Why men’s mental health matters

Men’s mental health tends to go unrecognised for a variety of reasons. Men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women, a fact which accounts for nearly 80% of suicides in many countries. Making matters worse, they are also more likely to underreport symptoms of mental illness, with only about a third of men who need treatment actually seeking help.

Obviously, the complexity of this topic means that there are various factors at play. While definitely not always the case, many men are socialised (even if on an unconscious level) to prioritise strength, independence, and emotional control. Inherently, all three are evident virtues that we’d all like to think we possess. However, the issue arises when they become a façade or when the desire to possess these traits comes from a feeling of failure to live up to the standards of what is “expected of a man”.

It can feel like a trap. You go in with the aim of being strong and independent, but the attachment to these labels ends up making you feel weak and reliant. Men then feel unable to seek help and start to see it as a sign of weakness.

In this article, we will explore the difference between healthy masculinity and toxic or “hyper” masculinity and how false ideals can plague men, ultimately keeping them from seeking help.

The importance of addressing men’s mental health

Especially for those under the age of 50, suicide ranks among the top causes of death for men. Any reluctance to disclose emotional distress simply leads to mental health issues being untreated. This has a long-term effect on family structures, workplaces and communities.

Due to an often underlying societal pressure to appear strong and resilient, it’s very easy for men to internalise painful emotions such as stress and sadness. Avoiding vulnerability is usually a very natural thing to do in circumstances where you feel you may be socially penalised for sharing how you feel.

If not balanced and taken care of though, the weight of repression can grow astronomically. It can ultimately lead to harmful coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, which has been shown to correlate with depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. It can also lead to the obsessive attachment to validation-seeking behaviours in order to reinforce feelings of strength or power, which can lead to behavioural addictions like sex and pornography. These in turn may further damage relationships and lead to more toxicity.

Healthy vs. toxic masculinity

It should not be taken for granted that–just like healthy femininity–healthy and balanced masculinity is a beautiful thing. The instinct to provide, protect and take leadership positions are not inherently negative traits (this is not to suggest that females cannot adopt masculine qualities).

What makes masculinity or femininity negative is not the characteristics themselves but rather what happens when these gender roles become a vehicle to prove your worth according to what you think it means to be a “man” or a “woman” rather than just being true to your own unique, idiosyncratic self.

An example of toxic masculinity on a more casual, day-to-day basis would be the inability to express an interest in a hobby or activity that might be seen as “feminine” due to the fear of being seen as less “manly”. In other words, the toxicity arises from fear of appearances, as opposed to simply taking ownership of whatever you find yourself interested in.

This failure to accept reality actually ends up having the reverse effect to the intended one, and results in “toxic” behaviour.

Consequences of failing to address mental health issues and speaking up

Chronic mental health issues in men don’t just end with the mental. They can lead to severe physical health consequences, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Other chronic conditions

Untreated mental health conditions usually increase chronic stress levels, which weaken immune responses and increase inflammation throughout the body. As mental health deteriorates, the compounding effects on physical health ultimately result in men being more vulnerable to long-term illness and decreased life expectancy.

When it comes to “breaking barriers” for men’s mental health care, the discussion is very nuanced. When considering the idea of “speaking up” and “finding a safe environment” to do so, there are many instances where a man may be suffering, but simply talking about it or “feeling safe” may not be the solution to the problem in question.

For example, perhaps a man feels unconfident or uncomfortable in situations where he needs to interact with the opposite sex and this affects his self-esteem. While it’s true that “speaking about” the issue, or “feeling safe and comfortable” can certainly help, the man in question may feel as if discussing the issue or “feeling safe” makes him feel more self-conscious and retracted from reality. These are valid feelings.

On the other hand, when there is an issue such as underlying anger or sexual aggression that affects those around the given individual, speaking up becomes vital. This is because the answer for these repressed, intense emotions that can feel uncontrollable aren’t necessarily uncovered by simply “taking action” or “getting a grip and moving forward”. Sometimes, talking is necessary. Sometimes, talking is the answer. But sometimes, it isn’t.

If you’re unsure, it’s nevertheless important to discuss your concerns with a mental health professional such as those provided by UKAT, so you can come to a better understanding of your own needs.

