Have you ever noticed that every time a man tries to speak up about his struggles, the conversation quickly shifts away from him? The moment he brings up his mental health, financial burdens, or emotional pain, the focus is hijacked. Suddenly, it's about how women have it harder, how he needs to "man up," or how his feelings are somehow invalid.
Men have been conditioned to believe that their struggles don't matter, and society reinforces this belief daily. When a woman expresses pain, she is supported, consoled, and uplifted. In contrast, when a man does the same, he is often ridiculed, ignored, or told to just deal with it.
It's damaging. This isn't just frustrating—it's harmful. When men repeatedly experience this pattern of dismissal, they internalize it. They stop talking, stop seeking help, and bury their struggles deep down because they've learned that vulnerability is perceived as a weakness rather than a valid human experience. This leads to untreated mental health issues, substance abuse, and even higher suicide rates among men.
Gaslighting of men's pain. The most frustrating part is the gaslighting that accompanies it. If a man says he feels like his emotions don't matter, someone will quickly tell him he's just imagining it. If he discusses how men are often treated as disposable in society, he'll be met with counterarguments that completely ignore his point. Men are frequently told that "women have it harder," suggesting that men's struggles are less significant.
You're just being weak. No, he's being human.
Constant dismissal of men and their issues keeps them silent. It invalidates their pain and forces them into a box where they feel alone, unheard, and neglected.
Men's struggles are real, whether you like it or not.
Men's struggles are real and they deserve to be acknowledged. Men experience emotional and psychological abuse in relationships but rarely receive the support they need. Men are disproportionately affected by workplace deaths because they often take on the most dangerous jobs. From childhood, men are told to suppress their emotions, leading to serious mental health consequences. A man’s value is often judged solely by his ability to provide, rather than his character or emotional contributions. These aren't minor inconveniences; these are serious issues that deserve attention.
Men's struggles matter. Your struggles matter. No matter how much society tries to redirect the conversation, you deserve to be heard. It's time to stop accepting silence and start demanding real conversations about the double standards and the struggles men face.
Photo by Christian Buehner on Unsplash
Photo by Rana Sawalha on Unsplash
Photo by Robert Godwin on Unsplash