In Singapore, societal pressures that expect men to be “emotionally strong” have led to men internalising their mental health struggles.
As a result, the #1 reason why men won’t seek help for their mental health is because “they’ve learnt to deal with it”. But self-reliance does not mean self-therapy.
Deal with it. Just not alone.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY?
I’d like to speak to a friend
I’d like to seek professional help
I’m supporting someone
I’d like to practise self-care
MEN’S STORIES
#dealwithit #ifeelyoubro
PROFESSIONALS’ PERSPECTIVES
Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Consultant Psychiatrist at Better Life Psychological Medicine Clinic
It is clear that there remains much work to be done in the area of mental health for men and the development of support structures to encourage them to seek help, and seek it early.
The survey findings suggest that there is a sizeable proportion of men who view seeking help for mental illness as a sign of weakness and incompetence, and an affront to their self-worth and self-respect. These perceptions will need to be addressed if we were to see a palpable shift in the help-seeking behaviours of men towards their mental wellbeing and mental health needs.
Josh Tan, Registered Art Therapist
Like many males in our society, I grew up internalising the message that I needed to 'pipe down' and 'man up'. Raised by generations of strong, silent elders and a steady diet of macho media stereotypes, I told myself I simply needed to "be stronger" and "complain less", even as I fell deeper and deeper into teenage depression. But just trying to 'deal with it' failed to ease the incredible internal struggle I was feeling, and drove my mind into even darker and lonelier places. It has taken me decades to unlearn the damaging beliefs that are so destructive for our mental health, and to learn how to talk about how I felt. As males, we need to realise that speaking about our struggles does not make us 'weaker' in any way. The act of being vulnerable with others is one of incredible bravery; and the ability to create a safe space for those around us to share is a great strength.
Mr Parandaman T., Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Principal Paediatric Forensic Psychologist at Psych Connect
The findings suggest that gender plays a role in influencing mental illness stigma in Singapore. It also suggests to a certain extent lowered mental health literacy which could contribute to holding negative views towards those with mental illness. Traditionally masculinity evokes certain expressions and demonstrations of behaviours such as self reliance and restrictions in certain behaviours such as crying. This may lead to difficulty in expressing challenging emotions as it assigns weakness and disempowerment.