Written by: Dr Mercy Maclean, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The "mask "of negative masculinity, as acknowledged by Dr Mercy Maclean, appears to hold males back from being authentic and expressing themselves, their emotions, and their mental health. This concept has been prevalent since ancient times when survival roles defined gender expectations and emotions were deemed weak. Men were expected to be hunters and protectors, and their physical strength and ability to provide determined their worth, regardless of their mental health. This narrative of male negative masculinity has persisted through generations, with men's mental health vulnerability often concealed behind what would appear to be a facade of strength. As society evolved, so did the expectations placed upon men.
Men's identity and self-worth became increasingly tied to their ability to provide while their mental health suffered. Men's mental health vulnerability was often disregarded in the pursuit of progress. Therefore, it is critical to acknowledge the "mask" of negative masculinity and work towards creating a society that unites us all in the pursuit of men's positive mental health. Highlighting the significant negative impact of the "mask" of masculinity on men's mental health must never be underestimated. It is important to uncover the truth about how the "mask" of negative masculinity has appeared to force men to hide their true selves behind a facade of toughness and dominance to the detriment of their mental health. Breaking free from this "mask" can lead to men seeking mental health support. By acknowledging and addressing the "mask" of negative masculinity, we can take proactive steps towards creating a culture that prioritises men's emotional expression, vulnerability, and mental wellbeing. Dr Mercy Maclean has witnessed the importance of such efforts. She continues to be an advocate for a society that supports men's mental health and wellbeing by "unmasking" negative male masculinity.
Why do societal expectations matter now in the context of men's mental health?
Dr Mercy Maclean suggests it would appear men's mental health challenges are deeply intertwined with societal expectations that have been ingrained for centuries. Despite the world's growing recognition of the importance of men's mental health, these expectations persist and appear to restrict men, fuelled by the myth that real men do not show vulnerability. Understanding their origins and historical context is crucial to challenge and change these societal norms. Doing so can dismantle the societal barriers preventing men from seeking help. Dr Mercy Maclean emphasises that these barriers are not isolated incidents but part of a larger narrative that spans centuries. It is essential to recognise that the imposition of traditional unrealistic societal expectations upon men can contribute significantly to their mental health struggles. By exploring these roots, we can take crucial steps towards addressing unrealistic societal expectations and men's mental health.
The question now is how do we change the societal narrative of men's mental health discourse?
Dr Mercy Maclean proposes that the prevailing issue at the core of men's mental health discourse is the eroding societal decree that equates masculinity with emotional fortitude and independence. Men, who appear to be indoctrinated by this belief, find themselves ensnared in a paradox where seeking mental health support is seen as a betrayal of their inherent 'manliness'. This cultural script dictates that a man must navigate the tumultuous waters of mental health unaided, his emotional compass hidden beneath a guise of resilience. The consequences of adhering to these silent mental health expectations are both profound and pervasive. Men's mental health issues, left unaddressed, can metastasise, affecting every facet of life. Relationships strain under the weight of unspoken struggles; careers falter as the internal battle waxes, and worst of all, the essence of one's joy and vitality dims. The societal insistence on fortitude not only impedes men's ability to seek help but also deepens the societal chasm of understanding and empathy towards mental health issues. Nevertheless, amidst this bleak landscape, there gleams a beacon of hope: the inception of this transformative hope begins with education and dialogue. By integrating comprehensive mental health education into the fabric of our communities—from schools to workplaces—we can begin to erode the narrative of unrealistic societal expectations towards men.
Dr Mercy Maclean, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr Mercy Maclean is a Practitioner Chartered Health Psychologist registered with The Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC), an Associate Fellow of The British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), and a full member of the Division of Health Psychology at The British Psychological Society (BPS). She specialises in behaviour change interventions and mental wellbeing approaches to reduce health inequalities among healthcare professionals and health service users. Her personal investment in mental wellbeing approaches is deeply rooted in her family history. She understands the impact of mental illness and the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding for those who are struggling.
Dr Mercy Maclean is the author of the highly anticipated book – “Destigmatisation of Mental Health to Combat Public and Self-Stigma”.
