What is toxic masculinity?
Toxic masculinity refers to a set of attitudes and behaviours that emphasize toughness, aggression, and emotional suppression, and which can have harmful effects on men's mental health. listed below are some ways in which toxic masculinity has been linked previously to mental health issues in me
What is mental health?
Mental health refers to a person's overall psychological well-being. It includes the ability to cope with the normal stresses of life, to work productively, and to make meaningful contributions to one's community. Mental health also encompasses emotional, social, and cognitive functioning, as well as the ability to form and maintain positive relationships.
Mental health is an essential component of overall health, and mental health problems can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Mental health problems can include a wide range of conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, among others.
Mental health is influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and life experiences. Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a traumatic experience, can also impact mental health.
It is important to note that mental health is not the same as mental illness. While mental illness is a type of mental health problem, not all individuals with mental health problems have a diagnosable mental illness. Furthermore, mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness. Rather, mental health refers to a state of well-being that allows individuals to function optimally and experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.
Maintaining good mental health involves taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and socially. This can include engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and seeking support from others when needed.
How does toxic masculinity affect mental health?
One way in which toxic masculinity can affect men's mental health is by promoting rigid gender roles and expectations that can limit men's emotional expression and lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. This can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Depression and anxiety: men who adhere to traditional masculine norms may feel pressure to suppress their emotions, including feelings of sadness or anxiety, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety, and ultimately to depression. According to a study published in the Journal of Counselling Psychology, men who adhere to traditional masculine norms are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than those who do not.
Relationship problems: men who adhere to traditional masculine norms may have difficulty expressing emotions and communicating effectively in relationships, which can lead to conflict and relationship problems. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, men who adhere to traditional masculine norms are less likely to seek help for relationship problems than those who do not.
Suicide: Toxic masculinity can contribute to the high rates of suicide among men. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men die by suicide at a rate nearly four times higher than women. This may be due, in part, to the stigma surrounding mental health issues and a reluctance to seek help.
Furthermore, toxic masculinity can contribute to a culture of violence and aggression, which can lead to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among men who have experienced violence. A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that men who experienced childhood abuse and neglect were more likely to develop PTSD symptoms if they also identified with traditional masculine norms (Wilson & Scarpa, 2016).
Another study published in the Journal of Counselling Psychology found that men who endorse traditional masculine norms are less likely to seek help for mental health issues and are more likely to perceive seeking help as a sign of weakness.
Moreover, toxic masculinity can lead to harmful coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse and risk-taking behaviour, as men may feel pressure to engage in behaviours that are seen as traditionally masculine, regardless of the risks to their health.
In conclusion, toxic masculinity can have a significant impact on men's mental health, contributing to the development of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It is important to promote more inclusive and equitable attitudes and behaviours that encourage emotional expression and discourage violence and aggression. This can help create a healthier and more supportive society for all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.