Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health

The stigma and silence around mental health have long pervaded India, and many people steer clear of discussing it. Men, on the other hand, represent a group that is frequently ignored. Although everyone are impacted by mental health concerns, men's mental health in India has received less attention due to cultural norms around the idea of masculinity Nearly 10% of Indians suffer from a mental health condition, with stress, anxiety, and depression being the most common, according to the National Mental Health Survey of India (2015–16). Despite this, males are less likely to ask for assistance, which raises their risk of suicide and undiagnosed mental health concerns.

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Men are discouraged from showing vulnerability by traditional cultural norms that demand them to maintain their strength, independence, and stoicism. As a result, mental health issues are now frequently internalized, disregarded, or misinterpreted. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data of 2021,the male-to-female ratio of suicide victims was 72.5:27.4.which also notes that the suicide rate among Indian men is far greater than that among women. In order to lower these concerning figures and insure better mental health for upcoming generations, it is imperative that the stigma associated with men's mental health are spoken about more openly and with compassion.

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The Silent Struggle: Men and Mental Health in India

Even though India's mental health scene has changed significantly in recent years, there is still a lot to learn about how to treat men's mental health issues. It's possible that men lack access to mental health treatments or are not aware of the resources that are accessible to them, especially in rural areas. The mental health problem among Indian males is made worse by their reluctance to discuss their feelings and their ignorance of the issue. Providing resources is only one aspect of addressing men's mental health; other aspects include questioning antiquated ideas of masculinity and fostering an atmosphere where men may seek assistance without worrying about being judged.

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A complex interaction of psychological, social, and cultural elements shapes men's mental health. Men frequently face a distinct set of difficulties as a result of these variables, which may exacerbate mental health conditions or make it more difficult for them seek help. A closer look of these factors is given below: 
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1. Cultural Norms of Masculinity: Toughness, inhibition of emotional expression and independence are traditional ideas of masculinity in many cultures, including India. Men are encouraged to "man up" in trying circumstances and are frequently socialized to avoid displaying vulnerability. Because men fear being viewed as weak or unmanly if they admit to having emotional difficulties, these cultural standards might make it difficult for them to get help for mental health problems. 
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2. Role of Family Expectations: In many traditional societies, men's lives are greatly influenced by the demands and expectations of their families. Men are expected to marry and support their families, frequently from an early age, in certain societies. Men who believe they are unable to meet these standards may experience anxiety and a sense of obligation. Men who don't fit into typical roles may also experience criticism or rejection from their community and family, which can cause them to feel distressed and alienated. 
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3. Patriarchal Social Expectations: Men are heavily burdened by patriarchy, especially in regards to their responsibilities as protectors and providers. Men are expected to be powerful, in charge, and in charge of their families' welfare in a patriarchal society. Particularly when men believe they are unable to live up to these standards, this can lead to an overpowering sense of guilt and obligation. Furthermore, social stigma and humiliation may result from not carrying out these responsibilities, which can exacerbate mental health issues. 
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4. Isolation and Lack of Support: Compared to women, men frequently have smaller networks of emotional support. Men are more inclined to isolate themselves during stressful situations, whereas women would turn to friends or family for support. Suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and sadness are all made more likely by this lack of social support. The cycle of solitude is further exacerbated by the social norms that discourage men from getting professional assistance. 
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5. Emotional Suppression: Men are frequently socialized from an early age to shut down feelings like vulnerability, fear, and grief. Men are generally encouraged by society to be stoic and in control, which can result in suppressed emotions. Anxiety, depression, and stress are among the mental health conditions that are significantly exacerbated by this emotional suppression. Men's mental health issues might worsen and be more difficult to treat when they are unable to communicate their emotions or ask for assistance. 
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6. Health Risks and Coping Strategies: When men are stressed or experiencing emotional distress, they often resort to riskier behaviors like substance misuse, excessive alcohol usage, or physical aggressiveness. Long-term physical and mental health problems, such as addiction, violence, and emotional anguish, are frequently brought on by these harmful coping strategies.

