Men's Mental Health Day – Men Do Have Emotions

Mard Ko kabhie dard nahi hotha hai  - Have you heard of the above cliché? Is there any truth about this or is it just a thing of the past? Let’s discover more about this species called “Mard” or the “ HE-Man”.

Surveys from around the world find that males everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to die by suicide than females. Here’s why this may happen — and how some healthcare professionals and researchers are trying to address it.

The concept of seeking help for mental issues is not very common among men, this seems to be the study across the globe.  

The old tradition dates back to when Men were considered, strong, macho, the breadwinner, the protector, the caretaker, fighter, and so on. This image kept growing and it was never considered that men could ever be emotional and go through pain.

The societal stigma continued to build this image of the “Men” as masculine figures not indulging in such trivial issues as being emotional or going through some mental health issues. It was considered brave not to fall into such traps of emotions.  

Daily, many males find themselves grappling with prescriptive, antiquated ideas about gender — and this struggle can contribute to their mental health issues.

Why do men hesitate?

According to Mental Health America, this is due to:

• social “norms”
• a reluctance to talk
• downplaying their symptoms

A National Health Interview Survey reports that just 1 in 3 men took medication for daily feelings of depression or anxiety, while just 1 in 4 spoke to a mental health professional.

What are some warning signs of the Mental Health to look out for:

• aggressiveness, anger, and irritability
• changes in mood or energy levels
• changes in appetite or sleeping habits
• difficulty focusing
• feeling restless or “on edge”
• a high consumption of alcohol
• inappropriate use of drugs
• participating in risky activities
• feeling sad, hopeless, numb, or emotionally “flat”
• having aches, pains, or other physical symptoms without a clear cause
• obsessive or compulsive thoughts or behaviors
• thinking or acting in a way that causes concern to others or hurts work, social, or family life
• thinking about or attempting suicide

Who is generally at risk?

• Men who have experienced trauma
• Unemployment issues
• Men affected by severe demographic conditions
• Men going through Relationship issues

How can we encourage men to seek help?

• Encourage them to eat well, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly.
• Spend time with them and talk about how they feel.
• Encourage them to do activities they enjoy and take time to relax, but don't use alcohol to relax.
• Encourage them to talk to their doctor.
• Encourage them to set themselves realistic goals.
• Encourage them to seek out emotional support from a partner or family or friends.
• Avoid labeling them.
• Be patient and don't crowd them.
• Strategize finding support.
• Contact your counsellor or therapist today.

Conclusion:

Irrespective of who you may be, which gender you belong to, Just remember that Mental health is a basic right and choice that every person should have. Help us help you transform happily!