ABC of Mental Health

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is Men’s Mental Health since it’s Men’s Health Month. We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic! 

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One relevant recommendation:

Be a Man, Yaar Series 

"Be a Man,Yaar," hosted by Nikhil Taneja, is a compelling YouTube talk show featuring celebrities and Instagram influencers discussing various facets of masculinity. The show aims to challenge stereotypes and provides a nuanced understanding of what it means to be a man in today's society.

Two quotes on Masculinity and Men’s Mental Health:

Jackson Katz, American educator, highlights negative effects of blaming men:

"The goal is not to cast blame on men or masculinity, but to understand that traditional norms of masculinity can be incredibly toxic to men as well as to women."

Ryan Reynolds, Canadian-American actor and film producer, discusses his mental health:

"I've had anxiety my whole life really... The expectation that we must all 'man up' and always show strength, is a dangerous and outdated concept."’

Three TherapyShorts from TST ^{(on men’s mental health)}

1. Men as the protectors and/or providers: Patriarchal society often views men primarily as protectors and providers, confining them to roles that emphasise strength, responsibility, and self-reliance. Example: Imagine a man who loses his job. He might feel intense pressure to quickly find another one because society expects him to be the primary breadwinner for his family. This pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy if he struggles to meet these expectations. Recognising that men can also seek support and share responsibilities can help relieve some of this burden and improve their mental health.

2. Men need to be strong (ALWAYS!): There is a common belief that men need to be strong and stoic, often expressed in phrases like "mard ko dard nahi hota" (men don’t feel pain). This mindset discourages men from expressing their emotions and seeking help. Example: If a man is feeling overwhelmed by personal issues but believes that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, he might bottle up his feelings instead of talking to a friend or seeking therapy. This can lead to increased stress and potentially serious mental health problems. Encouraging men to express their emotions and seek help when needed is crucial for their well-being.

3. Rising rates of suicides among men: Young men are increasingly facing mental health challenges, leading to rising suicide rates in this demographic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year, and men are more likely to die by suicide than women in almost every country. A young man in his 20s might struggle with academic pressure, career uncertainty, or relationship issues but feels he has no one to talk to because he fears being judged as weak. Without an outlet for his struggles, he may feel isolated and hopeless, increasing the risk of severe mental health issues and even suicide. Promoting open conversations about mental health and providing accessible support services can help address this crisis.

A QUESTION?

Who do you generally ask for help?

1. Family Members

2. Friends

3. Seniors/Mentors from the specific field

4. Mental Health Professional

Vote Here

LAST WEEK’S RESPONSE: How many hours of sleep do you generally get? 

As our readers grow older, they seem to be getting more sleep — is it a shift in priorities, more space to make their own schedule, or just changed sleep requirements? What do you think? We always want to hear from you :)

Love and light,

The Social Therapist