Men and Nervous Breakdowns: How Culture and Silence Impact Mental Health
What does it mean to be a man? The answer might vary depending on where you are in the world and the culture you’re part of. For instance, in the Western world, masculinity is typically associated with strength.
And it’s not just physical strength; it’s unfortunately ingrained in most men that vulnerability is a no-no. The idea that you’re not manly and strong if you talk openly about your struggles, or especially, cry about them, sadly, still exists.
It’s clear that this mental health stigma in men is hurting. The pressure to be “strong and silent” despite being a complex human being with wants, needs, and feelings can be too much to cope with. It’s crucial that men feel comfortable sharing their feelings because if they don’t, they may suffer in silence and internalize their pain.
Fortunately, there’s a growing awareness of the pitfalls of toxic masculinity, including how it connects to men and nervous breakdowns. If you’re concerned about your mental well-being or that of someone you care about, professional support is available. No one should have to cope alone. This article can also work as a guide, exploring:
- Why men hide emotional struggles
- Cultural pressures and the male psyche
- Recognising the warning signs of nervous breakdown in men
- Depression and breakdown
- How men cope with mental health issues – and why it’s not always healthy
- Men’s mental health support options
- How Mission Connection can help
The Hidden Struggles: Mental Health Stigma in Men
As a result, the boy might internalize the message that it’s not OK to openly express pain. They then might carry this template for coping with distress into adulthood, becoming closed off emotionally. To them, expressing emotional pain is a sign of weakness.
Evidently, a culture where men don’t feel safe expressing vulnerability can create a cycle of internalizing pain and avoiding seeking help. This is also evidenced in studies that show that men are much less likely than women to seek support for their mental health.1
Coping in silence can mean a lack of open and healthy discussions around mental health, reinforcing the belief that struggling is a personal failure rather than a normal human experience. As a result, men often mask or hide symptoms of mental health conditions in attempts to remain “strong.”
For instance, research shows that men who avoid openness are more likely to turn to short-term coping mechanisms like workaholism, risky behaviors, and emotional withdrawal.2 Thus, when work, home, and relationship stress build, without a healthy outlet, this could lead to a mental breakdown.
Further, the evidence suggests that the mental health stigma in men could go even deeper than the fear of being vulnerable. Many men have actually reported that, when they do decide to open up, they’ve faced judgment and self-shame.3,4
How Culture Impacts Men’s Mental Health
Additionally, cultural pressures can vary depending on where you work. Male-dominated industries, such as the military, law enforcement, and construction, are more likely to carry damaging expectations. As a result of workplace norms around emotional expression, male employees often fear career damage from discussing mental health issues.5
In short, such cultural pressures normalize bottling up stress to the point that it can become physically and mentally impossible to cope with. As a result, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can make daily functioning impossible, leading to a point of breakdown.
Men’s emotional health challenges should never be taken lightly, as evidence suggests that mental collapse is associated with extreme mood swings and exhaustion, as well as increased suicidal ideation.6
If you’re concerned about the possibility of a breakdown, whether in yourself or a loved one, early intervention is key. The next section discusses the warning signs of a nervous breakdown in men to increase awareness.
The Warning Signs of a Nervous Breakdown in Men
Mental health crisis symptoms: Including racing thoughts, difficulty focusing, and panic attacks- Behavioural changes: Including withdrawing from people, not prioritising personal hygiene, and avoiding responsibilities
- Emotional signs: Including extreme sadness, irritability, tearfulness without a clear reason, and feeling “numb”
- Physical symptoms of a nervous breakdown: Including fatigue, insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, and chest tightness
What Causes a Nervous Breakdown or Mental Collapse?
There’s no one single cause of a mental breakdown; it’s usually the result of different contributing factors, such as chronic work stress, family conflict, relationship difficulties, and so on. Each of these factors can “snowball” or build up over time to lead to a breakdown if not managed in constructive ways.
The following is a list of some of the most common causes of breakdowns in men:
- Conflict within families or relationships
- Traumatic experiences such as a loss or accident
- Long-term struggles with mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety
- Sleep deprivation
- Living with chronic illness or pain
- Ongoing career work stress
- Financial pressures
It’s important to note that breakdowns can also come after a significant life change, like moving, starting a new job, or becoming a parent.
The Weight of Silence: Depression and Breakdown
Depression and nervous breakdown in men are unfortunately highly linked, as it’s one of the key contributors to emotional collapse. Major depressive disorder typically causes symptoms such as consistent hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities.
