There is already stigma related to mental health topics, especially men’s mental health. Men are expected to ‘Suck it up’ or ‘Man up’. They are instructed to be brave, stoic, and physically strong. For men, admitting their mental health issues reveals vulnerability, which leads to automatically question their masculinity.
Men in sports get plenty of support compared to men in drama or theatre. Some schools do not teach men how to cook because it is not traditionally masculine. Male abuse and rape victims are taken less seriously. No wonder most men have such complexes to show their vulnerable side.
For men, strength is represented by the ability endure the pain. They fail to acknowledge that being able to open up is even stronger since it takes courage to admit that you are not okay. By discussing depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, men realize that they are not alone. By talking more often and more openly about mental health conditions, we begin to normalize it.