Suicide remains a serious public health concern, claiming millions of lives each year. By promoting awareness, we can help eliminate the stigma associated with suicide Mental Health Address issues and encourage individuals to seek help. Understanding the factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, such as mental illness, trauma, and social isolation, is important for effective prevention.
World Suicide Prevention Day Every year on September 10 a day dedicated to raising awareness is observed Suicide prevention and the importance of mental health. The occasion reminds us that suicide is a global issue that affects people of all ages, genders or social backgrounds. The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is “Changing the narrative on suicide”, with a call to action: “Start the conversation.
Challenging the ‘tough guy’ image
Surveys around the world show that men everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to commit suicide than women. This disparity may stem in part from men’s greater reluctance to seek mental health treatment and internalized expectations around “masculine behavior.”
Boys are often moulded in society in such a way that they Traditional masculinitywhich discourage the expression of vulnerability or perceived weakness. The stoic image of the tough guy can create barriers for men to acknowledge and accept their mental health problems. As a result, the need to conform to unrealistic expectations can lead to an internal sense of shame and hinder seeking help.
Every day, men find themselves battling prescribed, outdated ideas about gender and their resulting struggles contribute to mental health suffering. Men face unique challenges including career-related stress, relationship pressures and, at times, unrealistic expectations about success and emotional expression. This explains why so many men have difficulty admitting they need mental health help. Men with depression may display higher levels of anger, aggression and irritability, or display their distress in other “culturally acceptable” ways. They may also be more likely to visit their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms. Men experiencing depression may self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. However, this can make their problems worse and increase their risk of developing other health conditions.
In 2022 a leading scientific journal published a review of studies dealing with the social stigma associated with mental illness. The study showed that men who internalized this stigma were less likely to seek help for psychological issues and more likely to face challenges, increasing their risk of severe mental illness.
Despite the alarming prevalence of mental health problems among men, stigma remains a pervasive force that discourages open discussion and seeking psychological help. Fear of being judged by others, social misconceptions and a perceived threat to their masculinity often deter eligible men from openly discussing their psychological health.
The challenge of encouraging men Psychological assistance
The ‘Call to Action’ aims to encourage everyone to start a conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how brief, plays a role in promoting a supportive and understanding society. By starting these essential discussions, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and build stronger support systems.
Help-seeking behaviour is essential to overcome negative stereotypes of men. This can be achieved through educational initiatives, workplace and community outreach programmes. Our ultimate goal would be to promote awareness and encourage men to seek psychological help when required. Mental health concerns can be addressed by counselling sessions, supportive psychotherapy and various support groups, which provide a safe space for men.
World Suicide Prevention Day Every year on September 10 a day dedicated to raising awareness is observed Suicide prevention and the importance of mental health. The occasion reminds us that suicide is a global issue that affects people of all ages, genders or social backgrounds. The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 is “Changing the narrative on suicide”, with a call to action: “Start the conversation.
Challenging the ‘tough guy’ image
Surveys around the world show that men everywhere are reluctant to talk about their mental health and are more likely to commit suicide than women. This disparity may stem in part from men’s greater reluctance to seek mental health treatment and internalized expectations around “masculine behavior.”
Boys are often moulded in society in such a way that they Traditional masculinitywhich discourage the expression of vulnerability or perceived weakness. The stoic image of the tough guy can create barriers for men to acknowledge and accept their mental health problems. As a result, the need to conform to unrealistic expectations can lead to an internal sense of shame and hinder seeking help.
Every day, men find themselves battling prescribed, outdated ideas about gender and their resulting struggles contribute to mental health suffering. Men face unique challenges including career-related stress, relationship pressures and, at times, unrealistic expectations about success and emotional expression. This explains why so many men have difficulty admitting they need mental health help. Men with depression may display higher levels of anger, aggression and irritability, or display their distress in other “culturally acceptable” ways. They may also be more likely to visit their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms. Men experiencing depression may self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. However, this can make their problems worse and increase their risk of developing other health conditions.
In 2022 a leading scientific journal published a review of studies dealing with the social stigma associated with mental illness. The study showed that men who internalized this stigma were less likely to seek help for psychological issues and more likely to face challenges, increasing their risk of severe mental illness.
Despite the alarming prevalence of mental health problems among men, stigma remains a pervasive force that discourages open discussion and seeking psychological help. Fear of being judged by others, social misconceptions and a perceived threat to their masculinity often deter eligible men from openly discussing their psychological health.
The challenge of encouraging men Psychological assistance
The ‘Call to Action’ aims to encourage everyone to start a conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how brief, plays a role in promoting a supportive and understanding society. By starting these essential discussions, we can break down barriers, raise awareness and build stronger support systems.
Help-seeking behaviour is essential to overcome negative stereotypes of men. This can be achieved through educational initiatives, workplace and community outreach programmes. Our ultimate goal would be to promote awareness and encourage men to seek psychological help when required. Mental health concerns can be addressed by counselling sessions, supportive psychotherapy and various support groups, which provide a safe space for men.
Know how stress affects your health
In conclusion, the entire spectrum of men’s psychological health is worrisome as per the available data. It reflects their silent struggle, which demands attention and understanding. By acknowledging the commonality of mental health challenges, eliminating stigma and encouraging open discussion, we can certainly pave the way towards a society that helps men prioritise their psychological well-being. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous step towards achieving well-being.
Deeper understanding, an environment of empathy, and targeted interventions can create a culture where ‘tough people’ feel empowered to address their psychological health without judgement or shame.
(Author: Dr. (Prof.) Neetu Narang, Senior Consultant, Psychiatry, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, Haryana)
