Silent Struggle: The Burden of Toxic Masculinity on Men’s Mental Health

Shrugging off a mental health concern delays potentially life-altering treatment for many men. Showing support and affirmation of men seeking treatment is critical in promoting recovery.

When renowned celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain died of suicide at the age of 61, his sudden passing shocked both fans as well as those close to him. He was successful, respected, and adventurous, connecting with people around the world. The idea that he was also suicidal was hard for many to comprehend, despite his past struggles with anger issues and addiction. Though those close to him reported he had begun to seek out treatment, he had downplayed his depression to all, assuring that he was fine. His tragic loss is now part of an important public discussion about men and mental health.

For many men, struggling with a mental health issue means suffering in silence. Declining but still present stigmas around acknowledging mental health issues, as well as problematic ideas of masculinity often play heavily into men’s reluctance to seek help. This isolation can have disastrous effects, including increased rates of alcohol and substance abuse, as well as depression and suicide, which are ranked as a leading cause of death for men.

Misunderstanding Mental Health

Though important progress has been made in terms of increasing awareness of mental health disorders as a health issue in need of professional care and treatment just like diabetes, heart disease or cancer — for some there is a lingering stigma around mental health.

Because of this, for men struggling with a mental health issue there may be a sense of shame around acknowledging it. Misconceptions that mental health concerns result from personal weaknesses or weak-will have forced many into struggling on their own, or succumbing to the challenges resulting from lack of treatment.

Therefore, even though you may have identified the need for additional support in confronting your mental health struggles, you might be finding it difficult to ask for help – and you are not alone.

Why the “Tough, Silent Type” Suffers

Deeply ingrained ideas about masculinity also play a significant role in why men avoid treatment for mental health issues. Traditional concepts of masculinity often involve strength, control, dominance, and stoicism. Though these are not intrinsically negative traits, they can create barriers to emotional expression and seeking mental health treatment.

These ideas are part of what is now understood as “toxic masculinity,” cultural expectations of men’s behaviour and emotions that are damaging to men and society at large. Encouraging men to suppress their emotions leaves very little space for them to acknowledge or discuss their mental health. For example in England, men are less likely to access treatment than women, less likely to talk about their mental health issues with family or friends, and more likely to turn to use harmful coping methods such as drug or alcohol use in response to stress. This puts men at risk for serious consequences from untreated mental health issues.

Not Alone: Men’s Mental Health Issues

Though men and women are considered to be equally affected by mental health issues, there is some difference in terms of which mental health issues are more prevalent for each gender. Men are more likely than women to be affected by substance abuse disorders, as well as anti-social personality disorders. Men are also more likely to experience a co-occurring substance abuse disorder along with another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression.

Some other mental health issues that can affect men include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Symptoms of a mental health condition

You might be wondering if what you are feeling are warning signs of a mental health issue. It can be difficult to sort out normal feelings of stress, grief, or anger from those signalling a mental health disorder. Here are some signs that indicate that what you’re feeling may be part of an underlying mental health condition:

• Noticeable changes in energy levels, mood, or appetite
• Anger, irritability, and aggression
• Increased feelings of stress of worry
• Alcohol or substance misuse
• “Flat” feeling or trouble connecting with emotions
• Sleeping difficulties (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Physical ailments without an obvious cause, such as aches, headaches, or digestive problems
• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Engaging in high-risk activities

Left untreated, mental health issues can be damaging to your personal and professional relationships, as well as your physical health. If you recognise some of these symptoms as what you are feeling, connecting with a mental health professional is an essential next step in getting effective treatment and beginning the road to recovery.