International Men’s Day 2025: Why Men Don’t Open Up About Mental Health And How We Can Change That

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Most men don't wake up thinking about their mental health. They wake up thinking about responsibilities: work deadlines, family needs, bills to pay, people to show up for. Somewhere in the middle of all this, their own emotions get pushed to the background. Not because they don't feel things deeply, but because they've been taught for years that they shouldn't.

And that's exactly why, on the occasion of International Men's Day on 19th November, we spoke to Dr Ravindra Agrawal, Consultant Psychiatrist, Manipal Hospital, Goa, to understand why men often struggle in silence and why acknowledging their emotional wellbeing matters more today than ever.

How Childhood Conditioning Shapes Men's Emotional Worlds

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In our society, boys are often brought up to fit the stereotype of being 'strong,' 'silent,' 'unemotional,' and 'to always be in control.' As they grow up, their minds are shaped by messages, such as 'boys never cry', 'man up ', and 'handle it yourself', which prevent them from expressing their emotional state of mind.

"These ideas may appear harmless, but they create a huge barrier that prevents men from acknowledging emotional distress and seeking help when they need it most. The mental health challenges faced by modern humans affect men as well. Equally if not more," said Dr Agrawal.

The Pressures Men Navigate Every Day

Men face immense pressures: providing for families, succeeding at work, managing relationships, and meeting social expectations of masculinity. Increasingly, as families are becoming nuclear, the support provided by traditional communities also becomes scarce.

"As a result, men often hide symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Research consistently shows that while men may experience mental-health difficulties as frequently as women, they are less likely to talk about their struggles or access professional support," highlighted Dr Agrawal.

When Silence Turns Harmful

This silent suffering can have devastating consequences, leading to reduced productivity, behavioural issues, poor coping, broken relationships, substance use, burnout, and tragically, higher suicide rates among men. Yes, while a greater number of women attempt self-harm, the rates of completed suicides are among men.

Talking Is a Strength, Not a Weakness

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Breaking this silence has become not only important but very urgent. "Talking openly about mental health and emotions does not make a man weak. In fact, it is an act of courage. By sharing their experiences with friends, spouses, other family members, colleagues, or seeking help from professionals, opportunities to heal are created. "It's important to remember that for men to care for others, they need to care for themselves first," said Dr Agrawal.

What Can We Do To Promote This Shift?

• Challenge stereotypes early: We must improve our parenting practices and encourage boys and men to express emotions, ask for help, and prioritise wellbeing.
• Build supportive communities and workplaces: Workplaces and communities should create supportive infrastructure through mental-health awareness programs, peer groups, and confidential counselling options.
• Encourage public figures to share openly: Importantly, more and more men, especially the icons, celebrities, and those who have achieved success, are opening up about how they navigated mental health issues in a healthy way and participate in discussions about mental health - this should not be left only to mental health specialists; it is everyone's business.

Ultimately, breaking the silence starts with one conversation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.