Thorns Unveiled: Navigating the Link Between Societal Norms and Men’s Mental Well-Being
Silence has long been a companion to men’s mental health struggles, acting as a thorny barrier to understanding, healing, and support. Men confront distinct problems when it comes to their mental well-being in a world that often correlates masculinity with strength and emotional resilience (Dolev et al., 2021; McKenzie et al., 2018).
According to Affleck et al. (2018), the expectation to be stoic and unemotional can foster a culture of silence in which men find it difficult to express their innermost thoughts and feelings, increasing mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and isolation.
The combination of historical, sociological, and psychological factors that have shaped traditional masculinity and gender norms over time can be attributed to the culture of silence surrounding men’s mental well-being. For instance, boys are frequently taught from an early age to conceal emotions or vulnerability because it can be interpreted as a sign of weakness (Gilpin & Proulx, 2018).
As time goes by, men have internalized the idea that asking for help or displaying vulnerability is not masculine due to the conditioning and the expectation that they should be strong, stoic, and self-reliant (Dan Bates, n.d.). As a result, many men refrain from openly discussing their health problems and asking for assistance when necessary.
Mayer (2018) propounded that the fear of being judged, anticipated mockery, and perception of being less “macho” often drives men to internalize their problems, keeping their feelings hidden. As a result, they only seek treatment when matters become unmanageable (Murugesan, 2022).
The Hidden Toll
Seemingly, men are caught in a cycle of silence, wherein they appear to be discouraged from freely expressing their feelings, concerns, and anxieties. Besides, they are likely to be limited from openly expressing a wide range of emotions beyond anger or stoicism (Chaplin, 2014).
Thus, this “pressure to hide feelings” can make it difficult to form meaningful connections and cause internal turmoil, affecting men’s mental health.
Consequently, it could be argued that men who are under pressure to conform to ingrained gender stereotypes frequently feel alone because they are afraid of being judged or painted as weak when they admit their weaknesses or ask for help.
Aside from suppressed emotional reactions, men have a narrow concept of success. For example, in today’s society, there is a widespread belief that a man’s success is assessed by his financial achievements, often equating masculinity with wealth (MainStreet, 2015). As a result, men are usually subjected to societal pressure to earn a high wage as a sign of success or even status.
When financial goals fail to be achieved, this expectation frequently causes a sense of inadequacy and contributes to anxiety, stress, and despair.
Moreover, the unwavering chase of wealth may result in a disregard for personal well-being, strained relationships, and an unbalanced lifestyle.
Concurrently, negative social norms about masculinity have a significant impact on men’s mental health. For instance, toxic masculinity fosters detrimental expectations, which frequently inhibit emotional expression. Hence, this can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and damage relationships and personal identity.
Unravelling the Silence
Men who struggle with mental health issues frequently display communication styles that are significantly influenced by prevailing gender stereotypes and cultural expectations (Churgai, n.d.). Their capacity to adequately express their emotions and seek assistance may be hampered by these communication styles.
Whereas individuals with mental health concerns frequently repress their emotions and refrain from talking about their struggles to adhere to the idea that men should be emotionally tough and self-reliant because of cultural expectations that they should be (Alasco, 2022). Additionally, males hide or downplay their mental health issues using humor or dismissive words to preserve their perception of themselves as strong, capable people.
Aside from repressing their emotions, men often withdraw and isolate themselves as a coping tactic, which makes it challenging for them to express their emotional problems with others.
Men frequently concentrate on fixing practical problems rather than talking about their feelings because they believe that doing so is less beneficial. Due to these, men’s mental health difficulties might make it harder for them to seek help and speak openly about their struggles, which contributes to the culture of silence surrounding men’s health.
Redefining Masculinity
One critical part of destigmatizing help-seeking behaviors in men is by demonstrating that vulnerability is a manifestation of courage, strength, and emotional intelligence rather than a sign of weakness (Obuobi, 2023). Because of conventional gender roles and societal expectations, society has frequently equated vulnerability with weakness. Men, in particular, have been socialized to feel that expressing their emotions or seeking help is a sign of weakness or a danger to their masculinity.
However, in reality, vulnerability is an essential component of being human since it forms meaningful connections with others and establishes personal development. Moreover, it is also worth noting that recognizing one’s limitations, admitting when assistance is required, and requesting assistance all need courage.
This claim is supported by Brendel (2014) who asserts that individuals can generate possibilities for personal growth and overcome obstacles more successfully by accepting vulnerability. Additionally, sharing one’s weaknesses enables people to show understanding and compassion, increasing one’s social support and sense of belonging.
It is also essential to acknowledge that a man’s success and worth should not be solely defined by his role as a provider. While traditional societal conventions often associate men with the responsibility of providing for the family, it is imperative to recognize that genuine success encompasses a broader spectrum of characteristics and achievements in a person’s life. Wherein personal fulfillment, emotional well-being, relationships, societal contributions, personal growth, and general life satisfaction are all ways to define and assess success.
Embracing Vulnerability, Shattering the Stigma
The stigma associated with men’s emotional expressions hampers the aspiration to establish an understanding and supportive society. The experienced culture of silence is influenced by societal ideals of masculinity, which promote emotional resilience and discourage vulnerability.
Empowering men to express themselves more requires a multifaceted approach. Launching campaigns and initiatives that de-stigmatize discussions about men’s mental health issues via social media platforms is one of the best ways to increase mental health awareness (Latha et al., 2020).
Through efforts like these, men will be more comfortable discussing their emotions in this situation since it will be more welcoming and open. Subsequently, a good example of this is the outcome of the HeadsUp Campaign, a social marketing initiative that aims to encourage middle-aged men in Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire to notice when they are feeling down and take appropriate action (Heads Up, n.d.).
In addition, we advocate for a more inclusive public health approach that caters to all individuals in need of mental health assistance, while also recognizing the particular needs of men. This includes facilitating easier access to mental health services tailored to their specific requirements, such as establishing counseling facilities, support groups, and mental health clinics within local communities, thereby offering crucial resources.
It is also critical to stress the importance of educating medical professionals, therapists, and counselors on gender-sensitive approaches to mental health, as this will help them recognize and manage the particular issues that men may experience.
We may also encourage emotional literacy in classrooms, businesses, and communities to encourage emotional expression from a young age. It will help break down barriers if boys are taught about emotional intelligence and given the tools to recognize and express their emotions.
It is also necessary to note the significant influence media representation has on societal norms. Challenge preconceptions and encourage men to embrace vulnerability by promoting good and diverse media portrayals of masculinity. We can open the door for men to feel empowered and encouraged to express themselves more freely by putting these practical ideas and activities into practice. This will improve their general emotional well-being and enhance both their lives and the lives of others around them.
The time has come to wield the thorn of vulnerability for change in the fight against the oppressive culture of silence surrounding men’s mental health. For far too long, men have been expected to embody stoicism and emotional unyieldingness, prompting them to internalize their troubles and conceal their genuine emotions from the world.
This silence has taken a tremendous toll on men, manifested in higher rates of depression, anxiety, and isolation (Cohut, 2022). However, the thorn of vulnerability, when embraced, can break through these barriers and redefine masculinity.
We can inspire men to break free from the silence and embrace their emotional well-being through campaigns, positive media representation, and easily accessible mental health treatments.
Let us work together to create a society in which the thorn of vulnerability is viewed as a symbol of strength, compassion, and authenticity, guiding men toward knowledge, healing, and assistance for their mental health challenges.
References:
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