Social Norms and Masculinity: A Cultural Challenge
In Abu Dhabi, mental health professionals are observing a troubling trend: men are often reluctant to seek mental health treatment. This reluctance is largely driven by societal norms that equate masculinity with emotional resilience and toughness, discouraging men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help when needed.
Breaking the Stereotype of Masculinity
Psychologists emphasize that traditional views of masculinity, which discourage the expression of emotions such as sadness or fear, impose significant psychological stress. These stereotypes suggest that men should be stoic, regardless of the challenges they face, fostering a reluctance to seek help.
Dr. Medhat Al-Sabahi, a consultant psychiatrist, argues that paying attention to mental health should be viewed as a strength, not a weakness. He notes that neglecting mental health can lead to deteriorating physical health, poor daily habits, and diminished professional performance, ultimately causing economic losses.
The Reluctance to Seek Help: Key Factors
There are several reasons why men might hesitate to seek psychiatric support. These include:
- Fears of appearing weak or irresponsible in the eyes of society.
- A lack of practice in expressing emotions, ingrained from childhood.
- Beliefs in self-reliance to resolve psychological issues without external help.
- A misunderstanding of psychological strength as emotional suppression.
- Misrecognition of psychological symptoms.
- Anxiety about the impact of treatment on personal and professional life.
- Overwhelming responsibilities and financial pressures.
- Insufficient awareness of the benefits of psychological treatment.
- Procrastination in addressing mental health, often replaced by overworking, isolation, or substance use.
Addressing Misconceptions and Raising Awareness
Dr. Amir Javed, from Burjeel Medical City, points out that misconceptions linking masculinity with emotional toughness are deeply ingrained. However, mental health challenges do not discriminate based on gender or age. They can arise from various factors, including hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies, necessitating medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Promoting Early Awareness
It is crucial to cultivate mental health awareness from childhood. Encouraging children to express their emotions freely helps prevent future psychological issues. Parents play a vital role in nurturing their children’s emotional intelligence by allowing them to express their feelings without fear of ridicule or dismissal.
Treatment Concerns and the Role of Family Support
Dr. Nawfal Iyad stresses the importance of addressing men’s mental health openly. He highlights that the ideal of the ‘strong man’ can lead to various psychological issues like anxiety and depression. Concerns about medication side effects, such as those impacting fertility, can often be mitigated with alternative treatments.
Family support is paramount in mental health care. Ahmed Abdel Salam, Nadine Mansour, and Sarah Al-Khatib, social and psychological specialists, emphasize the need for families to monitor not only physical but also psychological symptoms in children. Early intervention can prevent exacerbation of mental health issues.
Abu Dhabi’s Efforts in Mental Health Support
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is actively enhancing its mental health support infrastructure. With a significant increase in mental health professionals, the department aims to double patient capacity in the coming years. Integration of mental health services in primary care centers allows for early diagnosis and treatment.
Community Initiatives and Support Tools
The 800-Sakina hotline provides around-the-clock psychological support, while the TAMM platform offers self-assessment tools for adults to evaluate their mental health and seek appropriate help. Community initiatives like ‘Beauty of Our Minds’ aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health care, promoting a culture of openness and support.
