Challenging the ‘Tough Guy’ image: Encouraging men to seek mental health support
Suicide continues to be a pressing public health concern, with millions of lives lost each year. By promoting awareness, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help. Understanding the factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors such as mental illness, trauma, and social isolation is crucial for effective prevention.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10th September each year, a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of mental health.The occasion serves as a reminder that suicide is a global issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or social background. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with a call to action: “Start the Conversation.
Challenging ‘Tough Guy’ image
Surveys from around the world reveal that males everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to die by suicide than females. This disparity may partly stem from men’s greater reluctance to seek mental health treatment and the internalized expectations surrounding “masculine behavior.
Boys are often socialized to conform to traditional masculinity, which discourage the expression of vulnerability or perceived weakness. The stoic image of the tough guy can create an obstacle for men in acknowledging and accepting their mental health problems. As a result, the need to conform to unrealistic expectations can lead to internalization of shame and create obstacles in help seeking.
On a daily basis, men find themselves grappling with prescriptive, antiquated ideas about gender & their resultant struggle contributes to mental health suffering. Men face unique challenges, including career-related stress, relationship pressures, and at times unrealistic expectations regarding success and emotional expression. This explains why so many men have difficulty in admitting that they need mental health support. Men with depression may exhibit higher levels of anger, aggression, and irritability, or showcase their distress in other “culturally acceptable” ways. Men may be more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms. Men who experience depression may self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. However, this can worsen their problems and increase the risk of developing other health conditions.
A leading scientific journal in 2022, published a review of studies dealing with the societal stigma surrounding mental illness. The study revealed that men who internalized this stigma were less likely to seek help for psychological issues and more likely to encounter challenges, increasing their risk of severe mental illness.
Despite the alarming prevalence of mental health issues in men, stigma remains a pervasive force, discouraging open discussion and psychological help-seeking. The fear of being judged by others, societal misconceptions, and the perceived threat to their manhood often deprive deserving individuals from discussing their psychological health openly.
The challenge to encourage men to seek psychological support
The ‘call to action’ aims at encouraging everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how brief, plays a role in fostering a supportive and understanding society. By starting these essential discussions, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and build stronger support systems.
Help-seeking behaviors are essential to destigmatize men’s negative stereotypes. This can be achieved by educational initiatives, workplace and community outreach programmes. Our ultimate goal will be to foster awareness and encourage men to seek psychological help when required. Mental health concerns can be addressed by counseling sessions, supportive psychotherapy, and various support groups, providing a safe space for men.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10th September each year, a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of mental health.The occasion serves as a reminder that suicide is a global issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or social background. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with a call to action: “Start the Conversation.
Challenging ‘Tough Guy’ image
Surveys from around the world reveal that males everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to die by suicide than females. This disparity may partly stem from men’s greater reluctance to seek mental health treatment and the internalized expectations surrounding “masculine behavior.
Boys are often socialized to conform to traditional masculinity, which discourage the expression of vulnerability or perceived weakness. The stoic image of the tough guy can create an obstacle for men in acknowledging and accepting their mental health problems. As a result, the need to conform to unrealistic expectations can lead to internalization of shame and create obstacles in help seeking.
On a daily basis, men find themselves grappling with prescriptive, antiquated ideas about gender & their resultant struggle contributes to mental health suffering. Men face unique challenges, including career-related stress, relationship pressures, and at times unrealistic expectations regarding success and emotional expression. This explains why so many men have difficulty in admitting that they need mental health support. Men with depression may exhibit higher levels of anger, aggression, and irritability, or showcase their distress in other “culturally acceptable” ways. Men may be more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms. Men who experience depression may self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. However, this can worsen their problems and increase the risk of developing other health conditions.
A leading scientific journal in 2022, published a review of studies dealing with the societal stigma surrounding mental illness. The study revealed that men who internalized this stigma were less likely to seek help for psychological issues and more likely to encounter challenges, increasing their risk of severe mental illness.
Despite the alarming prevalence of mental health issues in men, stigma remains a pervasive force, discouraging open discussion and psychological help-seeking. The fear of being judged by others, societal misconceptions, and the perceived threat to their manhood often deprive deserving individuals from discussing their psychological health openly.
The challenge to encourage men to seek psychological support
The ‘call to action’ aims at encouraging everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how brief, plays a role in fostering a supportive and understanding society. By starting these essential discussions, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and build stronger support systems.
Help-seeking behaviors are essential to destigmatize men’s negative stereotypes. This can be achieved by educational initiatives, workplace and community outreach programmes. Our ultimate goal will be to foster awareness and encourage men to seek psychological help when required. Mental health concerns can be addressed by counseling sessions, supportive psychotherapy, and various support groups, providing a safe space for men.
Here’s what stress does to your health
To conclude, the entire spectrum of men’s psychological health is alarming by available statistics. It indicates their silent struggle, demanding attention and understanding. By their acknowledging the commonality of mental health challenges, eliminating stigma, and encouraging open discussion, we can definitely pave the way for a society that supports men in prioritizing their psychological well-being. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a brave step toward achieving well-being.
Thorough understanding, the environment of empathy, and targeted interventions, can create a culture where ‘tough guys’ feel empowered to address their psychological health without judgment or shame.
(Author: Dr (Prof) Neatu Narang, Senior Consultant, Psychiatry, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, Haryana)
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