As more society and science focus on understanding that no certain gender holds inherent emotional strengths or weaknesses, there has also been an increasing focus on bringing men into the conversation as well as breaking down negative stereotypes about men discussing their emotions openly.
While it can still be a difficult and sometimes taboo topic to approach with men, having an open dialogue about how men feel, their struggles, triumphs and the way they think, is an important component of mental health and healthy relationships. In this article, we explore how to break down the stigma and encourage men to open up and talk about their emotions.
What is the Stigma and How Does it Impact Men
The stigma surrounding mental health and emotions has long been attached to men in particular. Society has led boys to believe that they need to be strong, stoic and unaffected by their emotions. Put simply, men have been taught from a young age to ‘man up’, rather than open up and discuss their emotions. This has led to many repressing their emotions, leading to greater risks for mental and physical health complications.
The Stereotypes of Men
Due to rigid gender stereotypes which have been perpetuated for generations, there is still a popular opinion that men, in particular, should be “strong”. That strength does not only refer to physical strength, but also to emotional and mental strength as well. Many men feel that if they do not live up to this standard, they are less of a man. Other stereotypes attached to men are that they are better at problem-solving and less talkative. Men may worry that if they openly discuss their issues, they will be judged or their masculinity will be questioned.
The Advantages of Men Discussing Their Emotions
When men open up and discuss their emotions with their loved ones, they can benefit in a number of ways. Here are five advantages of men discussing their emotions which may help to reduce stigma:
-
Improved Mental Health: Men will be better able to manage and cope with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues that they may face by having an open dialogue about their feelings.
-
Improved Relationship Quality: Men are more likely to have stronger, happier relationships with the people in their lives if they can discuss their emotions openly and honestly.
-
Improved Support Network: Talking about their emotions will help men create and maintain a strong support system of family and close friends to lean on in times of need.
-
Improved Self–Understanding: Men may have a deeper understanding of themselves both emotionally and mentally when they are more vocal about their feelings and thoughts.
-
Increased Confidence: Openly discussing feelings and emotions can help men to gain more confidence in their relationships and in themselves.
Lifting the Stigma
To reduce the stigma of men discussing their emotions, there are a few strategies to promote a more open dialogue.
-
Start Conversations: Encourage men to engage in dialogue that involves emotional and mental health topics, such as current events or art. Discussions don’t have to be personal, they just need to involve emotional topics.
-
Normalize Open Dialogue: Try to normalize emotional conversations, just as you would a discussion about sports or the weather. This may help to reduce the fear of negative repercussions for men discussing their feelings in the open.
-
Reach Out for Help: It is important for men to remember that it is OK to ask for help outside of their own support system. Mental health professionals are always available for men to talk to if they feel it’s necessary.
-
Offer Resources: Provide men with resources related to emotional health such as books, articles and podcasts. This will help them to further educate themselves and understand that discussing emotions is normal and not a sign of weakness.
-
Promote Acceptance: Encourage men to accept their emotions and recognize that it’s normal to experience highs and lows. Help them to understand that all their emotions are valid, and that their struggles are not a reflection of their character or manhood.
By understanding both the impact of the stigma surrounding men discussing their emotions, as well as the benefits that can come from it, society can begin to create a more open and safe environment for men to discuss their feelings. To reduce the stigma and eliminate negative stereotypes, it is important to encourage men to talk about their emotions and provide them with resources to further normalize open dialogue. This will not only help to create a healthier culture surrounding emotion, but also create healthier and happier relationships with family, friends, and significant others. Ultimately, if we can break down the stigma and make it easier for men to discuss their emotions openly, mental health in society as a whole can only benefit.