Men are often perceived as strong, unyielding, and emotionally invincible – steel outside. However, beneath this facade of strength and resilience often lies a storm of emotions that is seldom acknowledged or addressed – the emotional side of men’s health.
Society has long imposed the stereotype that men should be tough, stoic and emotionally resilient. Men are expected to ‘man up’, suppress their feelings and deal with their problems independently. This societal expectation creates an environment where men feel compelled to hide their true feelings, leading to a silent epidemic of mental health issues among them.
The truth is, men experience a wide range of emotions just like women do. They feel sadness, anxiety, fear and depression. But due to societal expectations and pressure to conform to traditional masculinity norms, they are less likely than women to seek help for their emotional problems. The result is an internal storm raging within them while they maintain a calm exterior.
This dichotomy between the external image of strength and internal emotional turmoil can have severe consequences on men’s overall health. Studies show that untreated emotional distress in men can lead to physical ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure or even stroke. Moreover it contributes significantly towards poor mental health leading potentially towards substance abuse or suicide.
The stigma associated with expressing vulnerability prevents many men from seeking professional help when they need it most. It’s not uncommon for men struggling with depression or anxiety disorders to turn instead towards unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs which only exacerbate the problem further.
It’s crucial for society at large – families, friends – everyone who interacts with boys and young males – to change the narrative around male emotionality; teaching them from early ages that it’s okay not just okay but healthy too express how they truly feel without fear of judgement or ridicule.
One way we can start changing these harmful narratives is by promoting open conversations about emotions among boys and young males; encouraging them to express themselves freely and seek help when needed. Schools can play a pivotal role in this by incorporating emotional intelligence into their curriculum, teaching boys that it’s okay to cry, to feel sad or scared.
In addition, we need to create safe spaces where men can express their emotions without fear of judgement or ridicule. This could be through support groups, therapy sessions or even online platforms dedicated to men’s mental health.
It’s high time we acknowledge the storm inside every man and provide them with the resources and support they need to navigate it. Men are not made of steel; they are human beings with a full spectrum of emotions. Recognizing and addressing the emotional side of men’s health is not just important – it’s essential for their wellbeing and survival.