40 pc of Indian men don’t talk about their mental health openly: Experts

While society has started openly discussing issues such as anxiety depression and stress menrsquos mental health continues to be an overlooked area About 40 per cent of men in India do not talk about their mental health openly over fear of stigma said experts on ThursdayInternational Mens Health Week is observed every year from June 10 to June 16 to raise awareness on menrsquos health issuesldquoThe lack of discussions about menrsquos mental health or their propensity to seek help along with the growing suicide rates may be explained by the male gender norms that are socially constructedrdquo said Dr Samir Kumar Praharaj Professor and Head Department of Psychiatry Kasturba Medical College and Hospitals MAHE ManipalldquoAbout 40 per cent of Indian men donrsquot talk about their mental health openly largely due to stigmas and misconceptions including the mistaken belief that men should handle their emotions on their ownrdquo added Dr Shyam Bhat Psychiatrist and Chairperson of LiveLoveLaughHistorically societal expectations have dictated that men embody strength resilience and emotional stoicism Biological and hormonal influences like testosterone also contribute to different emotional responses in menDr Samir said that in most cases men are an example of how to mask emotions since it is considered shameful for them to express feelings or seek helpldquoWhen depressed men are more likely to display aggression and anger rather than sadness compared with women who may be more in touch with their sadness and vulnerabilityrdquo remarked Dr ShyamConsequently many men suffer in silence or become isolated and resort to substance abuse as they battle their internal struggles without the support they desperately need This increases suicide risk in men and consequently death by suicide in men occurs 25 times more than in women he addedThe doctors called for awareness campaigns and educational programmes to assist in the elimination of myths and stigmatisation associated with mental disorders as well as foster conversationDr Samir stressed healthy habits such as exercising doing mindful activities and engaging in creative outlets for better mental healthldquoThe emphasis should be shifted to altering the perception of male masculinity and persuading men to take their mental health issues seriously and to seek help if they experience any difficultiesrdquo the health expert saidAlso Read Seeking nondiscriminatory healthcare for LGBTQ patientsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever