5 Reasons Why Men Suffer in Silence About Mental Health and How We Can Change That

Men's mental health remains a critical issue that often goes unnoticed. Research consistently shows that men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues for a range of reasons. Attention must be drawn to these challenges and the routes to change. Below are five reasons why men frequently suffer in silence and practical steps we can take to promote open dialogues surrounding mental health.

1. Traditional Masculinity

From childhood, many boys are taught to follow strict rules of masculinity, such as self-reliance, emotional control, and viewing help-seeking as a weakness. This conditioning implies that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness, and significantly reduces the likelihood of men seeking help. This is supported by a number of studies, showing a clear negative relationship between traditional masculinity and help-seeking attitudes

We can combat these outdated beliefs by openly discussing emotions, promoting the idea that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

2. Stigma and Self-stigma

Men often fear being judged as “unmanly” or weak if they seek help, leading to internalized stigma and reluctance to express emotional distress. As a result, many men who have experienced mental health difficulties may choose not to seek help due to fear of stigma.

Creating and promoting safe spaces, like support groups or community events, encourages men to share their experiences without fear of judgment. These environments can lead to authentic connections and shared healing.

3. Communication Barriers

Men often find it challenging to communicate their emotions, leading to isolation. This difficulty could be due to various reasons, including difficulties identifying, understanding or expressing emotions (alexithymia), embarrassment, anxiety, and fear. Hence, men might wish that they could communicate their feelings better, but struggle to find the right words.

Workshops focusing on emotional expression can empower men. Such programs can teach them emotional literacy and practical skills to articulate their thoughts and feelings clearly, making it easier to seek support from friends or professionals.

4. Cultural Influences

Cultural narratives often dissuade men from discussing their emotional battles. Many cultures associate vulnerability with failure or weakness. Some men in certain cultural contexts may feel pressured to uphold stoic attitudes. Furthermore, issues such as peer acceptance, cultural expectations, and fear of negative responses (including homophobia) further discourage help-seeking, especially among young men.

By promoting cultural sensitivity in mental health discussions, we ensure that all men can engage in dialogue around their mental health, irrespective of their background.

5. Practical and Systemic Barriers

Men often feel disconnected from mental health resources because they see little representation in discussions. Most mental health campaigns may not resonate with their experiences. In addition, poor communication with healthcare professionals, lack of “male-friendly” services, and limited mental health literacy also contribute to delays or avoidance in seeking help.

Creating campaigns and resources that highlight male voices can foster inclusivity. When men see others like them discussing their mental health experiences, they may feel more empowered to engage. Upskilling helping professionals so that they are better equipped to understand, engage, and support men's mental health is important as well.

Moving Forward: What We Can Do

Promoting men's mental health requires collective action. Here are some ways to facilitate this change:

• Promote Open Dialogue: Encourage discussions about mental health in various settings, from homes to workplaces.

• Increase Accessibility: Ensure mental health resources are available and tailored to men's specific needs.

• Advocate for Mental Health Education: Integrate mental health topics into educational curriculums and community programs. Promote educational resources that target men's mental health to aid in recognizing symptoms early.

• Leverage Media Representation: Support media portraying men engaging in healthy mental health discussions. Highlight success stories from various individuals who have benefited from therapy to shift perceptions. Showcase therapy as a proactive approach to encourage more men to reach out for help.

• Create Supportive Spaces: Establish environments for men to share experiences without fear of stigma. Create a social atmosphere that encourages sharing and acceptance. Transform social circles into more supportive environments to facilitate open conversations.

A Healthier Future for Men's Mental Health

By acknowledging the barriers that silence many men and taking actionable steps toward change, we can reshape the narrative around men's mental health. Open conversations, educational programs, and supportive communities can encourage men to seek help and share their struggles. Together, let's pave the way for a future where mental health for men is openly discussed and supported.

P.S. If you are a man suffering in silence, or you know someone who is, reach out for support today. It's never too late.

For individuals who require crisis support (24-hour emergency helplines):

1. Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Helpline: 6389 2222 

2. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1767 (Hotline) or 9151 1767 (text via WhatsApp)

References:

1. Galdas, P., Cheater, F., & Marshall, P. (2005). Men and health help-seeking behaviour: literature review.. Journal of advanced nursing, 49 6, 616-23. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1365-2648.2004.03331.X

2. Lynch, L., Long, M., & Moorhead, A. (2018). Young Men, Help-Seeking, and Mental Health Services: Exploring Barriers and Solutions. American Journal of Men's Health, 12, 138 - 149. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988315619469

3. Sheikh, A., Payne-Cook, C., Lisk, S., Carter, B., & Brown, J. (2024). Why do young men not seek help for affective mental health issues? A systematic review of perceived barriers and facilitators among adolescent boys and young men. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 34, 565 - 583. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-024-02520-9

4. Morgan, P., Stanfield, M., & Durtschi, J. (2021). “There may be a problem, but I’m not going because…”: examining classes of men and their rationales for not seeking mental health treatment. Journal of Mental Health, 31, 180 - 187. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2021.1922639

5. Yousaf, O., Grunfeld, E., & Hunter, M. (2015). A systematic review of the factors associated with delays in medical and psychological help-seeking among men. Health Psychology Review, 9, 264 - 276. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2013.840954

6. Möller-Leimkühler, A. (2002). Barriers to help-seeking by men: a review of sociocultural and clinical literature with particular reference to depression.. Journal of affective disorders, 71 1-3, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-0327(01)00379-2

7. Kwon, M., Lawn, S., & Kaine, C. (2023). Understanding Men’s Engagement and Disengagement When Seeking Support for Mental Health. American Journal of Men's Health, 17. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883231157971

8. Sullivan, L., Camic, P., & Brown, J. (2015). Masculinity, alexithymia, and fear of intimacy as predictors of UK men's attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help.. British journal of health psychology, 20 1, 194-211. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12089

9. Staiger, T., Stiawa, M., Mueller-Stierlin, A., Kilian, R., Beschoner, P., Gündel, H., Becker, T., Frasch, K., Panzirsch, M., Schmauss, M., & Krumm, S. (2020). Masculinity and Help-Seeking Among Men With Depression: A Qualitative Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.599039

10. Üzümçeker, E. (2025). Traditional Masculinity and Men's Psychological Help-Seeking: A Meta-Analysis.. International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie, 60 2, e70031. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijop.70031