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A stressed man taking off his glasses

Why Men Avoid Talking About Mental Health and How to Change That

A stressed man taking off his glasses

A stressed man taking off his glasses

Many men grow up learning to stay silent about their emotions. Talking about mental health is often seen as something shameful or unnecessary. Expressing sadness, fear, or anxiety can be mistaken for weakness. Boys are told to toughen up, not talk it out. These messages follow them into adulthood, shaping how they deal with pain, stress, and loss. Conversations about feelings are often avoided, ignored, or ridiculed. Emotional struggles remain hidden, leading to isolation and poor mental well-being. Men are taught to fix problems on their own rather than ask for help. This mindset causes harm that often goes unnoticed. Real change starts with honest dialogue, free from judgment, and supported by a more open and respectful culture.

The Cost of Staying Quiet

Many men ignore emotional distress until it starts to affect daily life. They often mask symptoms with work, alcohol, or anger. Instead of reaching out, they shut down or withdraw. This pattern hides deeper issues like depression or anxiety, which grow worse without support. Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and sleep problems increase. Relationships begin to suffer. Men lose interest in things they once enjoyed.

They stop expressing themselves and feel more isolated each day. Friends may not notice the signs because the person keeps up appearances. Silence feeds shame. Shame fuels more silence. Suicide becomes a risk when pain has no outlet. With this in mind, avoiding conversations about feelings can lead to tragic outcomes. In short, ignoring mental health comes at a high cost. Speaking up and seeking support helps prevent long-term damage and creates space for healing.

Myths That Keep Men From Opening Up

Many harmful beliefs stop men from talking about mental health. These myths shape how they view emotions and ask for help. Instead of expressing what they feel, they stay quiet and carry the weight alone. This is a form of self-sabotaging everyone should avoid. The pressure to appear strong only adds to the silence. These outdated ideas continue to harm mental well-being.

Common myths that stop men from opening up:

  • Talking equals weakness — sharing emotions, some men wrongly see as soft or unmanly.
  • Therapy is only for people who “can’t handle life” — many believe it’s a last resort instead of a useful tool.
  • Real men don’t need help — self-reliance gets praise, even when it’s destructive.
  • Sadness equals failure — many hide feelings to protect their image.
    A man sitting in a bench with his eyes closed

    Negative emotions tend to build up and be damaging

    The Unseen Barrier to Mental Health Progress

    Many men grow up with fixed ideas about masculinity. These ideas shape how they handle emotional pain and stress. Society rewards toughness while ignoring the need for emotional honesty. Boys hear phrases like “real men don’t cry” or “man up,” which train them to hide their feelings. Traditional masculinity discourages vulnerability and replaces it with silence. Men see emotionless role models on screen, reinforcing the idea that expressing pain makes them weak. The media portrays emotionless male role models as strong, capable, and respected.

    Another key point, society often links emotional expression to femininity, which leads men to feel ashamed when they try to open up. This pressure creates emotional isolation. Many never learn how to speak about their inner world. On the other hand, rejecting these ideas builds space for honest conversations.

    A man putting his hands on his head while looking down

    Talking about mental health should be normalized and encouraged

    Men are often told to hide emotions and “tough it out.” This belief creates silence that damages mental and emotional health. Many avoid expressing pain, not because they don’t feel it, but because they fear judgment. Emotional struggles go unnoticed, and the pressure continues to build. That silence can lead to isolation, anger, or unhealthy habits. Normalizing open expressions changes this pattern. One honest conversation can encourage others to speak. Friends, family, and public figures all shape what feels acceptable. People listen more when they see others being real. Creating safe spaces encourages honesty, making it easier for men to talk without shame. Above all, emotional expression takes strength. Supporting open communication about mental health helps remove stigma. Talking should never feel risky. Change starts with those willing to speak, listen, and make mental health part of everyday life.

    How Friends and Family Can Encourage Men to Open Up

    Men often stay silent because they fear judgment or feel they must fix everything alone. Friends and family can help change that by creating safe, supportive spaces. Trust builds over time, not through pressure. People should avoid rushing conversations or pushing for answers. Avoid judgment when they share; instead, offer calm, steady support. Short replies like “that makes sense” or “I hear you” help more than long advice. Listen more, advise less. Silence can feel heavy, but patience shows care.

    Small actions—checking in, staying present, or simply sitting nearby—can speak louder than words. For this reason, support systems must be patient and present. Show interest with questions that invite conversation, not just yes-or-no answers. Ask open-ended questions to show care, such as “How have you been feeling lately?” or “What’s been on your mind?” A steady, open presence often creates the space needed for honest expression.

