Despite modernization and the development of many belief systems today, there are still groups of people who subscribe to the habit of shaming other people for whatever reason they deem fit. This may be due to their financial situation, marital status, or even their method of expressing their emotions. Given this societal standard, some people remain pressured by their peers to conform to society’s expectations. This pressure to conform is relevant not only to women but also to men.
When it comes to expressing one’s emotions, perhaps the male population experiences more discrimination compared to women. Traditionally, women are expected to be gentle and “weak,” so expressing emotions such as sadness is supposedly a given for the female community.
On the other hand, men are expected to be “strong” by avoiding these supposed female emotions. This has led to the outdated belief that “real men” are not meant to cry. This is an alarming truth for men all over the world. Being pressured by society to suppress one’s natural emotions can affect one’s mental health. This could have debilitating effects on the person’s overall well-being and safety.
People, regardless of gender, should have a safe and healthy outlet for expression and release. We should all have an avenue where we could be ourselves without fear of judgment. No one should be deprived of this freedom. Both men and women should find a healthy way of expression, such as creative hobbies. During the quarantine period, a subscription kit for scrapbook materials can be an excellent way to sustain a creative pursuit that will help release pent-up emotions.
The Male Population and Societal Pressure
The stigma surrounding mental health is still a strong force that affects many individuals today. A subcategory of this mental health stigma is the outdated societal expectation of men. This refers to the belief that men should always be “emotionally strong.” In other words, men are expected to avoid shedding tears.
Traditional views call these people to “man up,” or else they will be called other derogatory names that imply gentleness as an inferior trait. Society needs to evolve to support the mental health of our male population. There is a great need for a more peaceful and compassionate treatment among the general human population.
Societal expectations such as being the family’s breadwinner and being “masculine” are pressures from society that lead to the reluctance of the male population to avoid talking about their genuine emotions. Men, compared to women, find it more challenging to reach out for help when it comes to their mental health concerns. The stigma surrounding men’s mental health dictates that men who seek emotional help are “weak.”
With the many stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic, each of us needs a strong support system to help us get through our everyday lives. Men need a strong support system just as women do, whether from their friends, families, or loved ones. We need to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health to minimize any more fatalities that could have been prevented.
Coping with Stress
Encountering various stressors in everyday life can affect not just your mental health but your physical health as well. The global health crisis may have prompted many changes in your lifestyle.
With these changes, it’s understandable how many people have been going through a tough time adjusting to the new normal. This situation may have easily led to experiencing symptoms of stress. While anyone can experience stress at any time, there are instances when we don’t easily recognize or acknowledge the impact that stress has placed upon us.
Recognizing that you are stressed is the first step towards healing and restoration. It’s important for you to acknowledge your emotions and stress symptoms so that you can actively take steps towards improvement. There are many healthy and effective ways you can reduce stress every day. Integrate these methods and practices into your daily life to prevent constantly experiencing overwhelming stress.
Staying healthy by eating whole foods and regularly engaging in physical exercise are common ways to stay mentally fit. Some other stress-relief methods include positive affirmations, learning to express gratitude often, and focusing on your breathing when things have been feeling tight. Explore various healthy ways to express your emotions so that you don’t end up with pent-up feelings. These bottled-up emotions may only bring about adverse effects on your mental and physical health.
These days, it’s crucial for each individual to have a hobby that keeps them happy in their spare time. While men are stereotyped to be tough, these men should rise above societal pressure so that they can better take care of their health and well-being.
