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Overview

Men and mental health – a topic that deserves attention yet is often pushed to the background because of many reasons. This blog throws light on this overlooked subject.

According to a study conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in August 2023, the number of Indian men committing suicide exceeded women by 2.5 times. To arrive at this statistic, the IIPS collated data from a period of 8 years. The findings showed that middle-aged men, irrespective of marital status, education or profession, formed the majority of the people resorting to suicide. The fact is that this is not a new trend. Though women report more suicidal thoughts than men, more men actually commit suicide compared to women. It has been this way for the past 5 decades but it is coming into the light only now.

Men and Gender Stereotyping

When we discuss gender stereotyping, it is often in a context that refers only to women – where women are expected to behave in a way that is accepted by society. However, the truth is that gender stereotyping affects men too, albeit in a way that is completely different from how it affects women.

• Men as boys grow up listening to phrases like “Boys don’t cry.”, “Stop behaving like a girl!”, etc. As a result, right from their childhood they end up suppressing their emotions, believing that to ask for help or to express themselves means to be “less of a man”. This wrong assumption becomes deeply ingrained in them and they find it very difficult to change it as adults.
• In many households, men are still expected to be the sole breadwinners for the whole family. While this concept is changing in urban areas, it is still widely prevalent in villages. This pressure of being expected to meet all the financial needs of the family – from day-to-day expenses, to children’s education and elders’ healthcare needs places a huge amount of stress on men.
• Men also feel that they have to live up to society’s idea of masculinity which focuses on control, invincibility and not asking for help. And when men believe that they are not living up to these expectations, they feel a sense of shame which affects their self-esteem negatively.
• Men are also expected to handle hardships silently, projecting a nonchalance that they are probably far from feeling. Showing any form of vulnerability is scorned and considered a weakness thus forcing men to handle challenges alone. As a result, there is a huge disconnect between what men actually feel and their outer façade.
• When boys are brought up with the idea that they should not show their feelings, they also find it difficult to form emotionally intimate friendships with other men. As a result, they are deprived off the emotional foundation women often find in their friendships with other women which has been shown to play a huge role in their mental well-being.
• When it comes to careers too men are thrust into STEM jobs, whether they have the aptitude for it or not, just because STEM jobs are considered suitable masculine options. This often traps men in jobs that they are unhappy in as quitting their jobs and venturing into new fields may mean financial risks.

Signs to Watch Out For

The symptoms of mental health conditions manifest differently in men. While the signs will vary depending on the condition, there are some common signs to watch out for.

• Aggression and anger
• Moodiness and loss of energy
• Variations to appetite and sleeping patterns
• Loss of focus
• A feeling of restlessness
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Resorting to drugs
• Emotionally distant behaviour
• Having physical pain with no apparent cause
• Displaying obsessive thoughts or behaviour
• Visible change in behaviour that affects family, work and social life negatively
• Having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide

Identifying symptoms early and availing help is crucial to helping the person.

At Risk Groups

Certain factors increase the probability of men developing mental health conditions.

• Men who have experienced some kind of trauma in their past like an assault or abuse have increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Death of a loved one too can adversely affect mental health.
• Heavy workload and bad working conditions affect men’s mental health. Unemployment, loss of job and retirement can play a role in the onset of depression.
• Men who are divorced also have an increased tendency for depression.
• Legal and financial problems too have an impact.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can cause or aggravate mental health issues.
• Family history of mental health conditions also plays a role.

Fighting the Stigma

• A huge cultural shift is needed to change the way people perceive men’s roles and the expectations from them.
• When more and more men start talking about their mental health, the stigma associated with it will gradually reduce and eventually fade away. What would help even more is if renowned individuals start addressing it and openly discussing it.
• Mental health professionals need to tailor therapies to men’s needs and alter their communication styles to a form that men are comfortable with.
• Workplaces can play an important role by offering resources which will help men address their mental health needs.
• The concept of peer support groups to connect men to other men facing similar challenges, and giving them a safe space to discuss their feelings has to be encouraged.
• Increasing awareness on men’s mental health is vital as long-term societal shifts can be brought about only through awareness and education.

The Hardest Thing to Do Is Ask for Help

It is essential that we as a society view seeking help as a strength and not as a weakness. The concept that facing challenges alone is what constitutes courage has been drilled into us. We need to change that narrative and make people understand that asking for help is what is truly courageous. The government, healthcare leaders, communities and families, all need to stand together if we are to overcome the stigma associated with men’s mental health. Starting the conversation, dispelling the stigma and promoting a culture of acceptance will help tremendously. No one in this world – be it man or woman – has to face challenges alone. We are all always stronger together.

FAQs: Understanding Men’s Mental Health – Myths, Signs & Support

Why are suicide rates higher among men than women?

Men are more likely to act on suicidal thoughts due to emotional suppression, social stigma around seeking help, and internal pressure to appear strong. These factors, combined with limited emotional support, lead to higher suicide rates among men despite fewer reported suicidal thoughts.

How does gender stereotyping affect men’s mental health?

Societal expectations often prevent men from expressing emotions, asking for help, or showing vulnerability. This emotional suppression leads to stress, isolation, and a higher risk of mental health disorders.

What are common signs of mental health issues in men?

Signs include anger, irritability, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, increased alcohol or drug use, physical pain without medical cause, and emotional withdrawal. Men may also show obsessive behavior or struggle with focus and motivation.

Who is most at risk for mental health challenges among men?

Men with past trauma, job stress, unemployment, divorce, financial or legal troubles, alcohol dependency, or a family history of mental illness are more likely to face mental health issues.

What stops men from seeking mental health support?

Fear of judgment, cultural norms that view help-seeking as weakness, and lack of safe emotional spaces discourage many men from seeking the help they need.

How can workplaces support men’s mental well-being?

Workplaces can provide counseling services, promote mental health awareness, and create a safe, non-judgmental space for men to speak openly about emotional challenges.