The aforementioned insights have been important in advancing our understanding of masculinities and men’s mental illness. This article reports on a qualitative study that used a theorized life history methodology, using life history interviews and a gender relations analysis (Plummer, 2001), to advance our understanding of men’s social relationships and mental health. The study specifically sought to theorize patterns of men’s social connectedness and how this influences mental health and well-being. In particular, it examined the experiences of men who did not have a current mental illness diagnosis in order to understand the “everyday” mental health and well-being issues for men in the community.
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of men who are struggling in today’s society. Whether it be due to financial difficulties, mental health issues, or other personal challenges, it is clear that more needs to be done to support these individuals.
Similarly, surveys indicate that Canadian men are around three times more likely to experience addiction and substance abuse compared to Canadian women. Highlighting the scale of the problem, the British Columbia Coroners Service reports that males accounted for 81 per cent of drug overdose deaths in that province in 2020. That whole period I just dealt with it myself and I know that’s probably not the smartest way of dealing with it, but I guess I kinda backed myself as well to be able to handle it.
Community representation means that individuals reaching out for help can identify with those providing resources, building trust and resources more responsive to their needs and experiences. To meet the needs of those often excluded from resources, this means intentionally partnering with and conducting outreach to impacted community members as providers instead of just consumers of resources. Interviewee #7 claims that modern fifth generation feminism has to do a lot with the modern state of men. Most young men participate heavily in both social media as well as in pop culture. He claims that in both, there exists a lot of antagonistic attitudes against men. As an example, he brings up the popular song by Doja’s Cat “Men ain’t shit” where in the same song, she calls men trash while at the same time demeaning men that do not provide for her.
Financial Support
Various BCTs were grouped into “processes” to help synthesize the 18distinct techniques implemented across these dissimilar interventions. Theseprocesses can be seen as overarching terms that summarize similar BCTs intobroader psychological processes, thus helping to bridge the gap between theseresearch findings and wider clinical practice (Figure 3). Approaches that leverage traditional masculine norms have the potential to improveservice uptake; however, they also pose the risk of reinforcing masculine stereotypes(Fleming, Lee, & Dworkin,2014; Robinson &Robertson, 2010).
Help is now more available, and many people are fighting the old male stigmas and stereotypes. Men’s mental health has been statistically declining, with suicide rates towering over those of women. The danger with even raising the specific challenges of boys and men is that it will be seen as a distraction from ongoing efforts to help women and girls. Partly as a result of the changes of recent decades, we both can and should now pay attention to both sides of gender inequality.
One way to help struggling men is to provide them with financial support. This could come in the form of job training programs, assistance with finding employment, or access to resources for those experiencing homelessness. By helping men secure stable financial footing, we can empower them to overcome their struggles and thrive in society.
Steve was reluctant to talk to others about his marriage separation because he felt “embarrassed.” He had discovered his wife was having an affair with another man and he felt like a “failure” for not being able to maintain his marriage. This was a struggle for Steve, he did not like failing, and was “worried” what other people would think if they found out. Nevertheless, by keeping his emotional turmoil to himself, Steve’s masculine practice of self-sufficiency could not be questioned.
Mental Health Resources
Another crucial area to address is mental health. Many men are reluctant to seek help for mental health issues, leading to a higher prevalence of conditions such as depression and anxiety. By destigmatizing mental health and providing accessible resources for counseling and therapy, we can ensure that men get the support they need to address their struggles.
Community Engagement
Creating a sense of community and belonging is essential for helping struggling men. This can be done through support groups, mentorship programs, or community events that bring people together. By fostering connections and relationships, men are more likely to feel supported and encouraged to overcome their challenges.
Educational Opportunities
Providing educational opportunities for men can also be beneficial in addressing their struggles. This could involve offering scholarships, vocational training programs, or adult education classes. By investing in their education and skill development, men can improve their prospects for the future and break free from the cycle of struggle.
In conclusion, there are several ways in which we can help the increasing number of struggling men in society. By providing financial support, mental health resources, community engagement, and educational opportunities, we can empower men to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. It is important for us as a society to come together and support these individuals in their time of need.