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Raising Awareness: Mental Health Resources and Support Systems

The dearth of easily available resources is one of the main obstacles to treating men's mental health in India. Despite some advancements, there are still relatively few mental health specialists in many rural locations, and residents of urban areas might not have access to reasonably priced therapies. The stigma associated with mental illness also frequently discourages males from getting treatment because they are afraid of being called "weak" or "unstable." The key to bringing about change in such an environment is awareness.

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Reducing stigma and expanding access to mental health care are the goals of government programs like the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). However, particularly in underprivileged areas, these programs frequently fall short of meeting the increasing need. 

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In an effort to close the gap, private and non-profit groups have started providing support groups and counseling services designed especially for guys. It's critical for males to realize that asking for assistance is a proactive move toward recovery rather than a show of weakness. Those who are reluctant to seek help in person may find online platforms and helplines more tempting because they offer a certain amount of privacy.

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The Importance of Early Intervention

For men in particular, early help is essential when dealing with mental health concerns. Males are more likely to overlook early indicators of mental health issues and only seek assistance when things get really bad. It is important to educate males about the early indicators of mental health problems, such as irritation, chronic sorrow, or changes in eating and sleeping habits. In order to handle stress before it worsens, males should also be encouraged to have open expressions along embracing good coping mechanisms 

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Parents, Educational Institutions,Media along with organizations can encourage more open discussions and holding space for feeling and expressing emotions without shame or guilt. This not only allows the person to better communicate but also fosters a sense of safety breaking the perpetual cycle of problematic male stereotypes.

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Breaking the Cycle: Addressing These Factors

To improve men’s mental health, it is crucial to address both the psychosocial and cultural factors that contribute to mental health struggles. Some potential steps to break the cycle include:
 

1. Promoting Emotional Expression: It's important to support males in freely expressing their feelings and asking for assistance when necessary. Education, media efforts, and creating supportive settings in homes, companies, and schools can all help achieve this.
    
2. Redefining Masculinity: It's important to move away from conventional notions of masculinity that link emotional repression and strength. The stigma associated with men's mental health concerns can be lessened by advancing a more inclusive and comprehensive concept of masculinity that permits emotional expression and vulnerability.
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3. Developing Support Systems: Men can feel less alone if they are encouraged to establish social networks of emotional support. Men can talk about their mental health issues in safe settings through peer-led initiatives, therapy, and support groups. 
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4. Increasing Mental Health Literacy: Educating and mediating men about mental health issues will help them understand how important it is to get treatment as soon as possible. Campaigns for mental health should be specifically designed to meet the needs of males and offer tools that support candid conversations about difficulties.

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Rocket Health India can be your first step towards yourself

We at Rocket Health India understand how critical it is to address men's mental health and dispel the stigma associated with it. It's time to give emotional well-being top priority because mental health is equally as important as physical health. For guys who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, our all-inclusive mental health programs offer easily accessible, private support.

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Take control of your mental health now rather than waiting for a crisis to occur. The first step to a healthier life is taking care of yourself, so get in touch with Rocket Health India's knowledgeable staff to begin your path to improved mental health. Get in touch right now!

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Conclusion

The government has implemented a number of programs and laws that affect mental health, including men's mental health, but much more has to be done to explicitly address men's mental health in India. These programs have the potential to enhance men's mental health nationwide by raising awareness, facilitating better access to mental health treatments, and incorporating mental health into more comprehensive healthcare policies.

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Men's mental health will become more inclusive and supportive if the government continues to create laws that prioritize mental health care. This will help to lessen stigma and motivate more men to get the help they require.

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References

Murthy, R. (2017b). National mental health survey of India 2015–2016. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 59(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_102_17

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Singh, O. P. (2022). Startling suicide statistics in India: Time for urgent action. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 64(5), 431–432. https://doi.org/10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_665_22

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Chatmon, B. N. (2020). Males and mental health stigma. American Journal of Men S Health, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988320949322

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Meghrajani, V. R., Marathe, M., Sharma, R., Potdukhe, A., Wanjari, M. B., & Taksande, A. B. (2023). A comprehensive analysis of mental health problems in India and the role of mental asylums. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.42559