Mental health is a basic human right. In the society where we advocate for equal rights for men and women, men tend to be backwards in asking for help. Men are often victims to societal expectations and should be stronger than women in a family. These cultural and societal implications turn out to be the major issue in men concealing their real problems and never addressing the issues that lead them to behaviors unacceptable and unlawful in the society including reckless driving, addictions and sexual harassment.
The main problem stems from family where the man of the family had to bear every difficult situation without revealing it to their loved ones. He should protect his sister, he should earn a good income and a stable job, he shouldn’t cry – these scenarios are injected into the child and as he grows he finds it difficult to open up to his own parents and loved ones.
The unresolved traumas in childhood also make him unable to trust or reveal his difficulties to someone.
Moreover there is severe burnout syndrome, overworking and stress from working in men in Kerala which they ignore and result in physical and mental health issues. But help for men’ mental health issues are available in Kerala here in Kochi.
“Let’s break some myths and understand how timely support can change lives.
Why Men’s Mental Health Deserves Attention
According to 2023 NCRB reports revealed a significant gender disparity in suicide, male accounted for 72.8% of all suicides while female accounted for 27.2%.This is a huge difference which reflects the amount of struggle men facing in addressing their mental health issues. The man up narrative and cultural conditioning make it harder for them to seek help. Men’s mental health is often more overlooked or a silent crisis because of the societal norms that men should be strong and shouldn’t show their vulnerability
The concealing of emotional turmoil and severe stress reflects on all aspects of life. It also takes a toll on their physical health, family and relationship and in the work place.
Common Myths About Men’s Mental Health
Real Men Don’t Get Depressed
Depression in men can manifest in ways that are often different from the classic symptoms of sadness or emptiness, so it can go unnoticed. The symptoms differ from classic symptoms and manifest as ;
- Anger and irritability or aggression – instead of sadness they express the emotional burden as excessive anger ,frustration,controlling or abusive behavior.
- Also they express it in forms of escapisms – overworking , use of substances like drugs , alcohol etc. Getting addicted to gaming and gambling online.
- Reckless driving , sexual harassment / domestic violence.
Or these can be manifested in
- Loss of Interest : Losing pleasure or interest in hobbies, sports, work, sex.
● Isolation and Withdrawal: Avoiding contact with friends and family, or neglecting personal interests.
- Feeling Hopelessness or Worthlessness: Feeling like a failure, being easily disappointed, or believing that people would be better off without him.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, organizing thoughts, or making decisions.
- Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling very tired or slowed down, which doesn’t improve with rest.
- Decline in Work Performance: Inability to meet responsibilities or decreased productivity.
Male depression need attention of medical professional, depression treatment in kerala is available at our clinic MindCareDoc
Therapy Is for the Weak
Asking for help can be hard for men. Men usually think that therapy means being weak. Taking counseling can make me feel weaker and those who know will mock me. These thoughts should be changed in our society. Seeking help from a therapist, counselor, or doctor is a sign of strength and proactive health management, not weakness.
Stress Is Just a Part of Manhood
Chronic stress effects: heart health, sleep, mood
Stress isn’t just a part of manhood. Stress is a human response. “Stress is part of Manhood”,this statement stems from the societal stigmas and expectations faced by men to be stronger in both their physical and emotional levels.This can also be a resistance in finding treatment of stress before your health collapses in both mental and physical aspect.
Suppressing stress could only be detrimental to one’s health whether it be any human.
The physical symptoms of suppressed stress can be reflected on health in cardiac disease, sleeplessness, mood disturbances, headache,digestive issues and loss of sexual drive.
Decluttering the stress involves recognizing it, developing healthy coping mechanisms (like exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies), and building a supportive social network.
Effective stress management is key to a healthy life .At MindCareDoc, we provide personalized stress and anxiety management. Also provide both counselling and psychiatric consultation. We integrate CBT, Stress management techniques, mind- body intervention , meditation techniques and lifestyle modifications.
We provide ayurvedic medications when medicines are needed.
Men Don’t Need Emotional Support
The need for communication is essential in human life. In terms of being a human you need to express your thoughts, your emotions. Men and women need equal importance when it comes to emotional support.Denying this support based on gender bias, is a major threat to the mental health well being ,contributing to many societal problems..Furthermore, education plays a role in normalizing the need of emotional support .
Online counselling can be the best solution to men who are seeking therapy if they are unable to seek direct counselling due to the societal barriers like .In Kerala, at MindcareDoc we also provide sessions online .
