Because of the recent increase in understanding and conversation around mental health, people are being urged to ask for help and be open about their problems. Men continue to confront unique challenges despite considerable progress in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Despite the fact that the public dialogue on mental health has changed substantially over the past ten years, there is still a noticeable gap between men and mental health. The problem goes much beyond the idea that men don't want to express their emotions; stigma, male stereotypes, and societal issues have a significant negative impact on how men perceive, manage, and treat their mental health.
The societal expectations and presumptions about men are typically the source of these taboos. It is crucial to raise awareness, address these taboos, and advance a more understanding and sensitive viewpoint on men's mental health.
In this blog, we'll take a closer look at a few of these taboos and talk about how important it is to break them down in order to promote a happier, more open society.
"Real men don't cry": One of the most pervasive taboos pertaining to men's mental health is the belief that showing emotions, especially vulnerability or grief, is a sign of weakness. Early on, boys learn the importance of being tough, stoic, and independent. This societal expectation could be difficult for guys who wish to talk about their emotional problems or require support. To dispel the myth that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness, a more compassionate vision of masculinity must be fostered.
Men's Expectations from Society: Men are frequently expected to perform unrealistically high levels of assistance, problem-solving, and income generation. These demands may be too much to bear and can result in mental health problems. Promoting a more nuanced and inclusive view of masculinity where men feel empowered to make self-care, emotional wellness, and getting help when necessary a higher priority is one method to counter these expectations.
"Seeking help is a sign of failure": Another taboo that is bad for men's mental health is the belief that getting therapy or professional aid indicates that a person is unable to solve their problems on their own. Men may feel pressured to manage their problems on their own because they fear being judged or having their abilities questioned if they ask for help. It is crucial to dispel this notion and emphasise that seeking help is a courageous act of self-care that provides people with the skills and tools they need to handle their issues more effectively.
"Mental Health is a Women's problem": Because mental health is typically associated with women, men's experiences have been marginalised. It may be difficult to locate spaces where men may openly express their feelings and share their challenges without fear of being criticised or left out. It is essential to end this taboo by promoting awareness and empathy for men's mental health difficulties. By acknowledging that mental health is a problem that affects everyone, regardless of gender, we can create a friendly workplace.
"The pressure to conform to masculine norms": Society frequently enforces rigid definitions of what it means to be a man, including always being dominant, powerful, and in command. These expectations may put pressure on men to mask their emotions and carry on as usual even while they are internally struggling. We must endeavour to build a society where men may express their masculinity in a variety of ways without worrying about criticism or disdain in order to end this taboo.
Conclusion
The stigmas associated with men's mental health need to be eliminated. We can create a more compassionate and welcoming environment that supports men's emotional health by understanding and addressing these social barriers. Changing societal expectations, encouraging open dialogue, and ensuring that mental health resources are available are just a few of the steps that must be taken in order to end the stigma around men's mental health. By empowering men to prioritise their mental health, this can lead to a healthier and more just society for everyone.
At Solh Wellness, we provide a specific support group for males to meet their needs, giving them a place to express their opinions and find support. We think it's critical to give all men's mental health and wellbeing top priority. Join us to learn more, meet new people, and get the support you need as you navigate your mental health journey. To better understand your needs and improve your well-being, you can also attend sessions with our experts.
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