"We need to change the conversation about men's mental health from one of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support."
— Mark Henick
Think back to the last time you had an emotional conversation with a woman. Now, when was the last time you had one with a man?
If you're struggling to recall, you're not alone. Growing up in the Arab World, the sentiment of men’s emotional well-being often goes unnoticed at best. It's no surprise that Mark Henick's words feel both unfamiliar and deeply significant. When you’re a man, expected to be the "rock" everyone leans on and the protector everyone depends on, is there room for you to express vulnerability, to ask for help, or to take care of your own mental health?
While we celebrate the strength and achievements of the men in our lives, we rarely stop to ask: How much do we really know about men's mental health? Why do so many men struggle to express their emotions?
Is it because men experience psychological well-being differently than society expects? Or because men actively choose not to share their emotions? Perhaps, it's the fact that many men, from a young age, have been subconsciously taught to bottle up their feelings as a coping mechanism. Or maybe, it's that society at large fails to see the signs of distress in men.
The truth is, it’s all of the above.
Today’s blog is one for the guys, those who carry their burdens in silence, who relentlessly care for the well-being of their loved ones, and who are ready to let go of the weight of expectations. We’re going to dive into the unique challenges men face when it comes to their mental health and explore ways we can create a supportive environment for them to open up.
What’s Stopping The Dialogue?
- Flexing Muscles, Suppressing Emotions
For generations, men have been raised to believe that vulnerability equals weakness. Society has taught us that a "real man" is strong, stoic, and emotionally detached. It’s an unspoken rule—one passed down through generations—that influences how they process emotions and how they engage with others. The idea of masculinity we've been handed glorifies emotional suppression, and it comes at a cost.
But suppressing emotions doesn’t make them go away. Over time, it only deepens the internal struggle, making it harder for men to ask for help, even when they desperately need it. You’re not alone if you’ve been taught that opening up is risky, but it's time we question that outdated narrative.
- Anger, Anxiety, and Everything In-Between
Many men don’t even realize they’re suffering from mental health challenges because the signs don’t always look like the stereotypical "sadness." Instead, the pain manifests as anger, irritability, or physical symptoms—like tension, fatigue, or even illness. The world often tells men that anger is more acceptable than sadness, so it becomes internalized, expressing pain through the window of frustration or emotional detachment. It’s society’s quiet way of reinforcing that men must always be strong.
This struggle is what psychologists call gender role conflict—the internal pressure men feel when they sense they aren’t living up to society's expectations of masculinity. It’s a weight that bears down, leading not only to emotional suppression but to damaged relationships, strained mental health, and even physical health problems.
- Talk About What?
Suppressing emotions isn’t always a conscious choice. For many men, it’s a learned behavior. From childhood, boys are often told not to cry or express their fears. Over time, it becomes automatic—a defense mechanism built into their daily lives. This makes it difficult for men to even recognize their emotions, let alone put them into words. By the time they reach adulthood, they may feel disconnected from their own feelings, making it harder to seek help or express vulnerability in a meaningful way.
What’s The Next Step?
So, let’s go back to that first question: have you had an emotional conversation with a man recently? If not, it's okay. Many men have never had that opportunity. But maybe it’s time to think about how we can start creating the right environment for such discussions. Here are some ways to help men feel more comfortable opening up:
- Engaging in Daily Small Acts of Vulnerability
Vulnerability in itself is a difficult emotion to express. While many may shy away from this “weakness,” vulnerability’s power lies in its ability to connect us to one another. And change begins with small, everyday moments. Share a personal challenge with a friend, admit to being stressed about a work project, or simply respond honestly when asked how you’re doing. It’s these small acts of vulnerability that create a ripple effect, breaking down the walls that have kept so many men silent for too long. When you allow yourself to be open, it gives others permission to do the same. Vulnerability is contagious, and it’s the first step toward deeper emotional conversations.
- Creating Opportunities for Connection
We all thrive in spaces where we feel safe and understood. Men are more likely to open up when they’re surrounded by others who get what they’re going through. These spaces could be anything from group therapy to more casual settings—like support groups or even activities like hiking, sports, or other shared interests. It’s not about forcing the conversation; it’s about creating an environment where men feel comfortable enough to ask, "How are you, really?" One-on-one conversations can also provide intimate moments for emotional expression. In these spaces, men can begin to question the burdens they’ve carried for so long.
- Being Present and Empathetic
This step of expressing vulnerability is huge, and not many are ready to take it. However, for those that do, it’s critical to meet them with empathy. Emotional healing isn’t about offering advice or criticism—it’s about listening and bonding. Active listening, where you are fully present, engaged, and non-judgmental, is a powerful way to create trust. Sometimes, all it takes to make someone feel heard is showing that you’re truly there, without judgment or pressure. Respecting a person’s boundaries is equally important—when they’re ready, they’ll open up, and that’s when you can offer meaningful support.
- Fostering Education and Awareness
Many men don’t seek help because they simply don’t recognize the signs of mental health struggles. By increasing awareness through workplace seminars, social media, or community talks, we can help men understand that what they’re feeling is valid, and more importantly, that it’s okay to seek help. Knowing the signs is the first step to addressing them.
- Challenging Outdated Stereotypes
The way we define masculinity is slowly evolving, but we still have work to do. Let’s push forward and embrace a new conversation: one that values resilience, compassion, and emotional awareness as core elements of strength. True masculinity is about recognizing the full spectrum of human experience. When men redefine masculinity for themselves by prioritizing self-care and emotional expression, they’re not just improving their own lives—they’re changing the narrative for future generations.
A Call to Action: Men on a Mission
The tide is turning. The winds of change are whispering a new narrative – one where emotional vulnerability is not a weakness, but a testament to courage. Men are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental well-being, and they're finding their voices in the fight against stigma. This is a call to action, an invitation for men to break free from the constraints of outdated stereotypes and embrace openness and connection.
Let’s empower men to speak their truth, seek help without shame, and prioritize their mental health. Every conversation, every act of empathy, every challenge to the status quo helps to build a society where emotional vulnerability is not seen as weakness but as a testament to courage.
The change starts with us. Let's keep the dialogue going.