08/11/2025
We need to reframe how we talk about men’s mental health.
For years, “masculine norms” have been blamed as barriers to help-seeking. But that framing often implies men are the problem — that they’re broken, emotionally unintelligent, or need fixing.
The truth is: men value strength, independence, reliability, and purpose. So instead of saying “you’re ill and need help,” we should be saying:
Let’s get you back on track.
Let’s help you feel confident and strong again.
Let’s help you reconnect with your sense of purpose.
This isn’t about asking men to abandon their masculinity — it’s about helping them reclaim their strength and agency. When we do that, men are far more likely to engage, open up, and move forward.
Because in many ways, what we’ve done to men is the equivalent of telling women: “zip your mouth and don’t tell people about your problems.” It’s a cultural message that shuts people down.
Reference: Üzümçeker, E. (2025). Traditional Masculinity and Men’s Psychological Help-Seeking: A Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Psychology. PubMed ID: 40038563