Breaking the Silence: Why Men’s Mental Health is Crucial in a Patriarchal Society

I recently faced the deep loss of my father, which hit me hard. While I grappled with grief, I was assigned to a demanding job. My family is tight-knit, and I knew I needed to be home for support. I asked for a different position to help manage my emotions. They told me that staying busy would keep me from crying.

Instead of pushing back, I adjusted my routine. Rather than working late nights, I began to appreciate early mornings. Watching the sunrise gave me a sense of hope, transforming my sadness into a quiet strength.

A few months later, a friend lost his father and received support from his workplace. They acknowledged his need for leave because he had become the “head of the family.” This made me reflect on how society sometimes responds to grief differently based on gender.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we need to highlight troubling statistics. For example, men represent about 75% of global self-harm deaths and are less likely—by 50%—to seek help. Young men aged 20 to 24 face particularly high suicide rates, which are 3.7 times that of young women.

This month shines a light on how societal norms can make it tough for men to talk about their feelings. Phrases like “men don’t cry” create barriers. Even when men do express their struggles, they might hesitate, fearing they’ll be perceived as weak or oversensitive.

My friend faced expectations to step up as a leader, while I came from a household where everyone was equal, and there was no designated “head.” It made me question how we can help men speak about their struggles. The moment they do open up, they often face skepticism. Emotional responses are dismissed or labeled as attention-seeking, creating a stigma that can lead to isolation.

Women too face challenges. Many assume they are better at voicing their emotions, yet they also grapple with societal judgments. They fear being seen as weak or odd if they seek help.

There’s also the reality for the LGBTQ+ community, which faces even higher risks when it comes to mental health challenges. Sometimes, we may not fully understand each other’s struggles, and that can be isolating.

To truly encourage openness, we need to share the responsibility. We should teach our children that gender roles are societal constructs. When it comes to health and emotional expression, we’re all human. Compassion and empathy are the keys to fostering communication.

Reflecting on my experience and my friend’s, I see how deeply patriarchal views can affect our understanding of grief and mental health. It’s time to break those barriers and create a space where everyone feels safe to express their emotions.

For more insights on mental health issues, consider reading articles from trusted sources like the World Health Organization.



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mental health, men, mens' mental health, Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, june, depression, patriarchy