Why we need to recognise and act on the complexity of men’s mental health issues

Conversations around anxiety, depression and stress are becoming increasingly common, creating an environment where individuals feel more comfortable talking about their mental health. However, there remains one area that is often overlooked in the conversation: men’s mental health. Dr Shyam Bhat, psychiatrist and chairman of LiveLoveLaugh, explains why it’s important to talk about men’s mental health issues:

High suicide and underdiagnosis rates

Statistics show that men are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to a 2021 study. In 2014, the figure was twice as high as that of women, indicating that the number of men committing suicide is on the rise.

While women attempt suicide more often, they die less by suicide, which suggests some things, such as men’s suicide methods being more extreme and their intent being stronger, and it may also suggest that in some cases the act of suicide may be a way to seek help, but we found that men often had no prior signs of depression.

In fact, studies have shown that 50% of men who commit suicide do not suffer from a diagnosable mental illness under current DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria, which begs the question of whether mental illness does not exist or whether it is a case of the system failing to capture mental illness in men.

Biological and social influences

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Extensive research has proven that different hormone levels lead to changes in a variety of functions. One obvious effect of testosterone is increased muscle mass and increased aggression. Additionally, there are other changes that contribute to how men handle things differently.

Furthermore, more patriarchal societies make the situation worse by emphasizing men as stoic, emotionless figures who cannot express their feelings or seek emotional support. This is even more prevalent when going through difficult times, leading many men to become detached or numb.

Reluctance to seek help

“For these reasons, men are often unable to confront their feelings, express them or seek support. This results in numbness, denial and isolation, which exacerbates the problem because what they actually experience is a sense of numbness or emptiness, and naturally they turn to drugs to relieve this.

All this exacerbates feelings of isolation, anger, etc. Women who suffer by crying or showing weakness actually receive support. In contrast, many men who needed more support at the time find themselves misunderstood and isolated. This has a huge impact on their risk of suicide.

How to improve the situation

The first is to form a good circle of friends and support outside of your primary relationship. Often times, men tend to be emotionally dependent on their partners, and interdependence is a good thing in a happy relationship.

But it’s also important for men to have other sources of connection, such as friends, and staying connected to hobbies and interests outside of work can help them have a more holistic sense of self.

Men can be helped by getting in touch with their “feminine” side – their more empathetic, gentler, more vulnerable side. Accepting that they have this side can help them relieve a lot of anger and despair, and enable them to accept people into their lives and feel greater peace with themselves.

Being open to nurturing and being nurturing is a virtuous cycle in relationships that helps manage mental health. As with all genders, the basic principles of mental health are the same: regular sleep, proper exercise, balanced nutrition, good interpersonal relationships and support, and a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Taking proactive steps towards mental health

We live in a culture where people are facing emotional challenges, so in that sense, we are seeing a shift as people become more aware that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. This has been a positive change for both women and men in recent years and continues to build a society that is more open to discussing and acknowledging it.

As men, it’s important to take proactive steps towards your own mental health. Below are some ways you can do so:

1. Acknowledge your feelings
   Understand that it’s okay to have feelings and that acknowledging them is the first step to healing. Try getting into the habit of journaling to connect with yourself.
2. Talk to someone
   Share your feelings with a trusted friend or family member – opening up can help you feel safe and supported.
3. Participate in healthy activities
   Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and hobbies can significantly improve your mental health.
4. Educate Yourself
   Learn about mental health to better understand your own experiences and reduce stigma.
5. Challenging stereotypes
   Let go of the idea that asking for help or expressing your feelings makes you weak. Embrace weakness as a strength.
6. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if necessary
   If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional.”