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New Delhi [India], May 17: In a world that often tells men to "man up" and bottle their emotions, a YouTube video titled "MEN's MENTAL HEALTH" is winning hearts for its honest and poignant look at the societal pressures that contribute to men's mental health struggles. But why is this video resonating so deeply, and what does it tell us about the state of men's mental health, particularly in India?
This video, by YouTuber Lakshay Chaudhary, uses sarcasm and humour to discuss the often ignored issue of men's mental health. He argues that society fails to acknowledge the mental health struggles that men face.
Chaudhary's video cleverly critiques these expectations. His sarcastic portrayal of men being told to "man up" or solve their problems with girlfriends on their own underscores the lack of support men receive. The video serves as a wake-up call, urging viewers to challenge these stereotypes and acknowledge the emotional complexities faced by men.
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A Stark Reality: Statistics on Men's Mental Health in India
The statistics paint a concerning picture. The 2020 World Mental Health Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), estimated 970 million people in the world were living with a mental disorder in 2019. Of these, a staggering 47.6 percent were males. The National Mental Health Survey of India (2015-2016) revealed a higher prevalence of mental morbidity in men (13.9%) compared to women (7.5%). This translates to a staggering number – over six million men in India suffer from depression alone each year [Cadabams Hospitals].
These numbers highlight the urgency of addressing men's mental health concerns
Lakshay Chaudhary's Video: A Dose of Reality with a Touch of Humor
Chaudhary's video uses sarcasm and humour to address the very real struggles men face. He criticises the societal expectation that men should be emotionless and strong. The video uses lighthearted examples, like a friend advising another to masturbate instead of seeking therapy, to highlight a serious point: men are expected to deal with their emotional problems alone.
Chaudhary further criticises societal expectations regarding men's familial duties. He highlights the emotional strain that can result from a lack of recognition and appreciation for the contributions men make, for instance, the expectation of a son to run errands for his family without ever being acknowledged.
While the video uses humour to deliver its message, it raises important points about the very real struggles that men face. Men are expected to be strong and stoic, but this can mask underlying emotional problems. The video encourages men to acknowledge their mental health needs and to seek help when necessary.
Toxic Masculinity: The Root of the Problem
Toxic masculinity is a subset of traditional masculinity that emphasizes the need for dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression. It dictates that men shouldn't express vulnerability or weakness, leading them to internalize their struggles. This can manifest in several ways:
· Difficulty Expressing Emotions: Men are discouraged from crying, expressing sadness, or seeking emotional support. This bottling up of emotions can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
· Fear of Vulnerability: Asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness, preventing men from seeking professional help for mental health challenges.
· Risk-Taking Behaviour: The pressure to be tough can lead men to engage in risky behaviours like substance abuse or reckless driving as a way to manage stress or prove their masculinity.
These ingrained beliefs about masculinity create a significant barrier to men seeking help for mental health issues.
· The Path Forward: Breaking the Silence and Prioritizing Men's Mental Health Breaking the silence surrounding men's mental health requires a multi-pronged approach and Chaudhary's video serves as a springboard for this crucial conversation. Here are some steps we can take:
· Open Conversations: We need to normalize conversations about men's mental health. Friends, family members, and communities need to create safe spaces for men to express their struggles without fear of judgment. Chaudhary's video can be a conversation starter, prompting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and those of the men in their lives.
· Mental Health Professionals: There's a significant shortage of mental health professionals in India, with a skewed ratio favoring urban areas. We need to increase the number of mental health professionals, particularly those specialising in addressing the challenges faced by men.
· Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Targeted awareness campaigns can help educate men about mental health issues, dismantle the stigma surrounding seeking help, and encourage them to prioritise their well-being. Chaudhary's video, with its relatable and humorous tone, can be a valuable tool for such campaigns.
· Media Representation: Media can play a powerful role in portraying a more nuanced image of masculinity. Showcasing men who are open about their emotions and prioritise mental health can help normalise these conversations. By moving away from stereotypical portrayals of men, media can contribute to a cultural shift that values men's emotional well-being.
The Road to a Healthier Future
Addressing men's mental health in India is not a quick fix, but a necessary journey towards a healthier society. Men's mental health is not a niche concern; it's a critical public health issue demanding immediate attention. By dismantling the walls of toxic masculinity, promoting open communication, and increasing access to mental health resources,
we can create a society where men feel empowered to prioritize their well-being. Remember, strength lies not in suppressing emotions but in acknowledging them and seeking help when needed. Let's work together to break the silence, and ensure that men in India, just like Lakshay Chaudhary encourages in his video, can take mental health problems seriously and seek help from a therapist if needed.