Men’s Mental Health, Masculinity And Strategies

Men's mental health remains a critically underaddressed issue, shaped by historical, cultural, and societal factors that perpetuate stigma and hinder progress. This paper explores the impact of traditional masculinity, toxic societal norms, and gendered expectations on men's mental well-being, emphasizing the barriers to seeking help and open dialogue. Widespread mental health challenges among men, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicide, are exacerbated by societal pressures such as the role of provider and protector, legal biases, and intersectional struggles. Despite the urgent need for intervention, men’s mental health remains significantly underfunded, leading to untreated conditions, rising suicide rates, and broader societal costs. This underfunding is compounded by a lack of international recognition and advocacy for men’s mental health within global organizations like the UN, hindering true gender equality. To address these challenges, the paper advocates for targeted interventions, including education, policy reforms, community-based support, and workplace initiatives. It calls for a paradigm shift to ensure equitable funding, inclusivity in mental health.