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Men’s Mental Health: Breaking Stigmas and Barriers

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Mental health is a pressing concern, particularly for men who hesitate to express themselves. Traditional norms of masculinity often prevent men from sharing their struggles and seeking support. Many grow up believing that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, which makes them reluctant to express their feelings, even during challenging times. This mindset contributes to higher rates of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and suicide. Recognising the importance of mental health, health insurance policies in India now offer coverage for mental health issues as well. This allows policyholders to seek timely help without financial burdens.

Read on to learn more about the mental health challenges faced by men in India.

Increasing rates of suicides in men

Many men tend to leave their emotional issues unaddressed, and the bottled-up anguish can make them overwhelmed, leading to tragic decisions such as suicide.

The alarming suicide rate among men in India highlights the significance of mental health. According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s report on Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India, an astonishing 72.5 per cent of suicide victims are men. This statistic highlights a significant difference compared to women, emphasising the urgent need to address men’s mental health issues.

Key points to consider:

• In 2021, the gap in suicide cases between men and women was 73,900, indicating that 73,900 more men died of suicide that year alone.

• While the disparity is prominent across all adult age groups, it is particularly high among men aged 18 to 59.

• The number of suicide cases among daily wage workers has been particularly high, with an increase of 170.7% between 2014 to 2021.

Although men have higher suicide rates, research shows that the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders is higher among women. The following are some reasons:

• Research indicates that women tend to internalise mental health issues. This results in a build-up of negative emotions and affects overall mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.

• Men are more likely to externalise their struggles through aggression, substance abuse, and suicide.

This indicates that although men experience fewer diagnosable mental health conditions, they may find it difficult to cope with them effectively. As a result, they frequently turn to harmful coping strategies, particularly substance abuse.

Masculinity as a Barrier to Mental Health

The following are points explaining how masculinity can be a barrier to mental health —

• Societal expectations:

Cultural and traditional views of masculinity dictate that men should be strong and self-reliant, which discourages them from expressing their emotions. As a result, many men are reluctant to seek professional help for psychological issues. This reluctance can delay treatment, and their mental health worsens over time, potentially leading to increased use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco as coping mechanisms.

• Low mental health awareness:

Many men lack knowledge about mental health issues and the importance of seeking timely help. Additionally, some may be reluctant to acknowledge that they are facing mental health challenges. Instead, they might resort to aggressive behaviour or substance abuse as coping mechanisms.

• Different coping strategies:

Men often employ different coping strategies compared to women. While women are likely to discuss their mental health issues and seek emotional support from family and friends, men often choose to suppress their emotions. Ignoring their feelings can lead to unresolved issues, increased stress and anxiety, and depression over time.

Utilising Artificial Intelligence for Men’s Mental Health

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers an innovative approach to support men who may hesitate to seek professional help. The following are key benefits of using AI for men’s mental health —

• Chatbots and virtual assistants:

AI-powered chatbots can provide immediate support for men experiencing mental health issues. These digital companions create a confidential space for users to express their feelings or vent emotions, helping them feel better. Additionally, they also provide psycho-education and suggest coping strategies similar to those provided by mental health professionals.

• Early detection of mental health issues:

AI algorithms can identify early signs of mental health issues through user behaviour and language analysis. As a result, AI can facilitate timely diagnosis of a condition and prompt intervention, thereby improving outcomes.

• Easy access for remote areas:

An important advantage of AI in mental health is the ability to access professional help from remote locations. Users can seek support from any part of the country, all from the comfort of their homes.

• Anonymous accessibility:

AI tools can offer anonymous access to mental health resources, making it easier for men to seek help without anxiety over social stigma.

Mental healthcare tips for men

The following are some tips for men to take care of their mental health —

1. Accept your emotions:

Acknowledge your emotions and accept them without shame or guilt. Understand that all emotions are healthy and important, so you must not perceive feelings of sadness and anger as negative.

2. Understand the symptoms:

Familiarising yourself with the signs and symptoms of mental health issues can help you seek timely assistance. Common symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, frequent mood changes, sleeplessness, fluctuating energy levels, and changes in appetite.

3. Talk to family and friends:

If you notice a decline in your mental health, talk to your loved ones or friends about it. Sharing your feelings can provide a sense of relief and comfort, thereby reducing anxiety and feelings of isolation.

4. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms:

Identify unhealthy habits that you resort to when you are feeling sad, anxious, or depressed. This may include doing excessive work, spending more time online, binge eating, drinking more than usual, working out too much, and substance abuse.

Once you have identified these unhealthy coping mechanisms, work on replacing them with healthier alternatives. If you find it difficult to make these changes on your own, consider seeking help from a healthcare provider or therapist.

5. Engage in a hobby:

Pursuing a hobby can alleviate feelings of sadness and anxiety. Therefore, it is important to embrace healthy hobbies, such as reading, cooking, photography, gardening, and travelling to support your mental well-being.

6. Stay active:

Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and support your mental health. Aim to engage in physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging or running, swimming, cycling, yoga, and strength training, 20-30 minutes a day, 4 to 5 times a week.

Conclusion

Men’s mental health is an important and concerning issue that deserves attention. It is crucial to break down societal barriers and stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek professional help or utilise AI technology for support. Considering that mental health is just as important as physical health, many health insurance policies now offer coverage for mental health conditions. Therefore, when buying individual health insurance or family floater, check the inclusions, exclusions, and limitations regarding mental health coverage and seek timely medical attention.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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