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Zarafshan ShirazNew Delhi
July 28, 2024 08:31 PM IST
Breaking the silence on the cost of patriarchy: Suppressed emotions and the men’s mental health crisis
Patriarchy is a social system where power is in the favour of men but surprisingly the benefits that men get from patriarchy often come at a price. This has some serious negative effects on men, especially on their mental health.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Manasi Poddar, trauma psychiatrist and psychologist, explains how patriarchy can affect the well-being of men –
1. Caged emotions:
Due to patriarchal norms, men are conditioned to suppress their emotions and maintain a strong facade. Expressing emotions openly is often seen as a weakness for men. The typical patriarchy says, “men don’t cry,” which makes it difficult for them to open up and be emotionally vulnerable. As a result, they struggle to express sadness, vulnerability, or fear in a healthy way. Keeping emotions suppressed can lead to isolation, difficulty connecting with others, and even physical health problems.
2. Silent struggle:
Our patriarchal society expects men to be resilient to stress. This prevents men from expressing themselves properly. Traditional masculinity prevents them from seeking outside help. This leads to suppression of mental health problems like depression or anxiety, which ultimately makes them suffer silently and increases the risk of suicide.
3. Barriers in relationships:
Patriarchal expectations can cause difficulties in relationships with both men and women. Men tend to have difficulty communicating openly and are emotionally vulnerable with their partners. Traditional gender roles can also lead to unequal division of labor within households, which can cause resentment and tension within the family.
4. Restricted Identity:
Social expectations can limit the ways men can express themselves. For example, they have to “be a man” to prove their masculinity. Men may feel pressured to conform to a narrow definition of masculinity, which may not fit their personality. This can impede personal growth and a sense of authenticity.
5. Risk taking and violence:
Traditional masculinity often glorifies risk-taking and aggression. This can lead men to engage in dangerous or harmful behavior, putting not only themselves but others at risk. It can also contribute to higher rates of violence and accidents among men.
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