International Mens Day 2024: Shrugging Away the Hidden Mental Health Fears of Men and Searching for a Solution

International Mens Day (19 November 2024) 2024: Shrugging Away the Hidden Mental Health Fears of Men and Searching for a Solution

International Men’s Day is observed around the world on November 19 to celebrate the positive contributions of men to society, families, and communities. This year’s theme, “Positive Male Role Models”, focuses on the management of relationships and well-being among men.

Founded in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago, International Men’s Day is now celebrated in over 80 countries. The day aims to address issues often neglected in gender discussions, including men’s mental health, gender relations, and challenges faced by boys in education and personal development.

Mental Health Issues Among Men

A 2024 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health struggles compared to women. Societal expectations of masculinity compel many men to conceal their emotional struggles. The pressure to appear strong and stoic often leads men toward harmful coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, reckless behavior, and, tragically, suicide.

Traditional gender roles portray men as stoic providers and protectors, often discouraging them from expressing emotions or vulnerabilities. As a result, many men fear societal stigma, which makes it difficult for them to open up about their mental health. According to the WHO study, nearly 40% of men globally would rather “bottle up” their emotional problems than seek professional help. This fear of judgment keeps them from seeking therapy or counseling, worsening their mental health issues.

Barriers to Support

A major barrier to addressing men’s mental health is the lack of specialized mental health services tailored to their needs. Most mental health initiatives tend to focus on broader gendered issues and often overlook the unique psychological challenges faced by men, such as societal pressure to succeed and the emotional toll of losing a job.

As a result, when men experience mental illness, they are more likely to turn to detrimental coping mechanisms like substance abuse or social isolation. The WHO study reveals that men account for nearly three-quarters of global suicides, and mental illness plays a significant role in these tragic deaths.

Solutions and Steps Forward

Experts emphasize the importance of normalizing emotional openness among men through targeted initiatives. These programs should ensure that mental health support reaches men and that discussing emotions carries no stigma.

Offering Safe Spaces

Efforts around the world, such as workshops, webinars, and group activities, are creating safe spaces for men to engage in discussions about their mental well-being. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about available resources and encourage open conversations about mental health.

This day also serves as an opportunity to recognize men who have been change-makers in their communities. From grassroots activists to caregivers, these men often go unrecognized for their invaluable contributions to societal well-being.

Shifting the Paradigm and Reinforcing Alternatives for a Better Future

Organizations like Movember and the MenEngage Alliance are using International Men’s Day to challenge harmful masculine stereotypes. Their campaigns encourage men to redefine strength—not just through physical toughness, but also through kindness, emotional intelligence, and caregiving roles.

International Men’s Day also reminds us to address broader societal issues, such as gender-based violence, workplace inequalities, and the lack of adequate education for young boys, particularly in underprivileged areas.

Wishing Every Man a Happy International Men’s Day!

On this International Men’s Day 2024, we extend a warm and heartfelt wish to all the men across the world. Continue to inspire us with your strength, resilience, and kindness. Let us celebrate the positive role models who lead by example, challenge stereotypes, and promote mental well-being. Together, we can help create a world where every man feels empowered to speak out and be his best self.

Happy International Men’s Day!