However, research shows that men often experience and express depression differently from women. Instead of prolonged sadness, many men report feeling numb, restless, or frustrated.7 Further, the evidence suggests that men are more likely to express depression through anger, irritability, and risk-taking behavior.8
This variability in symptoms often means that depression in men might not get flagged in a clinical setting. As a result, it might go unrecognised and be underdiagnosed – increasing the risk of nervous breakdown.
Left untreated, depression and nervous breakdown in men can lead to relationship breakdowns, unemployment, or even suicide. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presents a frightening statistic: Men account for nearly 80% of suicides in the U.S. 9
How to Help Men Experiencing a Breakdown
Recognizing how to help men’s emotional challenges can feel like a minefield, especially if they’re used to bottling up their emotions. Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatment options available to help someone feel like themselves again. These include:
- Talking therapy: Speaking with a therapist allows for a safe, confidential space to vent, process emotions, and learn about coping strategies. Options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness therapy, amongst others. A healthcare provider can talk to you about the best fit for your needs.
- Medication: If mental health symptoms are severe or ongoing, it’s a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider about prescription medications. Usually, these come in the form of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
- Stress management techniques: Breathing exercises (controlled, slow deep breaths), journaling, and guided meditation are just a few techniques that can help lower stress levels. Moreover, these strategies can be used anywhere at any time, even at work.
- Self-care: Prioritising your wellbeing by making lifestyle changes, such as taking time off work, establishing a sleep routine, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced, nutritional diet, can make meaningful, sustainable improvements.
- Social support: Talking to friends and family can be enough for some. However, joining a support group can make all the difference and serve as a valuable reminder that you are not alone.
Male Mental Health Awareness Support Options
Thankfully, there’s a wealth of support options in the U.S. for men’s mental health, especially in recent years. The following is a list of organisations that provide tools for men to promote better awareness and well-being.
- Man Therapy®: Offers mental health screening tools, therapist directories, and educational content – all geared towards men
- HeadsUpGuys: Provides online quizzes to check in on mental health, as well as stories from men coping with mental health-related struggles
- Face It Foundation: Focuses on peer support groups, retreats, and mentorship programs designed to help men recover from depression
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers general mental health education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families
- Active Minds: Uses campus-based initiatives and education aimed towards young adults and men
- Crisis Text Line (U.S.): 24/7 anonymous crisis support via text
- Men’s Sheds (U.S. locations): Community spaces that promote connection, skill-building, and mental well-being for men
Mission Connection: Helping Men Prioritize Their Well-Being
The culture that encourages men to suffer in silence is long outdated and dangerous to their well-being. Thankfully, male mental health awareness is changing for the better. By first understanding why men hide emotional struggles, we can, as a society, begin to challenge stereotypes when we see them.
Mission Connection is here as a helping hand to shape a future where being emotionally vulnerable as a man is seen as a strength – not a weakness. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the process of navigating a breakdown is as smooth as possible. We offer comprehensive medication monitoring alongside various treatments and therapies, enhancing chances for successful and sustained recovery.
Medication alone may not address the root causes of mental health issues – but alternatives are available. Combining medication with therapy options, holistic approaches, and lifestyle changes can increase its benefits and improve your outcomes.
Recognizing that life doesn’t pause while you’re focusing on your mental health, our team also provides online telehealth services to accommodate your schedule. This flexibility allows you to receive care that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.
If you’re ready to explore our treatment options, contact us today or complete our confidential contact form for more information.
References
- Addis, M. E., & Mahalik, J. R. (2003). Men, masculinity, and the contexts of help seeking. American Psychologist, 58(1), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.58.1.5
- Mahalik, J. R., Burns, S. M., & Syzdek, M. (2006). Masculinity and perceived normative health behaviors as predictors of men’s health behaviors. Social Science & Medicine, 64(11), 2201–2209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.02.035
- Vogel, D. L., Heimerdinger-Edwards, S. R., Hammer, J. H., & Hubbard, A. (2011). “Boys don’t cry”: Examination of the links between endorsement of masculine norms, self-stigma, and help-seeking attitudes for men from diverse backgrounds. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 58(3), 368–382. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023688
- Corrigan, P. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. American Psychologist, 59(7), 614–625. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.7.614
- Martin, A., & Bartlett, M. (2007). The stigma of mental illness in the workplace: Employer attitudes and job-seekers’ experiences. Work, 28(3), 297–305.
- American Psychological Association. (2023). Understanding mental breakdowns. https://www.apa.org/topics/crisis-intervention/mental-breakdown
- Real, T. (2002). I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression. Scribner.
- Rice, S. M., Fallon, B. J., & Bambling, M. (2011). Men and depression: The impact of masculine role norms throughout the lifespan. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 28(2), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.1375/aedp.28.2.133
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Suicide rising across the US. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html