Don't weep!
Be a man!
Do any of these above sound familiar?
There is a strong expectation that men
should be tough and solve their
problems on their own, and seeking
help is frequently viewed as a sign of
weakness on the part of the man.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental
health conditions can affect both men
and women. However, everyone's experiences are
unique. Most men conceal their
emotions in order to conform to
the socially acceptable masculine role. Instead of sharing their feelings with
their loved ones, the typical responses are;
'I've learned to live with it.'
'I don't want to be a burden to anyone,'
'I'm ashamed to admit it.'
'I don't want to come across as weak.'
'I don't know who to talk to.'
There is a cultural stigma associated
with mental illness and depression that
makes it difficult for most men to admit they need help.
Men experience toxic masculinity,
which is defined as cultural pressures
for men
to behave in a certain way in order to conform to society's standards.
Men are taught from a young age to be
strong, to be on the receiving end, to
be
resilient, and to be tough.
Boys are taught that being "manly"
entails being aggressive, bold, and never showing weakness.
Even as adults, men are mocked or
looked down upon when they express
fear or deep sadness.
None of these characteristics are
harmful in moderation. However, when
these characteristics become overly
pronounced and masculinity becomes
toxic,It can be harmful to both the
individuals involved and society as a whole.
As a result of this macho attitude, most men will
not
seek assistance even when they are in
need; they would rather remain silent
in pain than appear weak, and their symptoms worsen.