Men’s Mental Health and How the Burden of Masculinity Affects It

Not so long ago, men and women had to play specific roles in society. A man had to work and be the head of the family, and the woman had to take care of the children and the house. Fortunately, times are changing, and the world doesn’t look like the Mad Men episode anymore.

And while specific gender roles are fading away, many men are still under pressure to deliver. It doesn’t sound like a problem to some people, but the burden of masculinity can negatively impact a man’s mental health. Moreover, it often leads to depression and suicide.

According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, approximately 6 million men suffer from depression, and their suicide rates are 3.56 times higher than women’s. And it doesn’t end there. Men are also more likely to misuse drugs and die from alcohol-related causes.

Still, despite all these facts, men are less likely to seek mental treatment than women. Why? Because men are weird creatures. More on that below.

The Burden of Masculinity

It all starts when you’re a child. Your father’s hero is John Wayne, and he wants you to be a strong and quiet man who takes care of his family. There’s no time for stupid things like feelings and emotions. You have to be a man.

These masculine norms may sound noble, but in reality, they’re dysfunctional in so many ways. Moreover, they’re unnatural. Hiding your feelings is one of the worst things you can do. They accumulate in your brain, causing you to overthink everything until you’re on the loop.

However, the worst thing is when a man fails to achieve social goals that masculine rules thrust upon him. All comes to the famous saying that every man should build a house, plant a tree, and father a son. But that’s not all. You also need to take care of your family.

If you fail, not even the best self-improvement Youtube channels or personal development blogs (like selfdevelopmentsecrets.com) will be able to help you (although watching and  reading some of them is certainly a good start). Many men can’t comprehend the social pressure, which often has a significant negative impact on their mental health.

After all, what kind of man can’t take proper care of his family? Can he even call himself one?

Signs and Symptoms

Once you understand how toxic masculinity can impact a man’s mental health, it’s time to know how to recognize the symptoms of potential depression. Bear in mind one thing – men and women experience their mental issues differently.

Of course, there are some shared symptoms, like feeling sad and hopeless, experiencing extreme fatigue, not being able to find joy in activities, or having trouble sleeping.

When it comes to behaviors that are more common among men, they may include:

• Headaches, digestive problems, and pain
• Constant mood changes
• Violent behavior
• Abusive alcohol drinking
• Risky behavior

It’s crucial to look for these symptoms, monitor them, and act as quickly as possible. If you think that your friend may suffer from depression, know that he won’t make it easier for you. As mentioned before, men are odd creatures, who’d often rather die than show any weakness.

That reluctance to share feelings and concerns is one of the most common reasons why a man’s mental health issues go undiagnosed.

Treatment

If you think that you or the person you know may suffer from depressive thoughts, there are several things you can do to deal with them. The obvious one is, of course, not being afraid to seek help. Reaching out to someone is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of manhood.

Keep in mind that mental health problems have to be dealt with just like physical issues. If you had cancer, you’d probably try to do everything possible to find proper treatment. You wouldn’t try to hide it because you’re trying to be strong.

Anyway, when it comes to mental health issues, here’s what you can do:

• Get as much exercise as possible
• Seek emotional support from your loved ones
• Set yourself realistic life goals
• Learn how to cope with stress and anxiety
• Find an activity that brings you joy
• Consult with a mental health specialist

Bottom Line

Many men believe that sharing their emotional issues with other people is a sign of weakness. It sounds irrational, but sadly, the toxic norms of masculinity are still alive and well, causing men to fall into depression and suicidal thoughts.

The crucial thing is to monitor the symptoms and know how to react. And since men tend to take things much more impulsively, preventive actions need to be quick and effective. If you suspect that you or the person you know has depressive thoughts, reaching out for and to help is the first thing to do.

Don’t hesitate to call the suicide hotline or even 911 if you think that you may hurt yourself. And no matter what, keep in mind one thing. Seeking help is not a weakness. On the contrary, it requires a lot of strength.