"Be a Man" Is Not the Answer

Mark Mwandoro
Marketing Director
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Supporting men's mental health in a fast-paced world requires breaking down barriers and raising awareness. Traditional ideals of masculinity often discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking help for mental health issues, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression (Dutta, Impact of Masculinity on Men's Health). Societal norms can hinder emotional bonding and create social isolation, while pressures to prioritize careers and financial success can cause work-related stress and internal conflicts. To create a happier and healthier world, we must recognize the importance of men's mental health, be understanding, and provide easy-to-access help, fostering an inclusive environment where men can freely express their feelings and receive the support they need.

Stigma and shame significantly impact men's mental health due to societal expectations around masculinity. Traditional notions of manhood discourage emotional expression, leading to underreporting and a lack of support for mental health issues (McCrackin, Men and Mental Health Stigma). The shame of appearing weak further isolates men, making them less likely to seek help, resulting in higher levels of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. Men and women cope differently with stress and emotions; women tend to be more expressive and seek support, while men may rely on problem-solving approaches and may resort to substance use or avoidance to cope (Janney, Gender Difference When Coping With Depression).

Biological differences between men and women can impact their mental health in various ways. Hormonal fluctuations in women during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect mood and contribute to conditions like PMS and perinatal mood disorders. Men generally have more stable hormonal patterns, but testosterone levels can influence emotional and behavioral patterns, with low levels potentially linked to depression and emotional regulation issues. Additionally, brain structure differences might contribute to variations in how men and women experience and express emotions (Verma et al. Gender differences in stress response: Role of developmental and biological determinants).

However, mental health outcomes are not solely determined by these biological distinctions. Mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. While gender-related trends may exist, it's essential to avoid generalizations and recognize that mental health challenges can affect individuals of all genders. A comprehensive understanding of mental health should consider biological, psychological, and social elements to ensure appropriate and inclusive support for everyone's mental well-being.

Promoting men's mental health awareness involves comprehensive strategies to emphasize emotional well-being and destigmatize seeking help. This includes public awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs challenging traditional masculinity norms to encourage open conversations about mental health ("The Importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness | HPU Online"). Media platforms can feature diverse male role models sharing their mental health journeys, fostering relatability and empathy. Influential figures, community leaders, and healthcare professionals can spread the message that seeking support is a sign of strength, empowering men to prioritize their mental well-being.

Encouraging emotional expression is crucial. Normalizing emotions and challenging stereotypes that discourage vulnerability will create a supportive environment. Education on emotional intelligence in schools and workplaces equips men with healthy coping skills. Support groups and self-compassion promote emotional sharing and understanding. Creative outlets like art, writing, or music offer alternative means for emotional expression.

Reducing stigma is crucial in promoting men's mental health and encouraging help-seeking. Public awareness campaigns, education, and media representation can normalize discussions about men's mental health struggles and positive outcomes from seeking support. Involving influential figures and community leaders reinforces the message that seeking help is a sign of strength ("The Importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness | HPU Online"). Tailoring mental health support to resonate with men's preferences and communication styles is essential. Creating male-friendly spaces and training healthcare providers can improve engagement and care for men's mental well-being (Sagar-Ouriaghli et al.).

Engaging men in mental health advocacy challenges harmful gender norms and breaks down barriers to seeking help. Empowering men as advocates fosters a more supportive environment, embracing emotional vulnerability as a sign of strength ("Putting the 'Men' in MENtal Health: The WISE Initiative for Stigma Elimination").

In conclusion, breaking stigma, encouraging open discussions, and providing accessible help are essential to supporting men's mental health and promoting overall well-being for all genders. Together, we can create a kinder, more empathetic future.

References

• Dutta, Dr. Sanchari Sinha “Impact of Masculinity on Men’s Health.” News, 28, 2022, www.news-medical.net/health/Impact-of-Masculinity-on-Mens-Health.aspx  #::text=Men%20who%20are%20severely%20affected,harassment%2C%20and%20violence%20against%20women.
• McCrackin, Carmen. “Men and Mental Health Stigma.” Addiction Center, 31 Oct. 2022, www.addictioncenter.com/community/men-mental-health-stigma/#::text=Stigma% 20not%20only%20bars%20men,professional%20stigma%2C%20and%20cultural%20stigma. 
• Janney, Jerica. “Gender Difference When Coping With Depression.” Gender Differences When Coping with Depression, 30 Nov. 2017, https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncp/f/Jerica%20Janney%20Senior%20Project.pdf. Accessed 2023. 
• Verma, Rohit, et al. “Gender Differences in Stress Response: Role of Developmental and Biological Determinants.” Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425245/.
• Nolen-Hoeksema, Susan. “Gender Differences in Depression.” Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 10, no. 5, 2001, pp. 173–76. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20182732. Accessed 25 July 2023.
• “The Importance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness | HPU Online.” Hawaiʻi Pacific University Online, 7 Apr. 2023, online.hpu.edu/blog/the-importance-of-mens-mental-health-awareness/#:~:text=At%20every%20level%20of%20society,address%20their%20mental%20health%20issues.
• “How Mental Health Stigma Affects Men.” How Mental Health Stigma Affects Men, www.healthline.com/health-news/how-can-we-reduce-mens-mental-health-stigma.
• Sagar-Ouriaghli, Ilyas, et al. “Improving Mental Health Service Utilization Among Men: A SystematicReview and Synthesis of Behavior Change Techniques Within InterventionsTargeting Help-Seeking.” PubMed Central (PMC), 11 June 2019, https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319857009.
• “Putting the ‘Men’ in MENtal Health – WISE Initiative for Stigma Elimination.” Putting the “Men” in MENtal Health – WISE Initiative for Stigma Elimination, eliminatestigma.org/programs-putting-the-men-in-mental-health.