Written by Lauren Faylor
As June honors Men’s Mental Health Month, the topic of men’s mental health has begun to gain the attention it desperately needs. The issues and statistics surrounding men’s mental health are concerning, with depression and suicide as leading causes of death among men. In the United States alone, six million men suffer from depression annually. Men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women, and they are also more likely to engage in substance misuse and other dangerous coping behaviors.
Despite the progress of increasing awareness, a significant barrier remains: stigma. Stigma can manifest in various ways, from societal perceptions to internalized shame, and it plays a crucial role in why men often hesitate to seek help for their mental health issues.
Understanding Stigma
The stigma surrounding men’s mental health is multifaceted. It includes social stigma, self-stigma, professional stigma, and cultural stigma.
Social stigma refers to negative attitudes and beliefs about individuals with mental health issues, often rooted in misconceptions that these individuals are weak or have flawed character.
Self-stigma occurs when individuals internalize these societal attitudes, leading to feelings of shame and inadequacy.
Professional stigma involves healthcare providers who may unintentionally perpetuate these negative beliefs, preventing men from getting the help they need.
Cultural stigma encompasses the various ways different cultures perceive and handle mental health issues.
The Impact on Men
Traditional masculine norms often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help, reinforcing the idea that they should be stoic and self-reliant. This cultural expectation can lead men to hide their