The Silent Struggle: How Men Are Affected by Emotional Challenges

Date: Saturday 07 Dec 2024

In the modern world, many men can still find themselves tangled in a web of expectations that make it tough to acknowledge their emotional struggles. The article "The Illusion of Functionality: When You Seem Good But Don’t ‘Got This’" sheds light on this important issue, urging men to recognise and confront their mental health challenges.

“Being “manly” has also been identified as a barrier to help-seeking. In research and analysis of over 50 qualitative studies on how men view psychological help-seeking, a study from the International Journal of Men’s Health found that the most common barrier expressed by men was social stigma - or concern over the perceived negative judgments by friends and family”

Research shows that a lot of men are dealing with significant stress and fatigue, especially in their work lives. The pressure to fit into traditional masculine roles often makes it hard for them to seek help, leading to a silent struggle that can have serious consequences. This is particularly true for men aged 46-55, who often feel a strong need for recovery.

The World Health Organization points out that depression is a leading cause of disability, affecting everyone, but it tends to be more common in women. Still, this doesn’t lessen the fact that men face their own significant mental health challenges. The stigma around mental health can be especially tough for men, who might feel that admitting to emotional struggles is a sign of weakness.

“Despite attempts to increase positive messaging around mental health, the stigma is alive and well. While a strong body of evidence has demonstrated linkages between the pressure to only display positive emotions or the suppression of negative emotions and poorer health outcomes, the tendency to hide one’s suffering or judge oneself for feeling a certain way is a common, socially normative, experience. Even Bruce Springsteen tells us that “only the strong survive”.”

Mindfulness is emerging as a crucial tool for managing these challenges. By practicing mindfulness, men can learn to acknowledge and validate their feelings without judgment. This approach helps them gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and promotes a healthier mindset towards mental wellbeing.

One helpful technique mentioned in the article is Tara Brach’s 'U-Turn Practice.' This practice encourages individuals to take a moment to pause and reflect compassionately on their experiences, allowing them to face their emotions instead of pushing them down. For men, embracing such practices can be a powerful step towards breaking the cycle of silence and stigma.

It’s vital for men to realize that they are not alone in their struggles. By creating an environment filled with empathy and support, we can encourage more men to share their feelings and seek help when they need it. Accepting one’s struggles isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a brave step towards recovery and emotional health.

In conclusion, the journey to mental wellbeing for men involves recognising the weight of societal expectations and embracing vulnerability. By focusing on mindfulness and compassion, men can navigate their emotional landscapes more effectively, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenchoi/2024/11/28/the-illusion-of-functionality-when-you-seem-good-but-dont-got-this/