Toughen up. Act like a man. Don’t cry. Be the breadwinner. Society projects masculine stereotypes that dictate how a man should think, behave, and be seen – but these traditional perceptions and limitations are doing more harm than good.
There seems to be a stifling stigma around men’s mental health – and the stats are terrifying. Men are around three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and BeyondBlue found more than two-thirds of those who are struggling don’t feel confident or empowered to ask for help.
Societal stereotypes keep many men caught within narrow limitations, but being a man in the 21st century is unlike any time before. Men should feel free to be vulnerable, explore personal growth, find a fulfilling purpose, and unlock their emotions to become their most authentic self.
Let’s look at the mental health struggles of men and the most effective ways to push through the fear, find support, and break beyond these outdated barriers.
“The heart of man is very much like the sea; it has its storms, it has its tides, and in its depths, it has its pearls too.” – Vincent van Gogh, artist
The mental health crisis among men
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The weight of fulfilling societal roles as providers, protectors, and unyielding pillars of strength often leaves little room for men to acknowledge and address personal mental health struggles. Consequently, a significant number of men silently endure emotional pain, burying their feelings, and dismissing support as a sign of weakness.
Bottling up their emotions to conform to traditional masculine norms leaves men susceptible to conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Relationship issues, financial stress, physical illness, social isolation and more can put pressure on men. As parents, many men feel stressed about providing for their families, and new dads can suffer from postnatal depression and anxiety as well.
A recent survey by men’s health charity Movember revealed more than half of the respondents aged 18 to 30 felt “pressure around being a man” and anxiety for the future. Sadly, the leading cause of death for males aged 15-54 in Australia is suicide, with an alarming average of six men dying each day.
According to charity BeyondBlue, the number of men who die by suicide in Australia every year is nearly double the national road toll. This needs to change.
Why men struggle to seek mental health help
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The stigma surrounding men’s mental health has far-reaching and destructive consequences. There’s a deeply ingrained societal notion that men should be ‘strong’ and emotionally reserved. This contributes to a culture that discourages open discussions about mental health, which may stop men from seeking the help they need.
As a result, many suffer in silence, avoiding professional support because they fear judgement and ridicule. This self-imposed isolation only worsens mental health issues, and can lead to negative outcomes such as substance abuse, self-destructive behaviors, and a heightened risk of suicide.
How to break down the barriers around men’s mental health
Challenging traditional notions of masculinity is one way to break down barriers that hinder men who need to seek help. A shift in culture will help promote open, supportive discussion.
Men need safe spaces where they can freely express their emotions and vulnerabilities without fear of judgement or ridicule. It’s why initiatives that raise awareness of mental health – such as R U OKAY Day and Men’s Health Week – are helpful, along with men’s groups, support circles and workshops that inspire growth, self-reflection and vulnerability.
Mental health and wellbeing is an ongoing journey and no two pathways are alike. Open conversations with family and friends, knowing where to turn to for professional help, and proactively seeking experiences that promote compassion and non-judgmental support all form part of a man’s well-being journey.
From finding a work-life balance to knowing how to show up for family and friends, there’s always more to learn when it comes to developing emotional intelligence.
Continuous self-improvement and asking for help is courageous, not weak. Through open conversation, advocacy and awareness, men can destigmatise and empower their mates and the next generation to navigate the challenges of mental health and holistic well-being with newfound resilience and strength.
Be part of the change for men’s mental health
Seeking out opportunities to grow, explore emotions, and find alternative ways of thinking is one way men can push through the fear, find empowerment and reshape society’s idea of masculinity.
That’s why Elysia has invited Mark LeBusque, a leadership coach who challenges the traditional notions of masculinity, to conduct a multi-day retreat in October. The Fortress Man Specialty Retreat will show a group of modern men how to embrace vulnerability, develop self-awareness, and foster authentic connections for a more fulfilling existence.
Mark’s multi-day workshop, which has been developed in recognition of the importance of self-care and holistic growth, will help participants to conquer their fears, develop leadership skills, and discover their purpose.
Together, this group of men will navigate the dynamics of being a man in both the professional realm, taking care of business, and within the family. Ultimately, our hope is that they will leave with a clearer pathway on how to live a more fulfilling and liberated existence.
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Find out more about the The Fortress Man Specialty Retreat, to be held 16-19 October 2023 at Elysia Wellness Retreat.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine on 1300 78 99 78.
