Men’s Health Week: Men are less likely to share their mental struggles with others for a variety of reasons: their conditioning, stereotypes, and sometimes an inability to express how they feel. In a society where men aren’t expected to cry, complain and be loud all the time, it’s no wonder many of them don’t seek help even when struggling with mental health issues. (Also read: Men’s Health Week: Nutrition tips every man should follow to stay healthy)
“Some studies have found that men with typical gender-based traits are more likely to have mental health problems, and even less likely to seek help. Race, discrimination, cultural stigma and gender are the The most common reasons why men do not seek help is a sign of faintheartedness,” says Dr. Rahul Taneja, Consultant Psychiatry, Mental Health and Psychotherapy, Paras JK Hospital, Udaipur.
Men feel asking for help as a sign of weakness
Many men think that asking for help is a symbol of weakness, but they are more likely to ask for help if they know that the possibility of mutualism and reciprocity exists; it means when they know they have a chance to return the favor. Men mostly try to work things out on their own at first.
Men deal with mental health problems differently than women
Dr. Rahul Taneja says that men find different ways to deal with their mental health problems instead of expressing them. It shows up in the form of frustration, anger, impulsiveness, or a variety of other different behaviors. Men can also enjoy exercise, games, the gym, or any type of physical activity to deal with mental stress.
Men may be embarrassed to share their state of mind due to stereotypes
In our society men are always supposed to be strong, men who express their feelings and emotions are considered weak.
Men don’t always know how to start sharing
Dr. Taneja says that many times when men decide to express what they really feel, they may not know how to do it. They want to express it in a way that they are not judged as weak in society by others.
Men are taught to hide their feelings and emotions.
“Men always try to hide any strong emotional issues, because they don’t see it as manly. As a result, men may refuse to get the help they need, and eventually it becomes terrible. They may become alcoholics, smokers, or suicidal.” They can also become violent due to repressed emotional distress,” concludes Dr. Rahul Taneja.
.
