International Men's Day 2025

 

19th November, International Men’s Day celebrates the positive contributions of men while highlighting key issues impacting their well-being - one of the most important being mental health.

Even today, many men hesitate to talk about emotions due to traditional expectations of being “strong” and “tough.” This often leads to silent suffering and long-term mental health challenges. Let’s shed light on why men’s mental health matters and explore practical ways to manage it effectively.

🚫 The Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

• Society often expects men to be emotionally strong, independent, and in control.

• Admitting emotional struggles is seen as weakness- preventing men from seeking timely help.

• This silent burden can lead to stress, loneliness, anxiety, and even depression.

• However, mental health care is a sign of strength, not weakness.

💭 Common Mental Health Issues Among Men

⚡ Aggression & Irritability – Suppressed emotions may manifest as anger or frustration and often leads to mental health disorders.

🧠 Depression – Men often hide sadness, guilt, or worthlessness behind isolation or overwork may leads to severe depression.

😟 Anxiety – Worry about career, finances, or family can cause chronic anxiety and sleeplessness.

🧬 Family History – Genetic factors can increase vulnerability to mental illnesses.

🕴️ Social Stigma – Pressure to “be strong” limits emotional expression and connection.

🍺 Substance Use – Alcohol, smoking, or drugs are often used as coping tools, worsening mental health.

💼 Work Stress – Primary breadwinners, men often face career pressure, financial instability, and job loss, significantly affecting their mental well-being.

💔 Suicidal Thoughts – Men are statistically more likely to die by suicide due to silent suffering.

⚔️ PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)–Traumatic experiences such as military service, accidents, or childhood trauma, leading to long-lasting mental health effects.

🧘‍♂️ Practical Strategies to Manage Men’s Mental Health

🏃‍♂️ Stay Physically Active

• Exercise channelling energy, stamina and improving men's mental health while also keeping them fit.

• Choose what fits you best:

⚽ Sports or outdoor games

🏋️ Gym workouts

💃 Dance therapy

🏊 Swimming or cycling

📚 Pursue Knowledge & Awareness

• Learn about mental well-being and self-care practices.

• Understand how physical and emotional health are interconnected.

• Attend workshops, online sessions, or podcasts on men’s wellness.

🔍 Self-Discovery

• Reflect on your emotions and triggers.

• Identify unhealthy coping patterns and replace them with healthier habits.

• Journaling and introspection can improve self-understanding.

🤝 Build Strong Social Connections

• Spend time with family, friends, and supportive peers.

• Join men’s support groups or community activities.

• Networking can also help balance work-life stress.

• Social connections can greatly enhance your mood and sense of belonging.

🌈 Adopt a Positive Outlook

• Reframe negative thoughts into growth-oriented ones.

• Be mindful of digital content that impacts your mindset.

• Practice gratitude and positive affirmations daily.

⏰ Time & Work Management

• Managing your time effectively is key to reducing stress and mental strain.

• Ensure you maintain proper sleep patterns for optimal mental and physical health.

• Create a balanced schedule for work, family, and personal time based on daily priorities.

🧩  ‘Me Time’ Matters

• Pursue hobbies that relax your mind - painting, reading, or gardening etc.

• Learn new skills that bring joy or boost confidence.

• Spend time with pets - they’re great stress relievers.

🎵 Music, Dance & Travel

• Listen to uplifting music or learn an instrument.

• Take weekend getaways to recharge mentally.

• Movement + music = instant mood booster!

💬 Seek Professional Support

• Talking to a therapist or counsellor is completely normal.

• Therapy provides confidential guidance to handle stress, trauma, or anxiety.

• Many workplaces now offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and mental health helplines.

🧘 Meditation & Mindfulness

• Practice guided meditation or deep breathing exercises daily.

• Nature walks and mindful eating help restore calmness.

• Try meditation on apps, you tube for guided support.

✍️ Journaling

• Write freely about your feelings, goals, or gratitude list.

• Helps in releasing pent-up emotions and understanding inner thoughts.

• Digital journaling apps make it easy to start.

🙏 Gratitude & Affirmations

• Note down 3–5 things you’re grateful for each day.

• Speak affirmations like:
  “I am enough.”
  “I am in control of my emotions.”

• Gratitude rewires your brain for positivity.

💡 Latest Trends in 2025

🧍‍♂️Corporate Wellness Initiatives: More companies offer mental health days, counselling sessions, and wellness credits.

📱 Digital Therapy Platforms: Online consultations make therapy more accessible to men in remote areas.

⚕️ Insurance Wellness Programs: Many health insurers now include mental health consultations and preventive care benefits.

🩺  Conclusion

Men also experience fear, stress, anxiety, and depression - but acknowledging it is the first step toward healing.
Taking care of your mental and physical health creates a balanced, fulfilling life.

Also, ensure you have a good health insurance plan that supports mental health coverage. Many insurers now reward healthy lifestyles with discounts and offer free counselling or therapy sessions under wellness benefits.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is intended to spread awareness regarding men's mental health. For personalized guidance, please consult a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Additionally, for advice on health insurance and its benefits, it's recommended to seek assistance from health insurance professionals.