Beneath the Armor: Men’s Hidden Battle With Mental Health
“Therapy? No, I don’t need therapy, that’s only for the unstable people.”
A common phrase nowadays, the classic line from the “tough guys” around the world to discriminate against men’s ‘hidden battle’ that is the mental health issue. They have a supreme belief that physical strength comes with the package of mental armor. Oh dear, you need a quick reality check.
If your life goes along with that old-school mindset, you should probably take some time to read this. Let’s face it, that killer mindset can be one of the easiest ways to undermine your own mental well-being. Real strength isn’t about how much you can lift; it’s about knowing when to reach out and get the support you need. Let your brain call for backup!
Honestly, mental health chats are hot in the women’s world. It’s like a mini heartfelt gossip session. But it’s a little bit different for men. They often treat it like it’s an alien invasion. Some of them just ignored it! Sadly, this avoidant behaviour among males in Malaysia is quite concerning.
Men’s Hidden Battle? Being “Nonchalant” is Outdated!
They are stuck in following the outdated rules of being hyper-masculine, rigid societal roles, and ‘acceptable’ behaviour. A man with these traits is considered perfect according to our ancestors: stoic, strong, and unemotional. Basically, a nonchalant guy.
“These expectations are internalised and often reinforced through praise, with boys and young men being raised to think that it’s weak to show emotions or ask for help. They may even be criticised or ridiculed for doing so.” -Dr Serena In.
If they failed to live up to these expectations, men tend to develop masculine discrepancy stress. The fear of being labelled as ‘weak’ often stops them from seeking help or even venting to anyone. In the end, the swirls of unease will never escape their mind.
During the episode of turbulence, men tend to get physically aggressive. Fun fact: when it comes to stress escapism, they don’t think twice. They will try anything!
One Hand Can Save Many Lives
Take note and start your action! It’s time to pay attention to your surroundings. You can offer direct or indirect support to your loved one from these tips. Massive thanks to Dr Serena for this reminder!
Free some time to check on your family members, friends, or colleagues! Just a simple “Hi, how are you?” could be fine. Maybe they just need someone to notice their existence and hard work. So, praise them a bit!
Not surprisingly, many men have a limited vocabulary to describe anxiety, depression, or sadness. It’s gonna be a guessing game now. Look for these clues: “I’m tired”, “I’m not in the mood”, or passive actions. Once you hear it, it is best to remain gentle with them. The world has been tough for them!
Please offer supportive encouragement for them seek help from professionals. Take some time to convince them, don’t rush!
Everyone needs to understand this simple fact: anyone can struggle with mental health, and we all need help from time to time. Don’t sabotage your mental glow up just because you wanted to dodge the accusations about mental health fighter. Let your mind shine in peace!
“You need to take care of the mind as well as the body. In this way, just as you see a doctor when you feel physically unwell, see a counsellor or therapist when you feel mentally or emotionally troubled,” -Dr Serena In
Source: IMU University