Strong on the Outside, Struggling Within: Men’s Mental Health Crisis

Men’s mental health is a topic that needs to be discussed frequently because it is still a taboo topic in society. Men all over the world are struggling with mental health issues, and it is time to bring awareness to the problem. Strong on the outside, struggling within, is a phrase that perfectly describes what men are experiencing in today’s world. Men are often seen as protectors and providers, and they tend to hide their struggles and emotions to avoid being perceived as weak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that over 300 million people in the world suffer from depression, and men account for a significant percentage of those affected. Men are often reluctant to get help, and their conditions become severe before they seek assistance. Studies have shown that men are more likely to take their lives than women, making suicide a leading cause of death for men worldwide.

Men’s mental health is a complex issue, and various factors contribute to their struggles. Societal expectations and gender stereotypes have placed a huge burden on men to be a certain way. Men have been taught to suppress their feelings and emotions, which makes them feel inadequate and isolated when they need someone to talk to.

Men’s mental health is also affected by social issues, which include financial instability, relationships breakdown, and job loss. Having to deal with these issues alone can be overwhelming, leading to a sense of hopelessness and depression. Men are even more likely to experience substance abuse as a way of coping with their emotions and struggles.

Stress and anxiety are also prevalent issues among men. Men experience stress differently, and they often do not know how to handle it. They suppress it, try to ignore it or attempt to deal with it alone. Stress can be triggered by factors such as work-pressure, family demands, and personal relationships.

It is time to dismantle the narrative that men are strong and must deal with their problems alone. Men need to be taught that their mental health is just as important as their physical wellbeing. We need to create a society where men feel comfortable discussing their mental struggles with friends, family, and professionals.

The law enforcement and military communities have started acknowledging the impact of mental health crises on their personnel and have implemented support systems for such crises. The medical community is also joining in, with a growing number of healthcare practitioners trained in men’s mental health issues and treatment.

If there is one issue men need to address urgently, it’s their mental health. They need to abandon the belief that asking for help when they need it is a sign of weakness. Men must start taking their mental health seriously and prioritize their wellbeing. Let’s continue the conversation and break the stereotype around men’s emotions. Remember, it is okay not to be okay.