Mental health is vital for overall well-being, yet for men, it carries a stigma. It is misunderstood, overshadowed, overlooked, and untreated, especially in India. Despite the increasing awareness and dialogue around mental health, societal norms and expectations surrounding masculinity create a significant barrier for men seeking help. The only way forward to addressing mental health issues in Indian men is to break the stigma and increase awareness around the societal demands and expectations surrounding masculinity that create a significant barrier for men to seek help. The need of the hour is strategies that include steps to foster a supportive environment.
Prevalence and Overview of Men’s Mental Health in India
According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, the overall prevalence of mental morbidity was found to be higher among males (13.9%) than among females (7.5%). The issue is concerning, with worldwide figures showing an equally alarming number. As per a 2020 WHO report on mental health, 970 million people were found with mental health issues, among which 47.6% were men. What is even more alarming is how, in 2021, a Lancet study found that the suicide death rate (SDR) in India had increased two times in men at 34.6%, compared to women’s 13.1%. Moreover, another study in 2021 found that 70% of calls to India’s first national mental health helpline, KIRAN, were from men.
There is a significant imbalance between the evolving roles of men and women in society and the approaches to their health needs. Both genders have masculine and feminine hormones, though in different proportions, leading to varied emotional needs. Emotions, an essential aspect of mental health, are often neglected in both genders, with men particularly suffering due to economic stress, societal pressure to be the primary breadwinner, and the traditional expectation to remain emotionally intense. What are the stigmas surrounding mental health in men, and how can these be addressed? Are the main issues to be discussed?
Breaking the Stigma Around Seeking Help
Society has long associated masculinity with strength and emotional control, often pressuring men to suppress their emotions. This toxic expectation can lead to severe mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Seeking help can be daunting due to the stigma attached, making individuals feel ashamed.
The biggest problem Indian men face is the culture-influenced stereotype that conditions men to believe that masculinity means mental strength. Mental health disorders and conditions such as anxiety or depression are perceived as weaknesses. Several studies have revealed how social and cultural pressure prevent men from seeking help, resulting in negative scenarios affecting the entire family.
However, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether struggling with mental health issues or needing someone to talk to, resources are available. Breaking the stigma around seeking help fosters a more open society that prioritizes well-being. Remember, asking for help is a brave decision, not a weak one.
Prevailing Types of Mental Disorders Among Men in India
Men in India face various mental health disorders, with some of the most prevalent being:
- Depression: Depression is often the degeneration of mental health problems unchecked in its early stages. Issues like anxiety and stress eventually give way to depression. In men especially, depression can be severe, the main reason being the stigma factor. Due to societal demands, men usually suppress their depression, masking symptoms which go untreated, unreported, and diagnosed, growing worse over time.
- Anxiety Disorders: Job stress, family pressures, financial problems, and relationship issues are some of the main problems causing anxiety in men. Men may experience panic attacks, constant worry, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations.
- Substance Abuse: As a result of unchecked depression, anxiety and stress, men often resort to alcohol or drugs, leading to substance abuse disorders. Like a domino effect, this impacts job and family life, creating a vicious cycle that leads to tragic outcomes.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder( PTSD): PTSD, triggered by trauma or stress, includes flashbacks, severe anxiety, and nightmares. While most people recover from trauma within a year with proper care, prolonged symptoms indicate PTSD. PTSD symptoms include unwanted feelings, intrusive memories, mood swings, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
- Suicidal Behavior: By far the most dangerous aspect of mental health problems in men. Statistics have reported that the suicide rate in India is 2x in men in comparison to women. The reluctance to seek help due to stigma, coupled with the pressure to conform to societal norms, often leads to such fatalities.
Problems Surrounding Men’s Mental Health
Several unspoken issues have increased the mental health crisis among men in India:
Underreporting and Misdiagnosis: Unreported and undiagnosed symptoms fester like a mental wound, exacerbating the problem into more severe issues.
Lack of Mental Health Education: Limited awareness about mental health conditions and available resources prevents men from seeking help.
Economic Barriers: Economic problems, cost of mental health care and lack of accessible services in rural areas hinder men from getting the support they need.
