Indian men don’t open up about their mental health
About 40% of them don’t talk about it largely due to stigmas and misconceptions, including the mistaken belief that men should handle their emotions on their own, say experts
image for illustrative purpose
International Men's Health Week is observed every year from June 10 to June 16, to raise awareness on men’s health issues
New Delhi: While society has started openly discussing issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, men’s mental health continues to be an overlooked area. About 40 per cent of men in India do not talk about their mental health openly, over fear of stigma, said experts on Thursday.
International Men's Health Week is observed every year from June 10 to June 16, to raise awareness on men’s health issues.
“The lack of discussions about men’s mental health or their propensity to seek help along with the growing suicide rates may be explained by the male gender norms that are socially constructed,” Dr Samir Kumar Praharaj, Professor and Head - Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College and Hospitals, MAHE, Manipal, said.
“About 40 per cent of Indian men don’t talk about their mental health openly, largely due to stigmas and misconceptions, including the mistaken belief that men should handle their emotions on their own,” added Dr Shyam Bhat, Psychiatrist, and Chairperson, of LiveLoveLaugh.
Historically, societal expectations have dictated that men embody strength, resilience, and emotional stoicism. Biological and hormonal influences like testosterone also contribute to different emotional responses in men. Dr Samir said that in most cases, men are an example of how to mask emotions since it is considered shameful for them to express feelings or seek help.
