A call to rethink masculinity in India: destigmatising men's mental health

The Hindu

5 hours ago

June, designated as Men's Mental Health Month, offers a vital opportunity to confront a silent epidemic. In India, where cultural norms often equate masculinity with stoicism, men's mental health remains shrouded in stigma, under-discussed and under-addressed.
The statistics are sobering: according to the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16), nearly 15% of Indian adults face mental health challenges, with men disproportionately affected by issues like substance abuse and suicide. Globally, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, as per World Health Organization (WHO) data. Yet, societal expectations—rooted in phrases like 'mard ko dard nahi hota' (men don't feel pain)—continue to stifle conversations about men's emotional struggles.
The weight of expectations
From boyhood, men are conditioned to embody strength, suppress vulnerability, and prioritise provision over self-care. In India, these expectations are amplified by a patriarchal framework that places men as breadwinners and protectors, often at the cost of their emotional well-being.
Take Arjun*, a 32-year-old IT professional from Bengaluru, whose story mirrors countless others. After losing his job during a tech layoff in 2023, Arjun grappled with anxiety and sleeplessness. 'I couldn't tell my family,' he shared in a session. 'They depended on me. Admitting I was struggling felt like failing as a man.' Arjun's silence is emblematic of a broader issue: men are taught that emotional expression is weakness, leaving them to internalise pain.
Economic pressures exacerbate this. India's rapid urbanisation and competitive job markets pile stress on men, particularly in metro cities where financial stability is equated with self-worth. Social media posts by young men anonymously venting about burnout abound, with hashtags like #MenToo and #MentalHealthMatters.
Yet, these digital cries often don't translate into real-world support. Cultural narratives—bolstered by Bollywood's hyper-masculine heroes—reinforce the idea that men must 'tough it out,' whether facing workplace stress, relationship breakdowns, or personal loss.
The stigma barrier
Stigma is the biggest roadblock to men seeking mental health support. In rural areas, where mental health literacy is low, men are often dismissed as 'weak' or labeled with derogatory terms if they express emotional distress. Urban India fares little better; therapy is still seen as a luxury or a sign of failure.
The lack of accessible mental health infrastructure doesn't help. India has just 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, as per WHO, and mental health services are concentrated in urban centres.
For men in tier-2 cities or rural areas, seeking help often means navigating long distances or unaffordable private care. Moreover, mental health campaigns in India rarely target men specifically, focusing instead on women or children. This gap leaves men's issues—like workplace stress, loneliness, or trauma from societal expectations—largely unaddressed.
The suicide crisis
The most alarming consequence of this neglect is the rising male suicide rate. In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau reported 1.7 lakh suicides in India, with men accounting for nearly 72%. Young men aged 18-30, grappling with unemployment, academic pressure, or relationship issues, are particularly vulnerable.
Men's reluctance to seek help, compounds this crisis. Unlike women, who are more likely to confide in friends or family, men often lack safe spaces for emotional expression. Traditional male friendships in India revolve around banter or shared activities, rarely delving into personal struggles. This isolation drives men toward maladaptive coping mechanisms—alcohol, substance abuse, or aggression.
The WHO notes that men in India are twice as likely as women to develop alcohol dependence, often as a response to unaddressed stress.
Pathways to change
Breaking this cycle demands a multi-pronged approach, starting with dismantling stereotypes. Media plays a crucial role here. Recent movies have normalised therapy, but we need more narratives showcasing men embracing vulnerability. Male voices on social media platforms are already challenging norms by sharing stories of therapy or burnout. Campaigns like 'Movember', which focus on men's health, could gain traction in India with localised efforts, encouraging men to share their vulnerabilities, and address mental health challenges.
Education is another cornerstone. Schools must integrate emotional literacy into curricula, teaching boys that vulnerability is strength, not weakness. Community-level initiatives, like men's support groups in villages or workplaces, can create safe spaces for dialogue.
Efforts are on in the private sector to offer gender-sensitive mental health programmes for men. Scaling such efforts requires government backing—perhaps through dedicated men's mental health policies or subsidised counselling services.
Workplaces, too, must step up. Corporate India's high-pressure environments often glorify overwork, particularly for men. Companies have introduced employee wellness programmes, but these need to explicitly address men's mental health, offering confidential counselling or stress management workshops.
Normalising mental health days—akin to sick leave—could reduce burnout. Finally, families play a pivotal role. Encouraging open communication, where men feel safe discussing fears or failures, can bridge the emotional gap. Women, as partners or mothers, can challenge traditional expectations by validating men's emotions rather than dismissing them.
A call to action
Men's Mental Health Month is more than a calendar event; it is a call to rethink masculinity in India. By fostering a culture where men can express pain without shame, we not only save lives but also build stronger communities. This requires collective effort—from policymakers funding mental health services to individuals challenging stereotypes in daily conversations.
Let us strive to create a world where that is true for every man. The path forward isn't easy, but it is urgent. Let us break the silence, one story at a time.
*Name changed to protect privacy
(Dr. Alok Kulkarni is a senior consultant and interventional psychiatrist at the Manas Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hubli, Karnataka. [e-mail])