International Men’s Day is celebrated on 19th November every year. On this day we celebrate the accomplishments of men, and their contributions to society and nation. Eventually, the main objective of the day is to promote fundamental humanitarian values and spread awareness towards issues concerning men at large. Through this piece of article I am mainly focusing on one of the most unaddressed issues that the modern world is witnessing; the deteriorating mental health of men.
Although each gender across the world must be allowed to express their emotions freely, and avail mental health facilities; men are often the least expressive and do not avail any such facilities. This can be largely due to social expectations attached to their masculinity and the stigma attached to mental health in general.
Recent studies reveal that half of the adolescent boys feel that they could not talk about their vulnerabilities, anxiety, and weakness because it would be awkward for them to discuss such ‘not often discussed’ issues, and that they never felt secure enough to share such things with anyone. As per a recent survey, 54% of men address their mental health issues but keep it to themselves for the reason that they never felt heard when it comes to such sensitive issues. The same survey reveals that 40% of men felt that they do not want to appear weak by sharing their vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, it is commonly observed that children especially boys are prohibited to cry and sharing their feelings openly. This further leads to the building up of negative ego and toxic masculinity in adulthood, which more often than not, the opposite gender becomes the victim of!
There are innumerable stigmas attached to men’s mental health that even if they come out and share what they feel emotional, they would be called weak, judged and ridiculed! No particular day will be enough to address these problems I believe, that instead of making mental health specific to any gender, we have to consider mental health issues as a humanitarian problem.
Let’s have a look at 3 simple ways that we all can adopt at an individual level to bring about positive change in the lives of men.
1. Acknowledge
Acknowledging our lows does not make us weak! Addressing our mental health issues and seeking help for the same, is not a weakness, rather it is a path that leads to personal growth. Recognizing our issues and then working on them is an example of strength! There can be no discussion of physical well being if mental health is ignored!
2. Accept
The more we are accepting of our emotions, the lighter and happier we will feel every day! As rightly said by someone, when we open up about our emotions, life becomes easier to live and much more enjoyable.
3. Address
Being a part of a potentially healthier society, we as individuals can also contribute towards spreading awareness about the mental health issues faced by men. Many times a person does not want validation, but a safe and secure space to feel heard. While listening to others without judging and advising them can bring about so much mental peace in their lives.
Although we belong to a society where so many days are celebrated for different occasions, I feel that mental health is, and must remain as a gender-neutral theme and topic. Furthermore, every day should be celebrated and all issues should be addressed on humanitarian grounds, irrespective of gender. Being responsible citizens, we all should be less judgemental and more accepting of others!
About the Author
Monika Phore is Volunteer Coordinator for Squad For Change (SFC) at Wishes and Blessings. She has done her Masters in Political Science from Delhi University and Post Graduation Diploma in Human Rights from the Indian Institute of Human Rights, respectively. She is currently pursuing a Counseling Course from St. Xavier’s, Mumbai. Monika is passionate about bringing positive change to society at large. She firmly believes that change comes from within!