Menu
In an emotional interview with Oprah, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson spoke candidly about his struggle with depression, describing how isolating it felt. He wished he had someone to tell him it was okay to be vulnerable. On the other side of the world, YouTuber Bhuvan Bam, in a heartfelt video for MensXP, urged men to let go of toxic labels like “macho” and “stud,” encouraging them to embrace their emotions. He said, “If we feel like crying, we will. If we feel pain, we’ll say it.” Both Johnson and Bam are powerful voices advocating for men to confront their emotions openly, challenging the deeply ingrained societal norm that men must always be strong and silent.
Despite these calls for change, many men still find it incredibly hard to be vulnerable. The comment sections on these videos echo the sentiment, “It’s not easy to be vulnerable.” For generations, society has conditioned men to adopt emotionally distant, tough, and isolated roles. From a young age, they are taught to mask their feelings, because showing emotions is often perceived as weakness. This ingrained belief system traps men in a cycle of silence, making it difficult for them to seek the emotional support they desperately need.
Phrases like “Man Up,” “Don’t Cry Like a Girl,” and the popular Indian term “Sakht Launda” may sound humorous, but they have serious consequences for men’s mental health. Society pressures men into believing that they must always be tough, unemotional, and self-sufficient. The constant reinforcement of these ideals leads to emotional suppression, where men are expected to hide their struggles behind a facade of strength. This cultural expectation not only prevents men from seeking help but also stigmatizes those who do, leading to lasting emotional damage.
The male mental health crisis is real and terrifying. Within just eight months of launching the KIRAN mental health helpline in India, a staggering 70% of the 30,000 calls received were from men seeking help. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that out of 133,623 suicides in India in 2015, almost 91,000 were men. These spine-chilling numbers highlight the urgent need to address the mental health of men. Yet, societal pressure forces them to suffer in silence. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives lost to the stigma around male vulnerability.
The solution to the male mental health crisis starts with breaking the silence. It’s not enough for men to simply talk about their struggles; society must listen with empathy, without judgment. Too often, men are dismissed when they attempt to express their feelings, making it even harder for them to open up. It’s essential to create spaces where men feel safe enough to share their emotions, without the fear of being ridiculed or shamed. The act of listening—truly listening—can be life-changing.
From childhood, boys are taught to suppress emotions and “toughen up” in order to fit into the societal mold of masculinity. This conditioning results in toxic masculinity—a harmful set of behaviors that promotes emotional detachment, aggression, and stoicism as the benchmarks of manhood. The consequences are not just personal; they ripple out into families, relationships, and society. We must confront and challenge the norms that have created this toxic environment. Only then can men begin to explore and embrace the full.
When men suppress their emotions, it doesn’t mean those feelings disappear. Instead, they manifest in harmful behaviors such as anger, irritability, substance abuse, and risky activities. Unexpressed emotions fester, leading to mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. By the time these emotions surface, they often explode in unhealthy ways. Bottling up feelings isn’t a sign of strength—it’s a ticking time bomb. Society needs to acknowledge this reality and encourage emotional openness.
Empathy is the cornerstone of healing. Men need understanding and compassion, not judgment, as they navigate their emotional struggles. Society has often failed in providing men with the space to express their vulnerability. Instead of expecting men to adhere to outdated stereotypes, we need to encourage them to be their authentic selves—flaws, emotions, and all. This shift requires us to be empathetic and to validate their experiences, reminding them that expressing emotions is a sign of courage, not weakness.
The process of unlearning toxic masculinity is not easy, but it’s essential for emotional well-being. It requires time, patience, and, most importantly, support. Men have spent years, sometimes decades, suppressing their emotions to fit into a societal mold. Unraveling that conditioning requires self-reflection, but also a strong support system—family, friends, mentors, and mental health professionals. The journey to emotional freedom is long, but every small step brings men closer to understanding themselves and living authentically.
The battle against toxic masculinity and mental health stigma is one we must fight together—men and women alike. Both genders are victims of patriarchal ideals, but by uplifting each other, we can build a better, more emotionally intelligent future. Small steps lead to big changes, and with empathy, patience, and support, men can begin to embrace vulnerability without fear. It’s a difficult journey, but it’s also one full of hope. The right people and support will come along when you reach out—so take that first step and break the silence.