How to Consider Men's Mental Health Problems?

Do you think men’s mental health issues matter? For many, for a long time, the answer seemed to be "no" especially in societies where cultural norms dictate that men should be strong, stoic, and self-reliant. However, over time, we’ve come to realise that mental health problems do not discriminate based on gender. Men face challenges, too that can impact their well-being. Today, I’d like to focus on men’s mental health. If you’re a man reading this, or if you care about a man’s mental health, this article may help shed light on important aspects of men's wellness and offer some steps towards better understanding and healing.

As someone who was working on improving youth mental health, I realised firsthand how much a safe calm family impacts one’s well-being. It’s especially true for parents; when parents struggle with their own mental health, it generally affects their children and family. Besides, emotional difficulties do not resolve on their own, and ignoring them can worsen the situation.

What Are Signs of Men's Mental Issues?

Understanding signs of mental problems is critical, especially because they often manifest differently in men. Research has shown that many physical ailments, such as heart disease and high blood pressure are often rooted in mental health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to recognise the emotional and psychological warning signs early on.

Common indicators of mental problems can be included:

Lack of Enjoyment: Losing interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, including your work.
Low Moods or Depression: Feeling consistently down or hopeless for an extended period of the time.
Anxiety: Experiencing persistent feelings of unease, worry, or fear.
Extreme Fatigue: Feeling physically drained or tired all the time, even after rest.
Sleep Problems: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Intense feelings of being "not good enough" or irrational guilt.
Changes in Appetite: Either overeating or losing interest in food.
Helplessness or Hopelessness: A general sense of not being able to control your situation or the future.

While these signs can affect anyone, men often experience mental health issues in silence. The pressure to “man up” and avoid showing vulnerability can make it harder for them to admit they’re struggling.

Which Problems Could Lead You to Mental Issues?

Mental problems can arise from various life circumstances. The most common triggers for men include relationship problems and issues related to employment or socioeconomic status.

1. Relationship Problems
A breakup, Domestic Violence, or breakdown of an important relationship can have a profound impact on a man’s mental health. When relationships end, feelings of loneliness, isolation, or rejection can intensify. Men may also experience a loss of identity, especially if the relationship was long-term or defined much of their social support system.
The emotional impact of a collapsed relationship can manifest as:
Low Mood and Depression: Feelings of sadness and hopelessness can dominate daily life.

Increased Risk of Suicide: Men who experience relationship breakdowns may engage in suicidal behavior due to the emotional isolation that follows.

Social Withdrawal: Difficulty reaching out to friends or family for support, leading to further isolation.

When a man feels like he has no one to talk to or no one understands him, his emotional burden can become overwhelming. Encouraging open communication and fostering a strong support network can be crucial in these situations.

2. Employment Status
Men often tie their identity and self-worth to their careers. Unemployment or low job status can cause significant emotional strain, as men may feel they are failing to live up to societal expectations of being the "provider." Financial stress, combined with feelings of inadequacy, can contribute to mental health struggles.

The detrimental effects of unemployment can include:
Feelings of Shame or Embarrassment: The societal stigma that men must be economically successful can make joblessness feel like a personal failure.
Depression and Anxiety: Unemployment can lead to a sense of hopelessness, as men struggle with the uncertainty of their future.
Substance Misuse: As a way of coping with stress, some men turn to alcohol or drugs, which can compound the problem and lead to additional mental and physical health issues.

Men who experience these challenges often avoid talking about their struggles, fearing judgment. Encouraging a shift in these beliefs where a man’s worth is not solely defined by his career can help alleviate some of the pressure.

Solutions: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Help

Here are a few steps that can help improve mental health:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step to overcoming emotional issues is to recognise that you have them. You have had stress and anxiety in your life. It’s okay to feel vulnerable and it’s okay to need help.

Seek Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to a therapist or counsellor. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness; it’s an important step towards healing. Besides, meditation has positive effects on healing.

Reach Out to Support Networks: It can be difficult, but talking to friends, family, or even a support group can help. Isolation makes mental problems worse, and a strong support network can provide valuable perspective and understanding.

Challenge the Myths Around Masculinity: Understanding that it’s okay to express emotions and seek help is essential. Society’s perception of men as emotionally invulnerable needs to be reshaped. By talking openly about mental health, men can help reduce the stigma and encourage others to seek support.

Conclusion: Changing the Narrative Around Men’s Mental Health

Exploring the factors that contribute to emotional issues in men is essential for reducing the stigma surrounding struggles. In this article, I’ve highlighted the impact of collapsing relationships and employment status as common causes for men’s mental health issues. We also explored how cultural myths around masculinity often prevent men from seeking help, which leads to greater suffering.

We all must work together to create supportive environments in homes, workplaces, and communities, where men feel safe to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Changing the narrative around men’s mental health can save lives, families and improve overall well-being.
Remember seeking support is not a sign of weakness, also it’s a courageous step towards healing.