Medication Means You’re Crazy
This is also a stigma based on mental health treatment for men. But this is never the case, as a human everybody needs to prioritize their health – both physical and mental. Taking medication for mental health after consultation with a psychiatrist is never crazy ,it means you acknowledge your health as a wealth and treat it before it gets severe. Also taking medication is only a part of treatment, if it’s essential your psychiatrist will recommend them.
Understanding the Root Causes
- Work related pressure and burnout are a main cause of stress, depression and anxieties in men. Since the expectation of working for the family, men push through the stress and overwork themselves. The lack of job securities , financial stress , the powerlessness in work -not able to voice their opinions. The toxic work culture, grinding the person to work long hours without any set limit, the hostile environment are contributing to the burnout.
- Family and relationship expectations Meeting the expectations of family and friends. Men who are more connected to family, friends, or their community are more happier than those who are less expressive of their emotions. Friends can motivate each other to exercise, eat well, and avoid unhealthy habits, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A childhood with neglect and abuse will draw them far away from their sole support systems. If they are not expressing their thoughts and concealing due to the biases present in society, there will be further strain in their marriage adding to their poor mental health.
- Career and financial stress are ever increasing among the youth of Kerala as well as in India due to the unemployment and layoffs. The pressure is enormous on the men as they are expected to perform well in all aspects.
- Unprocessed trauma or loneliness: Trauma—especially childhood relational trauma like neglect, abuse, or abandonment—does not just cause pain; it fundamentally alters a man’s ability to trust others and safely engage in deep, meaningful connections. This teaches a person that relationships are unsafe or unpredictable. In childhood as a boy’s needs were unmet, his feelings were ridiculed, or he was physically or emotionally harmed by caregivers, he learns that the people who are supposed to provide safety are a source of pain. This resulted in the shutdown of his mechanism to be dependent and open to the people.
Instead of expressing sadness, fear, or vulnerability, the pain of the trauma often comes out as anger, irritability, or perfectionism—behaviors that actively push supportive people away and reinforce isolation.
The combined effects of trauma-driven mistrust and emotional avoidance create a sense of loneliness, the feeling of unable to connect , even when others are present and social isolation.
The trauma leads to loneliness and feeling of unworthiness (Thinking that you are not important)( if you open up people will leave you), like these thoughts can occur. Loneliness and hopelessness are among the strongest correlates of suicidal behavior
- Physical symptoms: These loneliness, untreated trauma, stress, depression all lead to cardiac disease, insomnia, high blood pressure and metabolic disorders like low testosterone, obesity etc.
Here in MindcareDoc we have the expert care of both the psychologist and psychiatrist. They combine their efforts to address the issues like men’s burnout syndrome.
How Professional Help Makes the Difference
Counselling & Therapy for Men
CBT, stress management, anger therapy. Psychologists provide psychological evaluation and behavioral therapies. While you are unable to express your emotions or address your stress within your friends or relatives because of the fear, stigma etc talking to a professional will always be the best solution. They can provide confidential, non- judgmental solutions for your problems. We provide confidential counselling for men in Kerala and also those from other parts of the world.
Psychiatric Consultation & Holistic Care
We combine the essence of Ayurveda in our psychiatric treatment combining the traditional knowledge of cleansing the body and mind, mediation and relaxation practices. Whenever medication is required we provide safe and effective medication. Integrating Ayurveda in the field is never new.
Online & Private Consultations
We provide both in person consultation and online consultation for men in Kerala and abroad at the convenience of our patients. Also considering the flexible timing for working professionals.
Practical Tips for Men to Improve Mental Health
Simple practical exercises that can check in and maintain men’s mental wellness in Kerala are:
- Start daily check-ins: “How am I feeling today?” Journal out your feelings the first thing in the morning
● Maintain work-life balance: Have a time for digital detox, go outside and enjoy time with loved ones. Do things you love as a hobby
● Sleep hygiene and physical activity.
Maintain a proper time for sleep and waking up. Keep phones out of your bed. Engage in physical activities like playing a sport, swimming, exercises or workout.
● Reduce alcohol/nicotine dependence.
If you are someone taking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, its better to stop. But as if you can’t stop it all at once try to reduce and slowly stop using it.
● Encourage “talk to someone you trust.”
Try to talk to someone you trust. Be it your friend or your partner, try to unload your burden by speaking up once in a while.
● “These are small steps and taking the care of a professional when you need ensures lasting change.”
