Men's Mental Health: A Silent Crisis

Depression, tension, suicidal tendencies, rage, and aggression have become a part of our lives. However, such is societal perception, that reactions of men and women are pre-defined in a mold of so-called approved actions. There are support groups and helping hands all around, but thanks to the macho image created by society, men are less likely to accept and talk about issues that are bothering them.

In 2015, out of 133,623 suicides in India, 91,528 (68%) were by men, 42,088 were by women, as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). There were several deaths among farmers, where some were in debt or other financial peril. However, a large chunk of this population indicates the reasons as an inability to provide for the family, to earn and many other responsibilities that are ‘ideally’ thrust upon men. 

Why Men Do Not Ask For Help?

Since a tender age, men have ingrained in their minds, manhood defined on a conventional parameter. From the type of clothes to wear to the way of expressing thoughts, everything is weighed against the barometer of being a man.

Lack of Empathy from Society

Most often, people around affected men do not allow them to be upset. If the right to expressing one’s thoughts are denied, it escalates into depression and social anxiety, where men bottle up their feelings and constantly over-analyze their thoughts. 

Help & Healing is Different for Men

An extension of the previous point, men are more likely to ask for help if they are confident about the reciprocation of their feelings. Having an understanding listener negates the feeling of weakness or the pity party sensation that is usually the cause of men holding back on their thoughts.

Often, men tend to resort to self-healing, and if they are undertaking this process, families, friends and loved ones, instead of taking up the charge, should remain silent but watchful spectators to this effort. A lack of support from near and dear ones can drive men into a corner, and they may resort to drugs and alcohol to cope. Slowly, this culminates into addiction. 

Lack of Awareness 

There are universal support groups and awareness programs to help people out of mental conflicts. However, since men perceive difficulties and mental issues differently, they require customized help. The lack of support groups can make the affected man feel alienated and are trapped in mental solitary confinement. 

Misdiagnosis

Since it is a difficult task for the affected men to clearly enunciate their thoughts and ideas, this leaves room for misdiagnosis. There is a huge distinction between the expression of feelings and thoughts by a man and woman, and the wrong diagnosis can leave a negative impact on men.

Lack of Role Models

Regarded as the Father of Men Movement, Warren Farrel believes that it is a tough job coping with today’s societal expectations. Many a time, the boy’s crisis arises from the lack of a father figure in his life or a chauvinistic father who believes in the traditional point of view of a ‘Man’. 

Both are at extreme ends of the spectrum and can affect a young boy’s mind gravely, as this encourages a lack of communication. Without an outlet to express themselves, men often find it easy to turn a blind eye to their problems and keep moving on.

Fighting Against Mental Health

A Father Figure

Father figures, mentors, and role models are very important to help boys, as well as men, understand that it is okay to feel bad and express it. 

Caregiving Jobs

We can also break the stereotype of a macho man by encouraging men to take up caregiving roles that are limited to women, without questioning their choices. These roles can range from stay-at-home dads, nurses, and teachers. 

Building Resilience

Building emotional resilience by interacting with people, getting a pet or engaging in some volunteer work will help add the feel-good factor that can override the negative thoughts and reinforce the wall of resilience.

Self Care

By paying attention to oneself, learning new things and engaging in a healthy lifestyle, men can avert negativity, and avoid falling into the abyss. 

It is Never Too Late

Irrespective of the depth of impact and severity of issues, mental causes can be addressed. It is never too late to reverse the impact of mental issues. An expert medical help, someone to rely on and self-belief can help everyone tide the waves of despair.