‘Mard ko dard nahin hota’
Man up!
Real men don’t cry!
If you identify as male, these may be some of things you have heard being said to you or other men in the vicinity. In all probability you may believe it too to some extent or other.
In most Indian families, it has been accepted for long that it is okay for men to be angry and irritable at home because of ‘work pressure’.
Smoking or drinking too much? Work pressure, peer pressure, financial pressure…
A man died by suicide? His wife must have been cheating on him. He had money problems.
I could go on. Patriarchy and misogyny aside, is there more to it than one can see?
A quick search on the internet for ‘mental health problems faced by men in India’ threw up the 11 seen in the picture.
Have you observed symptoms of any of the above at your workplace, among your friends, in your family members? If yes, do take some time to check in with the person. And if you relate to any of them yourself, do take care and reach out for help.
One of the options available is Tele MANAS (https://telemanas.mohfw.gov.in/#/home) – 14416 or 1-800 891 4416.
#projectmaanasa #maanasa #mentalhealth #mentalhealthformen #mentalhealthmatters
