Mental HealthHow Toxic Masculinity Harms The Mental Health Of Men And Boys

Though mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic, certain demographics are often overlooked. One subject that does not have enough discourse is the mental health of men and boys. Men have unique challenges with their mental health due to stigmas around the subject and the encouragement of toxic masculinity in society. These issues not only harm the mental health of men but also prevent them from getting the care they need.

This article aims to explore how toxic masculinity affects the mental health of men and boys and how this issue can be resolved. Read on to learn about the connection between toxic masculinity and mental health, as well as some ways that these stigmas can be challenged.

What Is Toxic Masculinity?

Toxic masculinity is the exaggeration of traditionally male traits that hurt others or society as a whole. Cultures that support toxic masculinity use these traits to devalue women, promote homophobia, and assert gender roles.

However, toxic masculinity also harms men themselves. The stigma around masculinity forces men to have certain personality traits, emotions, and behaviors that can isolate them from others and cause great emotional pain.

Furthermore, this pattern may force men to stifle or suppress any thoughts or feelings that do not fit the mold of toxic masculinity. This means they live with great internal conflict or are dissociated from their true selves.

Toxic masculinity can be expressed in many forms and behaviors. Some of these include:

• Discrimination against people who are not heterosexual
• Violence or discrimination against women
• Increased aggression and anger
• Denial or fear of emotions; often masked as “stoicism”
• Overly confident and independence
• Emotional insensitivity
• Physical and mental toughness

How Toxic Masculinity Harms The Mental Health Of Men

A culture that praises toxic masculinity does not allow men to express their emotions or discuss their mental health needs. Their emotions become stifled, leading to great emotional pain as well as physical health conditions.

Furthermore, their behaviors may lead to increased loneliness and disconnect, further deteriorating their mental health.

Even if these traits do not directly affect their mental health, toxic masculinity prevents men from seeking help with unrelated mental health conditions or disorders. They often go their whole lives with untreated conditions, which makes their lives more painful than it needs to be.

Therefore, many men silently live with various mental health conditions without seeking treatment. Some of these conditions include:

• Depression
• Body image issues
• Substance use
• Chronic stress
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts and death by suicide

**If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and is available 24/7.**

How To Combat The Stigma Masculinity And Mental Health

Already the stigma of toxic masculinity is being challenged. However, more work is needed as these behaviors are still glorified in culture and media.

Education and online discourse should continue to be a priority. The more people discuss the topics of mental health and masculinity, the more men understand the difference between toxic behaviors and healthy masculine behaviors.

These topics should also be addressed at home. Talk with the men in your life about the toxic behaviors they exhibit. If they are receptive, give them examples of healthy behaviors that are still masculine.

Furthermore, give men the space to express their emotions and discuss their mental health. Listen to them with empathy and warmth so that they feel accepted and loved while being open and vulnerable.

However, these discussions should be started early in childhood. Children are impressionable and often follow “gender norms” simply because those were impressed on them early in life. This can be counteracted. Teach the boys in your life healthy masculine behaviors and encourage them to express their emotions healthily, as well as utilize self-care strategies for their mental health.

Moreover, the men must make sure to do their share of work too. It is not enough to be given the space and support for growth; they must make an effort to improve their behaviors. Inner reflection and mindfulness are key to this process. Furthermore, they need to work up the courage to work with a counselor who can help them with the patterns of thoughts and behaviors that keep them in a toxic masculinity cycle.

Bottom Line

Toxic masculinity is a major issue in society that hurts not only men but also the people around them. The mental health of men and boys is often overlooked due to the unreasonable standards that toxic masculinity sets. However, with further discourse and education, as well as inner work and mindfulness on the men’s part, this stigma can be successfully challenged, and our men can be healed.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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