In the words of Kevin Love, former NBA player, “Growing up, you figure out really quickly how a boy is supposed to act. You learn what it takes to “be a man.” It’s like a playbook: Be strong. Don’t talk about your feelings. Get through it on your own. … These values about men and toughness are so ordinary that they’re everywhere … and invisible at the same time, surrounding us like air or water.”
There is a great stigma behind what it means to be a man with a mental illness. From a young age, it is instilled in young men by society the values men must have. When doing a Google search of words to describe a man, these are the first results to come up on dictionary.com:
- Aggressive
- Arrogant
- Assertive
- Powerful
- Tough
Even by Google, men are pigeonholed to be seen as strong, powerful, emotionless figures. We are told men aren’t supposed to have mental health problems. Throughout a man’s life, he is constantly told by society to:
- “Man up”
- “Boys don’t cry”
- “Don’t be a sook”
- “You'll be right, harden up”
Traditionally, through these societal norms, men have been conditioned to suppress their emotions and vulnerabilities. This often leads to men equating their emotions of distress with weakness or inadequacy. This creates a formidable barrier for men acknowledging their struggles with mental health issues and seeking help. Due to this, many men suffer in silence, bottling their emotions without any release.
The consequences of this stigma are alarming. In Australia, Mental ill-health remains high among men, with up to 25% experiencing a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, and 15% experiencing a disorder in a 12-month period. This leaves out the tens if not hundreds of thousands of men who don’t speak up to get diagnosed.
Furthermore, Only a quarter of men said they would be likely or very likely to seek help from a mental health professional if they experienced an emotional or personal problem. Almost 25% said they would not seek help from anyone. This leads to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of many conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. By not seeking help, it can exacerbate these issues, lead to a further decline in their mental health. This results in a higher suicide rate amongst men, with men being 3 times more likely to take their own life than females In 2022.
Educational and awareness initiatives become vital beacons in the journey of breaking down stereotypes and nurturing mental wellness among men. When we arm men with accurate knowledge about mental health, including understanding various conditions, the treatments available, and where to find support, we empower them to recognize when they're struggling and to reach out for assistance without carrying the weight of shame or fear of judgment.
Many athletes and sporting organisations all over the world have begun to speak up against diminishing this stigma. The video above is of UFC Fighter Paddy Pimblett, speaking up with a heartfelt message after dealing with the passing of a friend. This went viral, sparking a great uproar across the globe, promoting mental health awareness.
The AFL has also taken charge in spreading mental health awareness. Spud’s Game was introduced in 2021 to help raise money and awareness to fight mental health challenges, following the passing of former Saints captain Danny Frawley in 2019. ambassadors from all 18 clubs come today for this game, to draw attention to mental health.
NRL Star Nicho Hynes has also come forward, proposing the idea of a mental health round for the NRL in a post-game interview shown below. This public statement places a emphasis on this big issue, while also putting pressure on the NRL to support it.
To truly attack the negative stigma surrounding men’s mental health, we as a society need to change social norms and attitudes, and break down social barriers. It's about starting the conversation to embrace all aspects of men's mental health and masculinity, as well as debunking myths and misconceptions. We must acknowledge and honour the full range of emotions and experiences that men navigate. While recognizing that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength in its own right.
However, this journey doesn’t rest on the shoulders of a few, it takes an effort from everyone, from all corners of our communities. Its about being able to challenge the harmful stereotypes that men are boxed into to, while promoting empathy and understanding, and prioritizing men's mental well-being. By placing men's mental health on the forefront and breaking the barriers that stand in the way, we are able to move towards a society where all men can be seen, heard and supported in their journey toward mental wellness and no longer have to always “Man up”.
To everyone reading this, please check up on your mates, male or female. You never know what your mates are going through if you don’t ask. Be there for them in times of need. Be that shoulder to cry on. Be the difference that they need.
By placing men's mental wellness at the forefront and breaking down the barriers that stand in the way, we pave the path towards a society where every individual is seen, heard, and supported on their journey to inner peace and fulfillment.