Why Stigma Exists & How We Can Break It

An Australian survey covering the answers from over 2,000 men from different personal backgrounds makes it even more visible: 55% of the men said that they had dropped out of therapy - prematurely, without telling their practitioner. 27% of them accessed therapy just once but never returned.

It’s very important for us not to blame men who are struggling with their mental health but that we listen to them instead. The mental health system has fundamentally not been designed with men's needs in mind, so it won’t solve the problem if we continue blaming men for not fitting into it.

Eventually, there are a lot of factors that contribute to a reluctance to speak up, even when facing serious challenges like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

However, the origins of this stigma are rooted in traditional gender norms. Men are often taught from a young age that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. This cultural expectation to "man up" has created an environment where discussing mental health is seen as taboo for men. As a result, many feel they must suppress their emotions, which can lead to a host of mental health issues, including substance abuse and depression.

The consequences of this stigma are alarming. Studies have shown that men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, which contributes to their disproportionately higher suicide rates. Men are 3x more likely to die of suicide, they account for about 75% of all suicides in the United States, and middle-aged men are particularly at risk. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those 25-34 in the US. And 50% of men who die by suicide had prior mental health contact. Moreover, men tend to use more lethal methods when attempting suicide, making the outcomes even more tragic.

Breaking this stigma requires both societal and individual changes. At a societal level, there needs to be a shift in how masculinity is perceived. Encouraging open conversations about mental health, particularly among men, can help normalize seeking help and reduce feelings of shame. Public health campaigns aimed at men, like the "Men Get Help" campaign, are crucial in breaking down barriers and promoting mental wellness.

On an individual level, friends and family play a vital role in supporting men who may be struggling. It is essential to offer a non-judgmental space to talk, validate their experiences, and encourage them to seek professional help. These supportive environments can make it easier for men to acknowledge their mental health challenges without fear of being judged.

Therapeutic interventions such as talk therapy, support groups, and medication can also make a significant difference in men's mental health outcomes. Lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and stress management techniques, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, newer treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are gaining recognition for their effectiveness in treating severe cases of depression.

Addressing the stigma surrounding men's mental health is an ongoing process. We can take steps toward a more equitable and supportive society by fostering a culture that encourages men to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Recognizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, is essential in this journey toward mental well-being for all.

Sources:

https://www.butler.org/blog/breaking-the-stigma-of-mens-mental-health

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

https://letstalkstigma.org/how-stigma-impacts-men-and-their-mental-health/

https://aibm.org/commentary/mental-health-with-men-in-mind/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15579883211014776