A recent conversation about a young man’s reluctance to seek help made me reflect on society’s attitude regarding expectations for men and their impact on their mental health.

Lately, there has been growing recognition of the importance of mental health and well-being. However, despite the progress made in understanding and addressing mental health issues, there still persists a significant disparity in how men approach and perceive mental health. Men’s attitudes towards mental health have long been influenced by societal expectations of masculinity, leading to stigmatization, denial, and reluctance to seek help.

From a young age, men are often socialized to adhere to traditional masculine norms, which emphasize strength, emotional resilience, and the suppression of vulnerability. These societal expectations create a paradox where men are discouraged from openly expressing their emotions or seeking help for mental health issues. Consequently, many men perceive mental health struggles as a sign of weakness, leading to a reluctance to acknowledge or address their psychological well-being.

One of the primary barriers to men seeking mental health support is the pervasive stigma associated with mental illness. Men often fear being judged or labeled as “crazy” or “weak” if they openly discuss their mental health challenges. This fear stems from societal misconceptions and stereotypes that portray mental illness as a sign of personal failure or an inherent flaw in character. Consequently, men may choose to suffer in silence rather than risk their social standing or face discrimination.

Men’s reluctance to acknowledge and address their mental health can have severe consequences. When emotions are suppressed, they can manifest in unhealthy ways, leading to increased stress, anger, substance abuse, and even physical health problems. The pressure to conform to societal expectations of stoicism often results in men internalizing their emotions, which may exacerbate mental health conditions or lead to more severe consequences.

There are various factors contributing to men’s lower utilization of mental health services. Limited access to appropriate resources, lack of awareness about available support, and skepticism towards therapy or counseling can hinder men’s willingness to seek help. Additionally, the absence of relatable role models or public figures openly discussing their mental health struggles further perpetuates the notion that men should handle their issues independently, without seeking professional assistance.

Breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health is crucial for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. To achieve this, comprehensive efforts are required at multiple levels.

Education and awareness. Promoting mental health literacy among men, dispelling myths and stereotypes, and increasing awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues can help normalize discussions around men’s mental well-being.

Challenging traditional masculinity norms. Encouraging a shift in societal expectations by promoting emotional intelligence, self-expression, and healthy coping mechanisms can empower men to address their mental health without fear of judgment.

Role models and public figures. Highlighting successful men from diverse backgrounds who openly discuss their mental health experiences can help combat the stigma by providing relatable examples of resilience and strength.

Accessible support. Ensuring the availability and affordability of mental health resources specifically tailored to men’s needs, such as support groups or counseling services, can facilitate early intervention and promote help-seeking behavior.

Men’s attitudes towards mental health have long been shaped by societal expectations and gender norms, leading to stigma, silence, and a reluctance to seek help. Breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health requires a comprehensive approach involving education, challenging traditional masculinity norms, promoting relatable role models, and improving access to appropriate support services. There is hope as the younger generation appears to be more willing to accept and talk about these issues and seek help.

Zahid Awan is a psychiatrist.