Unique challenges faced by men

Traditional masculinity may not necessarily promote emotional suppression, but it usually results in it. From a young age, many men feel pressure to be the provider, to be strong, self-reliant and powerful. If the motivations behind these desires are the result of fear or vapidity, the result will be emotional suffering and an inability to express vulnerability or emotional distress. This is a phenomenon that we might call the “man up” mentality. It can discourage men from actually discussing mental health struggles when it is necessary to do so. It may even lead to feelings of shame and anxiety.

Additionally, social isolation and loneliness are challenges that disproportionately impact men. Research shows that stigma around vulnerability discourages men from building supportive networks or sharing personal struggles with friends or family.

Men are also less likely to engage in emotional conversations with other men or activities that cultivate close friendships, often leaving them without a support system when they face life’s challenges.

Cultural expectations that men should be the primary earners or career-oriented further exacerbate stress and anxiety. Men are often expected to achieve financial stability and professional success, which can lead to immense pressure in the workplace and a fear of failure. This burden of responsibility, particularly during economic downturns or periods of personal financial struggle, can create chronic stress and anxiety, potentially leading to burnout or mental health deterioration.

Many men feel that asking for help may jeopardise their image of strength or competence at work, leading them to manage stress alone. In some cases, job loss or financial hardship can be particularly damaging to men’s self-worth, amplifying risks for mental health issues and decreasing their likelihood of seeking help.

Social factors

The influence and rigidity of hyperbolised traditional masculinity can lead to quite severe internalised self-critique and shame. Psychreg and University Hospitals emphasise that ideals like stoicism and independence–while being inherently positive qualities–can (when not managed properly) not only limit men’s emotional expression but also encourage them to manage problems alone. In many cases, men may feel a sense of guilt or inadequacy if they struggle to meet these ideals, which, as we discussed, defeats the purpose of the ideals in the first place.

Media representations play a part in all of this, too. In the mainstream media, men may view traditional icons of stoic masculinity as individuals who avoid discussing personal struggles, reinforcing the false idea that vulnerability is incompatible with masculinity. However, this is often just a matter of oversight. Characters such as Batman and James Bond (particularly in more recent reincarnations) are presented as highly complex human characters whose vulnerabilities are an inherent and powerful part of their personalities. Their ability to share these vulnerabilities is not a weakness but a testament to their courage and strength.

Emerging portrayals that depict men openly grappling with mental health challenges, such as in movies or TV shows where male characters seek therapy (i.e The Sopranos) or discuss emotions, are helping to create a cultural world that allows for the complexity of human life.

Positive media portrayals can have a profound influence on men’s willingness to seek help by normalising vulnerability and validating diverse experiences of masculinity.

Pathways to support and change

Creating pathways to support men’s mental health requires dismantling stigma, providing accessible resources, and creating understanding through education and advocacy. Here are key actionable steps:

1. Safe spaces

A “safe space” is not necessarily linked to comfort or security. It can refer to an environment in which men are able to share how they feel, but also one where they might learn more about why this “sharing” actually helps. This might mean access to other male therapists who have gone through similar problems, who they feel they can relate to, and from whom they feel more inclined to learn about the benefits of vulnerability and openness.

2. Mental health in routine healthcare

Integrating mental health screenings into routine healthcare checkups can help with early identification and treatment of mental health conditions. Routine mental health assessments allow healthcare providers to identify potential concerns before they escalate, especially for men who might otherwise avoid discussing mental health issues. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that incorporating these assessments into general health visits reduces stigma by normalising mental health care as a standard part of overall wellness. Early intervention through routine screenings can prevent the escalation of untreated mental health conditions, leading to better health outcomes.

3. Education and advocacy

Encouraging men to participate in mental health advocacy can help break down stereotypes and increase awareness. Educational initiatives, such as workshops, public talks, and social media campaigns, can empower men to understand and discuss mental health issues openly. By sharing personal stories and advocating for mental health awareness, men can contribute to a shift in societal perceptions around masculinity and vulnerability. Psychreg highlights that when men advocate for mental health, it not only benefits them personally but also helps to normalise these discussions in broader communities.

Conclusion

Addressing men’s mental health challenges is essential for creating a society where everyone can thrive. Systemic and individual-level changes, including reducing stigma, integrating mental health into routine care, and encouraging open dialogue, can create a more inclusive approach to mental wellness. By challenging outdated stereotypes around masculinity and advocating for mental health resources, we can support men in expressing vulnerability and seeking help when needed.

If you feel that you are struggling, and that you don’t know what the right answer is, reach out to UKAT today. We understand the difficulties men face, and how the solutions to these problems are extremely nuanced. There is no judgement here, only guidance and support.