Health And Me Desk

Men Account For Nearly 3 Out Of 4 Suicides In India — Are We Ignoring A Growing Men's Mental Health Crisis?

Men have been taught for generations that they must be strong, that they are supposed to be self-sufficient, not to feel any impact, and to be emotionally strong when they face challenges. 

Resilience is a good trait, but it may also make men feel disheartened about sharing their vulnerabilities or asking for assistance when they need it. Emotional distress can often be seen as a personal failure, rather than a health issue, as many grow up hearing "man up" or "be strong.” 

<h2>Why Mental Health Crisis In Men Is On The Rise? </h2>

Meanwhile, there is still a high demand for men in society. Financial pressures, career expectations, family commitments, and social expectations can become a never-ending burden. 

These factors can lead to feelings of loneliness, worry, and sadness, especially when combined with not having enough emotional release and wanting to turn to others for help. 

Men are expected to be a part of the discussion, but not the central point of discussion when it comes to mental health. But the figures don't match. Almost three-fourths of the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/mental-health-toll-of-heatwaves-how-extreme-heat-affects-people-psychologically-article-154798795" data-type="tilCustomLink">suicides</a> in India are committed by men, which is a hidden and unaddressed issue.

One of the major issues is that there is a definition of masculinity in society. Boys are taught to be tough and independent from a young age and do not have to show feelings. The traits can both assist people in coping with difficulties and hinder them from admitting to emotional problems or seeking help when it is most necessary.

Read more: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/doctors-day-from-burnout-to-work-anxiety-experts-explain-why-doctors-need-mental-health-support-article-154821095" data-type="tilCustomLink">Doctors Day: From Burnout To Work Anxiety, The Mental Health Struggle Doctors Rarely Talk About</a>

A further issue is that there are not enough safe places in which men can express feelings without risk of condemnation. Stigma can be a barrier to seeking help even when there is help available. This can not only postpone treatment but also increase symptoms of loneliness and hopelessness. 

The answer is more than just asking men to "speak up". We need to actively question and combat the stereotypes entrenched in society that equate vulnerability with weakness. Both families and workplaces, schools and communities all have a part to play in promoting emotional literacy and open dialogue amongst men. 

Men may not be aware of or express <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/mens-health-heres-five-important-things-to-remember-article-154660574" data-type="tilCustomLink">emotional distress</a> in traditional ways, which can be a big problem. Rather, symptoms can be manifested as irritability, withdrawal, substance abuse, or risk-taking behaviour, which can make it difficult for family members and friends to recognise when intervention is required.

Stress Epidemic in Urban India Impacting Brain Health, Expert Explains

It is not enough to raise awareness to solve this crisis. It is important to establish a space of normalisation for expressing emotions, to provide support for <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/over-1-million-children-referred-for-mental-health-care-in-england-anxiety-most-common-reason-article-154793247" data-type="tilCustomLink">mental health</a> and to make it part of the identity to seek help instead of looking weak. Promoting the mental health of men is not only an individual matter, but also a public health issue that can save lives.

For a genuine commitment to the prevention of suicide, mental health status of men needs to be a public health issue. Being sensitive to their challenges, to the idea of seeking assistance, and to establishing environments that are supportive of them can make the difference between life and death. 

By Dr. Hamza Hussain, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Ruby Hall Clinic and Bhavya Shah, Consultant Psychologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai

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Men have been taught for generations that they must be strong, that they are supposed to be self-sufficient, not to feel any impact, and to be emotionally strong when they face challenges. Resilience is a good trait, but it may also make men feel disheartened about sharing their vulnerabilities or asking for assistance when they need it. Emotional distress can often be seen as a personal failure, rather than a health issue, as many grow up hearing "man up" or "be strong.”  Why Mental Health Crisis In Men Is On The Rise?  Meanwhile, there is still a high demand for men in society. Financial pressures, career expectations, family commitments, and social expectations can become a never-ending burden. These factors can lead to feelings of loneliness, worry, and sadness, especially when combined with not having enough emotional release and wanting to turn to others for help.  Toxic Masculinity  Men are expected to be a part of the discussion, but not the central point of discussion when it comes to mental health. But the figures don't match. Almost three-fourths of the suicides in India are committed by men, which is a hidden and unaddressed issue.  One of the major issues is that there is a definition of masculinity in society. Boys are taught to be tough and independent from a young age and do not have to show feelings. The traits can both assist people in coping with difficulties and hinder them from admitting to emotional problems or seeking help when it is most necessary.Read more: Doctors Day: From Burnout To Work Anxiety, The Mental Health Struggle Doctors Rarely Talk About  Lack Of Safe Space  A further issue is that there are not enough safe places in which men can express feelings without risk of condemnation. Stigma can be a barrier to seeking help even when there is help available. This can not only postpone treatment but also increase symptoms of loneliness and hopelessness.  The answer is more than just asking men to "speak up". We need to actively question and combat the stereotypes entrenched in society that equate vulnerability with weakness. Both families and workplaces, schools and communities all have a part to play in promoting emotional literacy and open dialogue amongst men.  Men may not be aware of or express emotional distress in traditional ways, which can be a big problem. Rather, symptoms can be manifested as irritability, withdrawal, substance abuse, or risk-taking behaviour, which can make it difficult for family members and friends to recognise when intervention is required.             It is not enough to raise awareness to solve this crisis. It is important to establish a space of normalisation for expressing emotions, to provide support for mental health and to make it part of the identity to seek help instead of looking weak. Promoting the mental health of men is not only an individual matter, but also a public health issue that can save lives.  For a genuine commitment to the prevention of suicide, mental health status of men needs to be a public health issue. Being sensitive to their challenges, to the idea of seeking assistance, and to establishing environments that are supportive of them can make the difference between life and death.  By Dr. Hamza Hussain, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Ruby Hall Clinic and Bhavya Shah, Consultant Psychologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai 

men account for nearly 3 out of 4 suicides in india — are we ignoring a growing men's mental health crisis?

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Men Account For Nearly 3 Out Of 4 Suicides In India — Are We Ignoring A Growing Men's Mental Health Crisis?

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Men Account For Nearly 3 Out Of 4 Suicides In India — Are We Ignoring A Growing Men's Mental Health Crisis?

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