“Man up”, “Real Men don’t cry”, “You’re overreacting” - something every man has heard before. These harmful words perpetuate and reinforce the toxic stereotype that men should be independent and shouldn’t speak about mental health. These expectations often lead to men internalising their struggles, fearing being judged over expressing their vulnerability.
“Man up”, “Real Men don’t cry”, “You’re overreacting” - something every man has heard before. These harmful words perpetuate and reinforce the toxic stereotype that men should be independent and shouldn’t speak about mental health. These expectations often lead to men internalising their struggles, fearing being judged over expresssing their vulnerability. Depression rates are 50% higher in women than men; however, suicide rates are approximately three times higher in men than in women and this is due to toxic masculinity.
The Impact of Masculinity Norms on Men’s Help-Seeking Behaviour for Mental Health:
The stigma towards expressing vulnerability has caused men to misrecognise depression. As a consequence, they may resort to alcohol and drug abuse, or overworking and using violence as a gateway, which aren’t healthy coping mechanisms. This is a repetitive cycle of bad mental health and unhealthy coping mechanisms, which means their mental health will keep on deteriorating until help is sought. This is when they are prompted by significant others, typically women.
Men from marginalised communities may avoid accessing therapy as it is perceived as culturally inappropriate. These traditional masculinity standards have caused men that are experiencing tough times such as bullying, unemployment and illness vulnerable to social withdrawal, loneliness, and distress.
Breaking the Stigma:
Redefining masculinity is the best way to break the stigma that comes with men’s mental health. It shouldn’t be considered a weakness to speak about mental struggles, in fact it is courageous. Seeking help is a strength, as it is not only asking for support, but it is challenging societal norms, redefining masculinity and breaking the stigma.
It isn’t easy to speak up, but when you do, you show others that they’re not alone. You show yourself that you're not alone. We are all humans after all, and being a man is about redefining these social norms.
The Movember Campaign is a great example of breaking the stigma and challenging those standards. It sparks a conversation about Men’s mental health and raises awareness about it.
How to Start the Conversation:
Start by being open and honest - if you’re comfortable, share your own experiences. People find it easier to open up to someone after hearing their struggles.
Use an informal approach - grab a coffee, go for a walk, or even a picnic.
Avoid using clinical terms, as they’re more likely to stereotype mental health - folk psychology can be misleading and stigmatising as it misinterprets research and professional advice.
Listen actively, avoid interrupting. You need to acknowledge that opening up is a huge step. People tend to talk more if you give them the space to do so.
Lastly, if needed, gently suggest seeking help from a therapist or a counsellor.
REMEMBER: your mental health is important! If you need any further support, please email wellbeing at - they are always there to support you.
