Men's mental health: Behind the silent struggle

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, providing us with an opportunity to discuss and analyse the barriers to health-seeking behaviour among men.

Socially and culturally, the onus is placed on men to lead, provide, protect, and more. Yet, amidst all these expectations and pressures, society does not accommodate any semblance of vulnerability.

Men are generally raised with a heavy dose of masculine hype, which contributes to the prevailing stigma around seeking mental health services, as this is often considered a sign of weakness or diminished masculinity. From a young age, boys are told to ‘man up’ when facing difficult situations. It’s also not uncommon to hear phrases like ‘be a man about it’ when someone attempts to express the emotional challenges they are going through.

Ostensibly, all this is intended to raise emotionally self-reliant, strong, and dependable men. However, this approach appears to be backfiring, with studies showing that men are sinking deeper into preventable and manageable mental health issues.

The erroneous belief that expressing vulnerability, fear, stress, or worry is a feminine trait has led many men to shy away from mental and psychosocial support services.

The current economic downturn, political upheaval, unemployment, rising cost of living, and civil strife, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, have left many men grappling with job losses, collapsing businesses, and the inability to fulfil the provider role that society expects of them.

As a result, many men are battling depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Substance use is often adopted as a coping mechanism during tough times, but it can lead to additional issues such as addiction or exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Many men fear negative repercussions such as judgement, loss of respect, or mockery if they disclose mental health struggles.

This fear of being perceived as less masculine, or as failing in the role of protector and provider, intensifies their reluctance to seek help.

There is also minimal awareness of mental health issues and the benefits of therapy among men. Many are unfamiliar with what therapy entails or how it could be beneficial to them, making them less likely to seek professional support even when in need.

However, several strategies can be employed to address this issue and ultimately improve health-seeking behaviour among men. Initiatives that challenge traditional societal norms and rigid male roles can help reframe harmful assumptions, such as linking masculinity to emotional suppression, thus fostering a cultural environment in which men feel safe to express vulnerability.

Public awareness campaigns are crucial in countering harmful myths surrounding mental health and masculinity. These campaigns must be factual, compassionate, and emphasise that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Community-based interventions, and leveraging platforms such as music, sports, and other aspects of popular culture can also play a significant role in turning the tide.