It's Good for Men to Talk About Their Feelings

It's 2024, yet the very idea that it is good for men to talk about their feelings is frowned upon. Traditional notions of masculinity discourage emotional expression, with anger being the only "acceptable" emotion for men to express. As a daughter, partner, and friend, I have seen how these toxic social expectations cause men to struggle in silence. As a mental health advocate, I believe that changing this narrative is crucial for supporting men's mental health. 

Men Should Talk About Feelings

Emotional expression is a quintessential aspect of being human. However, guys grow up suppressing their feelings. Right from a young age, boys are taught that emotions are feminine and weak, and it is unmanly for a male to express how he is feeling. By frequently saying things like "boys don't cry" and "take it like a man," society ingrains the false notion that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. This cultural conditioning results in men bottling up emotions like fear, pain, and sadness and inevitably causes mental health issues.

For example, one of my friends lost his mother to cancer a few years ago. Although he was close to her, he didn't let himself grieve as he felt he had to "be strong." Soon, he became irritable, was unable to sleep, and lost interest in his hobbies. When he revealed this to me in a fit of frustration, I pushed him to consult a therapist immediately as these were signs of depression.

After a couple of sessions, he began to open up and talk about how his mother's loss had affected him. Voicing his feelings allowed him to release pent-up emotions and start the healing process. With guidance from his therapist, he learned healthy coping mechanisms to manage his grief and gradually regained his emotional wellbeing. Seeing his recovery showed me the importance of creating a supportive environment where men feel safe to express themselves. 

Supporting Men's Mental Health -- What Can You Do?

Each one of us needs to do our bit to create a world where men feel empowered to talk about their feelings and seek the support they need for their mental health. In the video below, I talk about what I do to support the mental health of the men in my life.

It's high time men break free from outdated stereotypes and embrace emotional openness. After all, vulnerability is a strength, and nobody should be pressured to suppress difficult emotions.