Recently, we have begun to recognize the significance of mental health. While this is a huge step forward from a decade ago, or even a few years ago, there is still more work to be done. 

Although men and women both suffer from mental health issues, it is often overlooked in males. 

The purpose of this article is absolutely not to discredit or undermine the mental health challenges women face, but instead, to highlight and address the widely disregarded challenges that men face. 

According to ncbi.org, suicide, and depression are one of the leading causes of death among men, “Six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year. 

And according to Mental Health America [MHA] 2020, “Men (79 percent of 38,364) die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women.” 

Men as a whole are less likely to seek mental health treatment than women. This is due to the stigma regarding seeking help for mental health. 

The notion that “boys don’t cry” is extremely harmful, however, the idea that men are at fault for this notion is even more harmful. 

Recently, on social media and in the hallways, I’ve heard men expressing their discontent with the idea that men shouldn’t cry or express emotion. 

Instead of supporting men in refuting this harmful stigma, I’ve heard women respond by saying, “Well, whose fault is that?” Implying that men are at fault for the patriarchal ideas instilled decades ago. 

This type of negative reaction makes men shy away from seeking help. They may feel as though their opinions will be shot down, and ridiculed for attempting to speak out. 

Instead, we should work on encouraging men to talk about their feelings and support them in challenging harmful societal expectations. 

This is not to say that the ideals of what constitutes “masculinity” aren’t harmful as well. 

The notion that masculinity is defined by lack of expression, and that to be masculine is to be powerful and dominant, is also toxic. It can damage mental health advocacy. 

Rigid rules and concepts that men have about masculinity are also harmful to their own well-being; it is no secret that there are men who amplify toxic masculinity.

People like Andrew Tate, who take a very rigid and sexist approach to gender norms, are extremely dangerous to mental health advocacy. 

Young men or boys who look up to him–or figures like him–are far more likely to adopt the same attitude. 

In shifting the harmful standards of masculinity, there can also be significant change in the comfort of men and their voices.

The stigma and neglect towards men’s mental health is something that has accumulated over the years. 

Thus, if we continue to enforce gender stereotypes and overlook the struggles that they face, the problem will only get worse. 

However, if we are able to redefine what “manhood” is and erase the harsh standards of what a man should be, then we will begin to see positive change.

Additionally, women need to stop blaming men for the patriarchal standards that were instilled so many years ago. If something like toxic masculinity is instilled in you over and over for years, it won’t be easy to challenge those norms, especially if they are so deeply rooted in your mind. 

Society should be working together collectively to advocate for men’s mental health.