Men's Mental Health Month: Raising Awareness
Men's Mental Health Month challenges societal norms, urging dialogue and support for men's mental well-being struggles, aiming to dismantle stigmas and foster understanding. It emphasizes the importance of awareness and empathy, particularly as men historically hesitate to seek help.
Men's Mental Health Month doesn't merely mark a date; it actively addresses the alarming statistics highlighting their mental well-being issues. Men are often taught to bottle up their emotions, leading to detrimental effects on their mental health. This month encourages men to speak openly about their struggles, seek support, and understand that strength comes from vulnerability.
What is Mental Health Month?
Mental Health Month in May globally raises awareness, fights stigmas, and promotes support for those with mental health issues. It emphasizes open dialogue, education, and policy advocacy, underscoring the significance of mental well-being.
When is Men's Mental Health Month?
People observe Men's Mental Health Month in June. This period is designated to highlight and address the specific mental health challenges and issues faced by men, aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open discussions about thier mental health.
Why Men's Mental Health is Often Overlooked?
Seven thought leaders highlight the pivotal reasons why men's mental health is often overlooked.
- Stigma Discourages Men's Mental Health Care
- Cultural Expectations Silence Men
- Resource Scarcity
- Societal Norms Deter Men's Health Discussions
- Culture of Silence Around Male Vulnerability
- Emotional Independence Expectation Overlooks Men's Health
- Lack of Education Hinder Men
Stigma Discourages Men's Mental Health Care:
According to Niloufar Esmaeilpour from Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre; Their mental health often goes overlooked due to a blend of stigma, societal stereotypes equating vulnerability with weakness, and the socialization of boys to be emotionally stoic and self-reliant.
"This leads to a significant underreporting and underdiagnosis of mental well-being issues among men, further compounded by a lack of awareness and men's reluctance to seek help."
Cultural and societal expectations discourage men from expressing emotions or admitting vulnerability, reinforcing a silence around mental well-being discussions. Economic pressures and the traditional expectation for men to be primary breadwinners, alongside social isolation due to weaker support networks, exacerbate these challenges.
Cultural Expectations Silence Men:
Psychology Consultant Bayu Prihandito says;
Societally, men are expected to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant, making it challenging for them to express vulnerability or admit they need support.
Culturally, discussing mental health issues may be seen as a sign of weakness, further discouraging them from speaking up. Stigma around mental well-being worsens men's reluctance to acknowledge struggles and seek help.
Societal Stigma and Resource Scarcity
Senior Editor, Gabrielle Yap from Carnivore Style brings up the point that; Societal stigma and pressure for men to be stoic worsen overlooking their mental health. This pressure discourages men from sharing their struggles, exacerbating the issue.
Additionally, the lack of mental health resources specifically designed for men contributes to a sense of exclusion, making it harder for them to seek help.
Overcoming these challenges requires breaking down these barriers and fostering open, inclusive discussions on their mental health.
Societal Norms Deter Men's Health Discussions
Deeply ingrained societal norms, particularly the expectation for men to embody the role of a stoic caregiver, trace back to the oversight of men's mental health. In my own experience, navigating the pressures of running an outdoor gym equipment business while juggling family responsibilities, Lucas Riphagen Co-owner of TriActiveUSA says
"I've felt the weight of this stigma firsthand". There's a silent rule that as a man, you must 'tough it out' or risk appearing weak. This often discourages many from seeking help, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. Only when my friend opened up about his struggles and the benefits of therapy did I fully grasp the importance of confronting mental health issues, regardless of societal pressures.
Culture of Silence Around Male Vulnerability
According to Dr. Mark Farrell (FIA); Societal norms discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help for mental health issues, fueling an epidemic of overlooked men's well-being. This perpetuates stigma prevents individuals from seeking necessary support, leaving mental health concerns untreated.
Emotional Independence Expectation Overlooks Men's Health
According to Clare Gilbey, founder of Chakra Practice; One key reason men's mental health frequently goes unnoticed is the societal expectation for emotional independence. This belief that men should be self-reliant and not show vulnerability often stifles their willingness to seek help or even acknowledge their struggles.
"A close friend silently battled depression for years, fearing it would undermine his masculinity. He finally confided in me after reaching a breaking point, revealing the depth of these ingrained expectations. This conversation was a turning point, highlighting the critical need to challenge and change these harmful norms."
Stigma and Lack of Education Hinder Men
Nurse Practitioner and founder of Curednation, Trent Carter would say that some of the reasons why men's mental health is often overlooked are as follows:
- The stigma and stereotypes associated with mental illness and masculinity. Men may feel ashamed or weak admitting mental health issues, fearing judgment and societal norms dictating emotional control and independence deter them from seeking help or expressing feelings.
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The lack of awareness and education about men's mental health issues. Many men may not recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, or may not know how to cope with them or where to find help. They may also face barriers to accessing mental health services, such as long waiting lists, high costs, or limited availability. Some healthcare providers may dismiss, minimize, or misdiagnose men's mental health problems, adding to their challenges.
- The influence of culture and environment on men's mental health. Men from different backgrounds and contexts may face different challenges and risks to their well-being, such as racism, poverty, violence, trauma, or isolation. They may also have different beliefs and values about mental health, and different preferences and needs for treatment and support.
Men's Mental Health Month is a critical initiative that shines a light on the often-overlooked issue of their well-being. By promoting awareness, encouraging open conversations, and breaking down stigmas, we can create a more supportive and understanding society. Let's use this month to remind the men in our lives that their well-being matters and that it's okay to ask for help. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of men struggling in silence.
