stop thinking that men lack emotional values. The fact that they would sacrifice their needs to fulfill their family’s wants speaks a lot about their emotional range. Just because their strength overshadows feelings does not mean they don’t possess it. So, men, it’s time to let go of your weaknesses and establish a new normal.
How Can Men Improve Their Mental Health?
Don’t Hold Back Your Feelings
Your feelings are as important as your money-earning capability and vehicle-riding ability. The notion that you must not convey your emotions is old enough to belong to the Stone Age. It’s okay not to feel okay, but it’s not okay to continue feeling the same way. If you are hurt, you can cry; if you are happy, you can laugh loudly; and if you are sad, you can convey it to your friends or loved ones. Stop locking your feelings in the corner of your heart because of the phobia of coming off as weak. Your feelings are as important as your financial status.
Your straight and empty face does not make you manly, and your weakness and emotional responses, in absolutely no way, make you unmanly.
Self-care is the New ‘Man Up’ in Town
It’s time you broke this stigma around your manhood that you can’t be weak, timid, or open up about your sentiments. It’s time you understand that ‘man up’ does not stand for domination or irrational strength. It means discussing your problems and indulging in self-care. A masculine man is someone who looks after himself well and who can manage his emotions. Visit a spa if you are tired after a week’s work, get a pedicure if you keep getting boils on your feet, wear a pink shirt to a party if you like it, and watch romantic movies instead of action movies if you want to! You should be able to do things that make you happy without the fear of being judged.
There’s nothing unmanly about being concerned about yourself, but when you disregard your body requirements and well-being, there’s nothing manly about it.
Make Time For Your Hobbies
Once men become adults, hobbies turn into a distant memory. Remember, as a kid, you obsessed over painting or could not resist playing badminton? What happened to being passionate about things that actually made you happy? The weight of responsibilities that adulthood brings is enough to make your love for leisure activities disappear. According to a study, when you engage in leisure activities, they serve as breathers, promote positive emotions, and reduce stress [ref].
Rekindle your love for your hobbies and revisit your carefree, old self who had an escape place when his whole world turned upside down.
Focus on Your Overall Health
Your mental health depends on how well your mind and body work together. Move your body even if you don’t feel like waking up from your bed. It’s the biggest gift you can give yourself. Did you know that exercise has been proven to boost positive mood and relieve stress [ref]? you can also start breathing exercises and enter into a relaxed state of mind. It helps clear your thoughts and makes you composed and mentally strong.
Your overall well-being dictates how mentally sound you are. If you are not moving enough literally, it can make your mind stagnant as well.
Seek Out Help When You Don’t Feel Alright
There are things that you cannot handle alone. When you feel stressed, don’t let it progress into depression. According to the World Health Organization, the suicide rate among men is double that of women [ref]. Seek help because you must understand that some things are beyond your control. Violence, physical masculinity, power, dominance, rugged exterior, aggression, and many other male-volent notions have to be sidelined now. You are not fragile or foolish to regard your struggles as struggles or your suffering as suffering. Your mental health should be your priority now, over everything. And this is for every man out there.
Taking help is not unmanly, but keeping your frustration to yourself and letting it evolve into anger is unmanly.”
How to Promote Men’s Mental Health?
The first step is to create awareness about the term ‘mental health’ and educate men on it. Normalize it for men around you to express themselves in tough situations. Create a safe space for them to articulate their mental health issues. Make them understand that they do not have to get into a fight to prove their masculinity. Be a good listener when a man tells you what is hurting him. Never undermine his tears regarding them any less precious than yours. Recognize the specific needs of men and acknowledge their reality to promote their mental health. Encourage them to ask for help by creating a supportive environment, for instance, strong social networks.
Final Word
Men’s mental health deserves attention from every section of the society. Encourage open dialogue and dismantle harmful stereotypes attached to men’s emotional health to create a culture of support and understanding. Take the first step to redefine manly strength and ensure that no man is alone in his struggles.
Living with a mental illness is bad, but not being able to reveal it to anyone is even worse. Consider, comfort, and console others by giving them the confidence to speak up.