Workplace Stress: High expectations and pressure in professional settings contribute significantly to men’s mental health problems.
Social Disengagement: By far, one of the biggest problems in tackling mental health issues in men in India is isolation. Men conforming to the distorted masculinity role are often subjected to silence. Men feel they do not have anyone to discuss their mental problems with, worsening their emotional issues.
Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders in Men
Men and women experience the same mental disorders, but the symptoms can be different. Some common symptoms include:
- Anger and feeling on edge
- Irritability and aggression
- Mood changes,
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and energy level changes
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Poor concentration and focus
- Restlessness
- Worry, anxiety and stress
- Alcohol, excess smoking, or drug abuse
- Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both
- Profound sadness or hopelessness
- Indulging in high-risk activities
- Unexplained body aches, migraine, poor digestion
- Obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviour
- Suicidal tendencies or thoughts
Ways to Address Mental Health Issues in Men
Addressing men’s mental health in India requires a multifaceted approach. It involves professional help and support from the family and friends. Men need to be encouraged and motivated to address their mental problems, mainly when symptoms manifest themselves to the point of disruption in the family. Here are some ways to tackle mental health issues in men.
Awareness Campaigns
Launching targeted campaigns to educate the public about men’s mental health can help break down stigma.
Accessible Mental Health Services
Increasing the availability of mental health services, especially in rural areas, and integrating mental health into primary healthcare can make support more accessible.
Workplace Initiatives
Encouraging mental health programs and support groups in workplaces can provide men with the resources they need to manage stress and seek help without fear of stigma. Organizations should set up de-stressing workshops emphasizing the importance of mental health as part of corporate culture.
Community Support
Establishing community-based support systems and peer groups can offer men a safe space to share their experiences and receive encouragement.
Policy and Advocacy
Advocating for policies that promote mental health education, reduce the cost of mental health care, and protect against discrimination based on mental health status is crucial.
Promoting Healthy Masculinity
Redefining societal norms around masculinity to include emotional expressiveness and seeking help can empower men to take charge of their mental health.
Professional Support
In India, psychologists are the most significant contributing factor in dealing with mental health issues, helping to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health in men.
How Families Can Help Tackle Mental Health in Men
Take care of your loved ones’ well-being: Support your loved ones when they are in distress. Listening and caring for them gains their trust and leads them to believe your concerns are genuine, This can prevent escalation and emotional outbursts.
Speak up for mentally troubled individuals: Friends and family need to stand up as pillars of support for individuals suffering alone without the will and desire to speak up for themselves.
React: React to inappropriate remarks, especially from people with the wrong mindset and behaviour. Toxicity directed at those suffering from mental problems can create deeper mental wounds. Standing firmly in support of them provides them with mental security and the will to meet societal challenges.
Reach out to organizations: In India, various charitable organizations are working to create awareness of mental health issues. Getting involved, using educational resources, and counselling can make a huge difference.
Listening: Listening is essential. Rather than resorting to toxic positivity and saying things like “You’re a man, you can fight this” or “calm yourself, this will blow over,” be supportive and acknowledge their experience as real. Listening can be a compassionate and empathetic action when dealing with those with mental issues.
Encourage and motivate: When dealing with a family member or friend with mental issues, convince them that seeking support is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it is a sign of strength and self-compassion to get professional therapy. Helping them consult a psychologist can prevent tragic outcomes.
Educate yourself: Educating yourself about the symptoms, challenges and experiences faced by individuals with mental health problems is a step in the right direction. However, in the process, do not forget to practice your self-care, as it can also be stressful.
Stigmas are challenging to eradicate from the roots of society, but breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health is a necessary evil to eradicate. Its prevalence has already cost the lives of many, and ironically, what pressurizes men to conform to manliness is what eventually destroys them. The modern world has put a lot of pressure on men, which can be superseded only through constantly upgrading people emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Only then would society be able to thrive and flourish and provide a safe space to the forthcoming generations.
Creating healthy, supportive environments where men can freely express themselves and feel comfortable benefits both the individual and collective society.
