Discover why 'manning up' can be a dangerous philosophy for men with anxiety. Meri Sehat provides insights and warnings for mental health.

Why 'Manning Up' Can Be A Dangerous Philosophy For Men With Anxiety

Isn’t it insane how the insidious impact of ‘manning up’ on men with anxiety is talked about so little?

Overview

&quot;Manning up,&quot; a societal expectation often imposed on men, implies suppressing emotions, especially vulnerability and displaying stoicism in the face of adversity. While this philosophy may have been perceived as a sign of strength in the past, it can be a dangerous and harmful approach, especially for men with anxiety. Let&rsquo;s delve into the concept of &quot;manning up,&quot; discuss <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/what-is-toxic-masculinity-how-to-deal-with-it">toxic masculinity</a>, and explore the detrimental effects it can have on men with anxiety. 
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Manning Up

The term &quot;manning up&quot; has been used to encourage men to adopt traditional gender roles, emphasizing traits such as emotional detachment, stoicism and the suppression of feelings, especially vulnerability. It suggests that men should handle challenges and stressors without showing signs of weakness or emotional turmoil. 
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Toxic masculinity is a harmful byproduct of &#39;manning up,&#39; perpetuating harmful stereotypes that link masculinity to emotional suppression and invulnerability. This societal pressure discourages men from expressing emotions, which can be particularly detrimental for those already grappling with anxiety. 
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<ul>
	<li>Repression Of Emotions &ndash; For men with anxiety, repressing emotions as encouraged by &#39;manning up&#39; can exacerbate their anxiety symptoms. Bottling up feelings can lead to increased stress, anxiety and even physical health problems.</li>
	<li>Invalidation Of Vulnerability &ndash; Anxiety is often accompanied by vulnerability and heightened emotional sensitivity. &#39;Manning up&#39; invalidates these feelings, making men with anxiety feel ashamed or weak for experiencing such emotions, worsening their mental health.</li>
	<li>Hindrance To Seeking Help &ndash; The pressure to &#39;man up&#39; may discourage men with anxiety from seeking professional help or opening up to loved ones. This reluctance to seek support can delay crucial interventions and exacerbate anxiety symptoms. 
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Breaking The Stigma

Challenging the stigma surrounding mental health is essential for men with anxiety to access the support they need. Society and all of us on an individual level as well, must encourage open conversations about mental health and promote seeking professional help as a sign of strength rather than weakness. 
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<ul>
	<li>Embracing Emotional Expression &ndash; Encouraging men with anxiety to express their emotions in a healthy way can help alleviate the burden of &#39;manning up.&#39; Emotional expression should be seen as a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness.</li>
	<li>Fostering Emotional Intelligence &ndash; Promoting emotional intelligence is crucial for men with anxiety. Understanding and managing emotions can empower individuals to cope with anxiety more effectively and lead to healthier relationships.</li>
	<li>Cultivating Supportive Relationships &ndash; Building supportive relationships is vital for men with anxiety. Surrounding themselves with understanding and empathetic individuals can create a safe space to express emotions without judgment.</li>
	<li>Redefining Masculinity &ndash; Redefining masculinity is essential to challenge harmful concepts like &#39;manning up&#39; and toxic masculinity. Emphasizing emotional openness, empathy and vulnerability can create a healthier and more inclusive understanding of masculinity.</li>
	<li>The Power Of Therapy &ndash; Professional therapy can be immensely beneficial for men with anxiety. Therapists provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment where men can explore their emotions, understand anxiety triggers and develop coping strategies.</li>
	<li>Self-Compassion And Mindfulness &ndash; Men with anxiety should practice self-compassion and mindfulness to cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation. Engaging in mindfulness techniques can help manage anxiety symptoms effectively. 
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Bottom Line

&#39;Manning up&#39; can be a dangerous philosophy for men with anxiety, perpetuating toxic masculinity and suppressing emotional expression which simply deteriorates all aspects of a person&rsquo;s well-being. Recognizing the harmful effects of this societal pressure is crucial in fostering a more empathetic and inclusive understanding of masculinity. By redefining masculinity and advocating for mental health awareness, we can create a more supportive environment that empowers men to embrace their emotions and prioritize their mental well-being.

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