Breaking the silence: why men’s mental health matters

Men’s mental health is often overlooked, but it’s a key part of our collective wellbeing.

In this blog, Healthy Minds apprentice Usman draws from his own experiences to break down common misconceptions, examine the impact of societal expectations on men and boys, and highlight the importance of creating supportive spaces where all individuals feel safe to speak openly. We’ll look at how everyone can help shift the narrative. Whether through a simple check-in or understanding the unique struggles men face, each of us has a role in encouraging open conversations and making a meaningful difference.

We all have different beliefs and experiences, and these shape how we view mental health. In this blog, I want to explore men’s mental health from both a personal and traditional perspective. My hope is that people of all backgrounds will come together to create a world where men and boys can open up about their experiences without fear of judgment. To make this a reality, we need to change the way we talk about mental health.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of background. No group is entirely immune from facing these difficulties, including men and boys. It’s a myth that men are somehow protected from mental health struggles. The idea that men should always be tough, strong, and unafraid stems from outdated concepts like ‘toxic masculinity’. These expectations can actually harm men by forcing them into narrow roles that don’t allow them to express their true selves.

Expecting men to fit into rigid ideas of what they “should be” isn’t just outdated; it’s unnatural. Every human has a blend of qualities that make them unique, and none of us fit perfectly into “masculine” or “feminine” categories. As humans, we’re naturally a mix of traits, and that’s what makes us who we are. No man is ‘100% masculine’ and no woman is ‘100% feminine’. These ideas are created by society and we all have the power to accept or reject them.

These pressures on men to be a certain way can affect their sense of belonging and, ultimately, their mental health.

Men are more likely to be victims of crime and violence, something that surprised me when I first learned it during my A levels. This fact rarely appears in the media, and when it does, male victims are often treated differently.

I remember seeing a television show where a male victim of domestic abuse was laughed at by the audience after sharing that his partner had locked him outside on the balcony all night during winter. Only when questioned by the audience did they realise the inappropriateness of their reaction. He asked if they would have laughed had the victim been a woman and their response changed instantly.

That moment struck me. While the host did well to call out the audience’s behaviour, it was a shame that he had to use a comparison to a female experience to highlight the harm. We shouldn’t need to imagine men’s experiences through a female lens for them to be taken seriously. This reaction shows how society often fails to acknowledge male victims and their needs.

This is just one example, but it points to a larger issue: the ways men are portrayed in media and public life. Men who speak up about their mental health challenges are often met with ridicule or disbelief. This kind of response can lead men to hide their experiences, making it harder to reach out for help. And when reaching out is already difficult, particularly for those used to hiding their emotions, these reactions only add another barrier.

Taking time to understand your mental health is crucial. This process helps you build self-awareness and get in tune with your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Self-awareness allows us to understand our emotions better and respond to them in a healthy way.

Creating real change in mental health requires everyone work together. Each of us can play a role in changing attitudes toward mental health, starting with simple actions like checking in on those around us. Ask your dad, brother, partner, son, friends, and co-workers how they’re doing – sometimes, a small gesture can go a long way in showing support.

Opening up to those close to you may feel challenging, but there are services designed specifically to help men, like Andy’s Man Club or using the Support finder, which offers tailored support.

Finally, to any man or boy experiencing mental health challenges, remember: needing support does not mean you are weak. Reaching out for help shows strength, and taking care of your mental health is essential for a fulfilling life.

Together, let’s change the narrative – one conversation at a time.

Posted on: 25th November 2024