Men need to put their pride aside
Men are told that they should be stoic in their approach to life and that showing emotion is a sign of weakness.
Although the stigma on mental health has been lifted to some extent over the past decade, many men who suffer from depression and anxiety still feel uncomfortable admitting they are dealing with these types of issues.
Much of this stems from pride and how men are raised and told to behave.
Men are told that they should be stoic in their approach to life and that showing emotion is a sign of weakness.
Men feel they should provide for and protect their friends and loved ones. Thus admitting they are sad or overwhelmed by the stresses of life “robs” them of this status and they cannot call themselves men.
“We tell boys that ‘boys don’t cry’,” says Colman O’Driscoll, former executive director of operations and development at Lifeline, an Australian charity providing 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Also see: The health issues teenage boys avoid talking about
“We condition boys from a very young age to not express emotion because to express emotion is to be ‘weak’.”
A study found general primary care consultation rates were 32 per cent lower in men than in women.
A global trend suggests that men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women.
In addition, men are more likely to self-medicate through substance and alcohol abuse, which only serves to worsen the issue.
Drinking worsens symptoms of depression and increases impulsive behaviour.
Many are also reluctant to take medication such as anti-depressants due to some of the side effects like drowsiness, mood swings and impotence.
Although there are no easy solutions to this problem, men should no longer be afraid to put their pride aside and ask for help. It doesn’t need to be professional help; even reaching out to a friend can make a world of difference.
Anyone who has suicidal thoughts, please don’t hesitate to call Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837.
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