The Emotional Isolation of Being a Man
The strong, silent male — it’s an archetype that’s etched deep into societal consciousness.
In years past, men were seldom allowed to express emotions. The stoic soldier, the unwavering leader, the emotionless father — these roles were thrust upon them, leaving little room for emotional transparency.
Even in our modern, supposedly enlightened age, men continue to grapple with acceptance of their feelings.
The ‘real man’ myth persists, suggesting that ‘real’ men are invincible, unemotional, stoic. This skewed perception is not without repercussions.
In a recent study of men, a staggering 55% of respondents reported feeling lonely, with around 50% indicating a high level of distress concealment, meaning they hide how they feel.
This silent struggle is a call to action — for men to break free from the emotional shackles, and for society to provide the necessary support. Just like a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step, the undertaking of tackling male mental health must begin with a single truth that must be accepted:
The men in your life may not be as emotionally transparent as you believe them to be.
