Men’s mental health matters too. I feel like the topic of mental health is often discussed and centered around women. However, men struggle with mental health problems too and it is often ignored. The topic of men’s mental health has emerged to a much bigger problem and social norms (expectations), stereotypical and cultural beliefs have influenced the way a man may answer about his feelings. Men tend to disguise their true emotions based on the belief that men are supposed to be strong and not have feelings of sadness because it is seen as weak.

The state of men’s mental health is problematic especially with the cases accessible about men’s mental health. It is proven, by the Mental Health Foundation (Oct. 1, 2021), that men are more prone to the effects of mental health problems. Though, through these cases it is quite evident that men’s mental health looms larger than one might think, it is true that many, if not, most of the possible cases go undiagnosed. It seems that this is true to the fact that men may struggle to talk about or find help for the struggles that he may face with his mental health.

Discussing feelings is often hard for many people but I feel it is the hardest for men. For me, the hardest part about talking about my feelings is the portrayal. Based on stereotypical views or norms, I would think about how people would see or think of me because I was sad. I was always told and thought that a man is supposed to be strong and never appear as weak because any type of sad emotion is most attributed to women. Along with the fear of not knowing how people may think of me because of my sad emotions, I figured the best way to avoid it was to cover up my real feelings.

I interviewed my high school’s professional counselor and discussed the topic. One of the problems the counseling profession faces is the low number of male counselors. According to, Zippia, about 25% of the school counseling profession are male while females make up about 70%.. This problem may prevent helpful men’s mental health promotion groups such as a gender specific group; an all men’s group. These groups may offer help that a male may need, knowing there are other males who feel the same way, but due to the lack of male counselors, it is hard to access this option.

Communities, schools, work spaces, and generally, all people could help promote the importance of men’s mental health by disposing of the stereotypical views that disguise a man’s feelings. Let’s inherit the idea that everyone’s mental health is important no matter who they are. Everyone should feel safe and have no worries when discussing their feelings, especially the men who are afraid to.

References:

Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/m/men-and-mental-health#:~:text=While%20there%20isn't%20a,rather%20than%20talking%20about%20it.

Zippia - https://www.zippia.com/school-counselor-jobs/demographics/