When men are forced to hide their pain
In society, the image of a strong, resilient man who is not allowed to collapse has almost become a standard.
However, behind that "manhood" are silent pressures, causing many men to fall into mental crisis but not daring to speak out, not daring to show their own weakness.
Mr. Ngo Minh Long (46 years old, Hanoi) used to be the main breadwinner of the family. After one loss-making business, he fell into bankruptcy, and his work was precarious. Financial pressure and feelings of failure caused him to have chronic insomnia and fall into a state of prolonged depression.
As a man, if I collapse, who will the whole family rely on, so I don't dare to share with anyone," Mr. Long confided.
Mr. Hoang Tuan Vu (25 years old) - an office worker in Hanoi - shared that he once fell into a state of mental crisis when he was constantly under work pressure and compared success on social networks.
Although I feel exhausted and discouraged, I still don't dare to say it, because I'm afraid of being judged as weak and lack of bravery. It's very strange for a boy to complain," Mr. Vu shared his feelings and thoughts.
Cases like Mr. Long or Mr. Vu are not isolated. Reality shows that many men are used to hiding emotions, bearing pressure themselves, leading to serious consequences for mental health.
Men also need empathy
Sharing about this issue, psychologist Mai Viet Duc - Nhan Hoa Viet Center for Counseling and Psychological Therapy - said: "The concept that men should not be weak originates from traditional Asian gender standards. In modern society, the role of gender has changed, people need more empathy, but men face major barriers in expressing emotions.
Also according to Mr. Duc, the influence of long-standing traditional culture makes the image of a man associated with the role of family pillar, being the one who has to worry about everything and absolutely must not show weakness.
Besides, the way children are educated from a young age also contributes to forming this false belief. Parents often teaching their sons "not to cry", "must be strong" unintentionally makes boys grow up with the thought that expressing weak emotions is unacceptable.
According to experts, to reduce this pressure, society needs to change its view of men's emotions.
Men are also human beings, they also have the right to be sad, to be afraid and to share. Admitting weakness does not make them less brave, but on the contrary, it is the first step to heal and live healthier in spirit," expert Mai Viet Duc emphasized.
