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How the pressure of masculinity impacts men’s mental health

Ms. Mana Mehta

4 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

In the 1980s, the concept of the “Man box” was promoted by educator and activist Paul Kivel and the Oakland’s Man Project, which revolved around young men’s perception of masculinity at that time. The findings from their study continue to remain somewhat true, and it refers to the traditional expectations that boys feel compelled to adapt in their behaviors, perceptions of masculinity, and perspective to be considered a “real man.”

There has been a very clear and distinct notion of how engaging in certain behaviors like “competitiveness” make men more macho or enhance masculinity and how a certain set of other behaviors like asking for help or advice or being compassionate is considered more feminine or “weak.”

It is the moment when it comes to confining to the “Man Box” that it becomes even more questionable because it puts their masculinity in question, and so we have fragile masculinity. It is when you are so insecure about your place that even questioning it is taken as a threat, and that only directs us towards understanding this notion better, and challenging the harmful stereotypes, keeping the dialogue open, and embracing a broader understanding of masculinity.

Time and again, it has been established, with research, that this concept of “masculinity” and “femininity” is not universal and is felt differently by each individual, making it subjective in nature. Society’s limited view of masculinity has made it difficult for men to navigate through how they look at it, how they interact with it, how they identify themselves, and how they maneuver around the power dynamics. Being a man has nothing to do with how much money you make or how strong you are. This pressure of living up to the “Man Box” expectations exerts quite a significant influence on men’s mental health, which results in emotional suppression, performance anxiety, and restricted self-expression, to name a few.

Primarily, the burden of stoicism is seen to be very prevalent when it comes to discussing this. The expectation from men to display stoicism and suppress emotions comes off simply as an unrealistic expectation. When boys are encouraged to suppress emotions and measure themselves against an arbitrary standard, this limits their ability to feel and regulate their emotions, which further leads to a profound sense of isolation and attachment issues. This kind of emotional suppression may also lead to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Performance anxiety is another result of the pressure of masculinity, which unfolds challenging concerns for men. The constant (expected) requirement for men to be successful, dominant, and competitive and the traditional masculine norm of “having it all” present performance anxiety and persistent fear of failure for men. This fear can be debilitating, and without a healthy and supportive environment, it can raise deep-seated concerns about self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. Challenging these rigid expectations and promoting a healthier understanding of success is essential for men to prioritize their mental health.

There can be severe bouts of inner conflicts and a profound sense of dissatisfaction when there is a limit or norm to how you can express yourself. Societal norms around masculinity often prescribe a limited range of acceptable behaviors that set a standard for men. They may face pressure to conform to specific roles, such as being strong, unemotional, and independent, even in the face of adversities which comes off as quite unrealistic. Suppressing authentic desires and interests to align with societal expectations in itself suggests how there requires a redefinition in society’s understanding of masculinity. Embracing a broader spectrum of expressions and encouraging men to explore their true selves by creating a safe space and re-learning how to foster positive mental well-being and by an ally towards building a stronger sense of self.

The pressure of masculinity can impact men’s relationships, too, particularly when it comes to emotional intimacy and communication. The expectation of being self-reliant and independent at all times may make it challenging for men to seek help or share their emotional struggles with their partners. Without clarity, it is difficult to even identify that there is a need to talk about self-expression. Difficulties in expressing emotions and engaging in intimate conversations can lead to strained relationships, feelings of loneliness, and a lack of emotional connection. Encouraging open and honest communication within relationships and challenging gender roles can help foster healthier and more fulfilling connections.

Seeking emotional support is vital for maintaining good mental health, but the pressure of masculinity can discourage men from reaching out. The stigma surrounding seeking help or showing vulnerability exerts feelings of isolation and struggling to cope with their challenges alone. This lack of emotional support can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to a sense of hopelessness. Aiding and nurturing the act of seeking help, normalizing it for men to reach out, and fostering supportive environments are crucial steps toward dismantling the barriers that prevent men from seeking the support they need. The idea that being compassionate and seeking help is feminine or weak opens space to continue the dialogue of how the way society looks at these dynamics is unhealthy and unrealistic. The sooner it is realized, the better it will be in taking a step towards nurturing and creating healthy spaces collectively for the masses.

There is no universal set of expectations around masculinity: within societies, there are dominant codes that exert pressure on and create expectations around men – with consequences for women, children, and society as a whole. Open dialogue with continued momentum and creating awareness is a step towards understanding institutions and dynamics created by the society, which is (we must not forget) ever-evolving, and evolving with it would be an approach in which we can make an attempt to collectively progress towards healthier mental and physical wellbeing.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge when you need assistance and take proactive steps toward improving your mental health. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with a psychologist who can provide you with the guidance and tools necessary to manage your stress and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Consult a psychologist now!