World Mental Health  Day is celebrated on October 10.  While a lot has been spoken about mental health and well-being, one area that needs more awareness is the mental wellness of men. Due to cultural beliefs that have existed since eons, many men have a tendency to bottle up their emotions. After a point, this can negatively affect their mental health and quality of relationships.

World Mental Health Day: Looking at why men need to learn to cry

Men are often conditioned to be emotionally strong. This type of mental conditioning leads to suppression of emotions.  Clinical psychologist Seema Hingorani shares that this eventually takes a toll on the physical, emotional and well-being of men. Hence, she feels men need to learn to cry, early on.

Bottling up emotions can lead to physical and relationship problems

Men if conditioned to bottle up emotions tend to suppress them to cope. This eventually stunts their emotional growth, and also affects the quality of their relationships. Hence, this is an area of mental health that needs attention. It’s important for men to cry, and to acknowledge what they are feeling. Seema says, men should be told that it’s okay to be vulnerable as you are a human being first and a gender later. The idea that boys don’t cry needs to die out.

4 Reasons why it’s necessary for men to open up

• Suppressed emotions affects their mental health

In most cases, depression and anxiety among men goes away when they start opening up. Hence, it’s vital for them to express their feelings and emotions. Learning to express emotions can also save men from future mental disorders.

• To avoid relationship issues

Most men who are conditioned to bottle up emotions, often are resentful and find it hard to forgive elders who have encouraged them to do so over the years. These grudges and negativity can lead to substance abuse and alcohol addiction as mechanisms to cope. When men fail to express emotions it leads to misunderstandings and relationship problems. All of this can be addressed if men learn to open up.

• For their emotional well-being

Men should focus on their emotional development. When they start expressing their feelings and emotions instead of suppressing them it positively impacts other areas of  their life. Seema says she has seen people grow, and do well at work because they feel relieved and free.

• You learn to stand up for yourself and to draw boundaries

In cases where men have been bullied by authority figures, they find it hard to stand up for themselves. This impacts their interactions in the workplace and at home. When they learn to stand up for themselves, they are able to draw clear boundaries.  They can also underline what’s acceptable, and express themselves freely.