Men's Mental Health Breaking Barriers to Seek Help

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing, yet it remains a topic shrouded in stigma, especially among men.

- Dr. Jyoti Kapoor

Despite growing awareness, men often face unique challenges when it comes to acknowledging their mental health struggles and seeking help. The societal expectations of masculinity—stoicism, emotional restraint, and self-reliance—can create a silent crisis that goes unnoticed until it manifests in severe ways.

The Silent Struggle

Statistics reveal a troubling reality: men are significantly less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, men are more likely to die by suicide, and depression often goes undiagnosed in men due to differences in how symptoms present. While women may experience and express emotional distress through sadness and anxiety, men might display symptoms through irritability, anger, or risky behaviours. This difference in symptom expression often leads to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis, leaving many men to suffer in silence. The reluctance to seek help is not just about personal pride; it's rooted in deep-seated cultural norms that equate vulnerability with weakness.

Breaking the Stigma