According to Medical News Today nearly 80% of suicide rates are males at a rate four times higher than females because males are less likely to talk about their mental health than females. And this leads us to the stigma, shame, and social expectations around men which are resulted from cultural, and social expectations.Ex differences in mental health arise in late childhood and adolescence. This time is also when gender norms are implanted, continuing into later life whereby they continue to shape mental health and help-seeking. 

Traditional gender norms commonly drive young men to present as strong, competitive, in control, and unburdened by vulnerability. These cultural scripts support toughness, anger, hatred, and emotional control. Conversely, emotions characterized by vulnerability, including sadness, anxiety, and fear, trigger shame and become a barrier to help-seeking.  Social media makes this even worse by promoting toxic masculinity, and long adapting masculinity in the promotion of gambling, alcohol, and tobacco use. Men feel weak too, men get depression, anxiety, and stress too, and men have fears too.

We should start teaching boys from a young age it's okay to feel all of that, to have feelings, and talk about them. The lack of support during stressful transitions plays a major role in suicide among males, as they find it harder to seek help or talk about their stress and fears. As men are less likely than women to receive formal mental health support of any kind. 

We all know that mothers suffer from postpartum depression after giving birth but fathers suffer from it as well. We should start with our sons at a young age and teach them it's okay to feel weak, and vulnerable from time to time. Normalize talking about their emotions and help them grow mentally and emotionally. We must break the stigma around men`s mental health and make them feel heard and raise awareness about their mental health. 

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety or you know someone who does, remember the first step is acknowledging feelings and seeking help whether it's from a professional or a loved one you feel comfortable talking to, also being more active, and focusing on your hobby helps a lot.