Why men need to cry

 Men don’t cry! Really?

How often have you seen men crying? Not very often, I’m sure. We all have come across people who say things like, “Real men don’t cry”, “Strong guys don’t cry”, “Crying is for the coward”.

I have a post specially dedicated to tears and how it is important to cry. Here, my focus will be on men.

This post is dedicated to all the men out there. I hear you. So much is expected from you. You are expected to be strong, stoic and unflappable. 

You are not allowed to slack off, or you’ll be seen as less of a man. Believe me, this is far from the truth. It is a harmful stereotype that needs to be challenged.

Drop your cape! Do not try to be a Superman!

We often overlook the fact that everyone, regardless of gender, is a human being with emotions. It is important to cry and express our emotions, and according to me, especially for men, who are often burdened with unnecessary societal pressures.

It is no wonder that some men resort to unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking, as their coping mechanisms. They are not able to or allowed to express their emotions, or be vulnerable, which leads to bottling up of all the unprocessed emotions.

Men’s Mental Health:

Men are taught from the beginning of their lives that crying is a sign of weakness. They are told that they need to be strong and stoic, and that showing any emotion other than anger is unacceptable.

This usually can lead men to bottling up their emotions, which can have negative consequences for their mental and physical health.

Men’s mental health is an important issue that deserves attention. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems, due to the social conditioning, and this can lead to serious consequences.

There are various factors that contribute to men’s mental health problems. These include:

1. Social Stigma.

2. Lack of awareness.

3. Unrealistic expectations.

4. Trauma.

Our responsibility towards men:

Men should be encouraged to express themselves.

We should stop judging them. We, as a society, should try to challenge the unhealthy stereotype of “Men don’t cry”. 

We have to give them the safe space and time to let them feel their emotions and express them. This will significantly reduce their negative coping mechanisms which will also lead to a better domestic life.

It is important to remember that societal pressures often force men to take on more responsibilities than they can realistically handle, including the expectation that they must hide their vulnerabilities.  

As a society, we need to do more to encourage men to take care of themselves. Here are some ways we can do this:

1. Challenge traditional gender roles.

2. Educate men about their health.

3. Normalize self-care for men.

4. Provide non-judgemental support.

5. Give them safe space to be vulnerable.

6. Motivate and encourage them to seek help.

7. To promote that “Man-up” is not the answer.

8. To raise a boy child sensitively and with maturity.

A special message to all the men:

It is my heartfelt request to you, please do not always pretend to be strong. I know, you have expectations to meet, but please know, it is okay to be vulnerable.

You don’t always have to play the role of a savior, provider and protector. You need to take care of yourself too.

Don’t bottle up your emotions. It is unhealthy for you and for those around you. Accept that it is okay to not be okay and it’s okay to ask for help.

Problems need to be addressed head-on, because if they are ignored, they can have a severe impact on life.

In addition, the more you open up, the more respect you will earn. You will have a much better and calmer life.

Find someone you can trust to open up to. Seek help if you feel the need. If you are healthy, mentally and physically, you will be able to fulfill all your responsibilities in a  better and stress-free way.

Men, I hear you! 

                                                                                                           Sucheta

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Disclaimer: I am not an expert or a professional in the field of mental health. This writing is based solely on my experience and observation, and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you need help with mental health issues, please contact a qualified professional.