    Steps Men Can Take to Improve Their Mental Health

    Many men avoid facing emotional stress until it becomes overwhelming. Small, consistent actions can help build better habits for mental wellness. One place to start is by learning to identify feelings as they come. Recognize and name emotions instead of burying them. Writing down thoughts can reduce mental clutter. Try journaling or mindfulness to create a daily check-in with yourself. Conversations also matter. Talk to someone trustworthy—a friend, family member, or mentor who listens without judgment. Speaking honestly often brings clarity. Then again, therapy is a powerful option for deeper support. A trained professional can offer tools to manage stress and emotional pain. Growth takes time. Practice self-compassion and patience, especially on difficult days. Try to be kind to yourself every day. There’s no single solution, but building small daily habits can shift everything. Change starts with one decision, one conversation, or one moment of reflection—and it builds from there.

    Two friends spending time outsideTwo friends spending time outside

    No matter how you feel, you should know that you are never alone

    Making Mental Health a Men’s Issue, Too

    Talking about mental health should never feel shameful or out of reach. Men also deserve support, understanding, and safe spaces to express emotions without fear. Breaking the silence starts with practicing self-compassion, honest conversations and small steps forward. Families, friends, and communities can help reshape outdated beliefs. Change begins with listening, showing care, and making open communication a normal part of daily life.

Working Women Can Use These Lifestyle Changes To Beat Stress

It can be hard to juggle a job, family, and other commitments while still making time for yourself. Unfortunately, this can lead to feelings of burnout and anxiety. The good news is, there are some easy steps you can take to beat the grind and boost your well-being. Presented below by Dr. Sandoval, here are some actionable tips that working women can use to strengthen their mental, physical, and financial wellness.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is an excellent way to stay healthy while reducing tension. Allocate at least 30 minutes daily for physical activity—it can be either done in the comfort of your home or at a gym. Experiment with various forms of exercise like yoga, running, and more to determine what works best for you. If you need some extra motivation, become part of an online group or enroll in a class; participating in these activities will help keep you inspired and accountable.

Start A Garden Using Expert Advice

Gardening is an excellent way to get outside while also producing something tangible that you can enjoy in return. Instead of spending money on plants or tools, research gardening advice online and read reviews from gardeners all over the world before making any purchases. This way, you’ll know exactly what type of equipment you’ll need and how much it will cost before investing any money into it.

Prioritize Nutrition

Gardening has another benefit; it can help you eat better. Eating healthy isn’t just about losing weight; it’s also about nourishing your body with the right kind of food so that it has enough energy throughout the day. Start by cutting down on processed foods like chips and cookies, replacing them with healthier options such as fruits and vegetables instead. Additionally, try not to skip meals, as this could leave you feeling drained by the end of the day.

Set A Few Boundaries

It’s important to learn how to set boundaries to protect your mental health and well-being from being taken advantage of by others around you. Start by saying “no” more often when people ask too much of you at work or at home—and permit yourself not to feel guilty about it. Also, make sure that your personal time is respected by those around you so that you can have enough space for self-care activities such as exercising or reading books without interruption.

Take A Look At Your Job Options

If you’re feeling drained and overwhelmed by the job you’re currently doing, it might be time to look for a new one. Working hard is important, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of your wellbeing. Constantly running on empty can take its toll on both your physical and mental health, causing burnout and fatigue. Finding another job that makes better use of your skillset and energy can help you recharge and feel motivated again — plus, you’ll have more time to focus on pursuing other passions or hobbies!

Showcase Your Skills With A Great CV

When starting a new career path, one of the most important things is having a strong CV that outlines all relevant experience as well as any applicable skillsets that apply. Make sure when creating this document that everything looks professional—you don’t want potential employers questioning its validity. To make this process easier on yourself, consider using an online CV builder which will allow you to access templates tailored specifically towards certain industries or job roles. Just choose the template you like and add your choice of colors, copy, and images; here’s a possible solution that can help you get started.

Start A Business With An LLC

If you’d rather be your own boss than work for one, consider starting your own business. This process doesn’t have to be scary, especially if done correctly under legal protection. Consider incorporating yourself as an LLC (Limited Liability Company), as doing so provides owners with several corporate tax benefits along with limited liability protection (which shields personal assets from being seized should business debts arise). You can avoid costly lawyer’s fees by using a formation service to file.

Beating the daily grind can be quite an undertaking at times, so try keeping things simple at first. Focus on your physical health, set some boundaries, and assess your career to make some changes. Whether you want to start your own business or look for a new job in your field with a stunning CV, there are plenty of options available.

Dr. Sandoval provides assistance for people who feel that anxiety and depression are preventing them from living their best lives. To learn more about these services, please call 305-720-0237.

Guest article witten by Sheila Olson,  FitSheila