Tuan Anh, a 36-year-old man from Hoan Kiem district, shared his struggles with exhaustion on social networks, lamenting about the pressures he faced from work and family. However, instead of receiving support, he was gossiped about as being “soft and useless.” Despite working long hours and under immense stress to provide for his family and fulfill financial obligations, Tuan Anh’s income has decreased in recent years, making it difficult for him to pay off his mortgage and support his children’s education.
Struggling to make ends meet, he even had to borrow money from friends just to cover his expenses. His mental health deteriorated as he grappled with financial difficulties, leading to arguments with his partner and feelings of hopelessness. Unable to cope with the mounting pressures, Tuan Anh’s emotional distress manifested in insomnia, irritability, and withdrawal from social interactions.
Seeking help, he visited the Mai Huong Psychiatric Hospital and was diagnosed with a mild anxiety-depressive disorder by Dr. Tran Thi Hong Thu, the Deputy Director. Tuan Anh’s case is not unique – many men face similar challenges but often hide their struggles due to societal expectations of masculinity. Dr. Thu shared insights from treating various male patients who suffered from chronic stress, anxiety, and depression while trying to maintain a facade of strength and independence. The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles often prevents men from seeking help for their mental health issues, exacerbating their well-being further.
A survey conducted by Men’s mental health organization Movember revealed the societal pressures that men face in embodying traditional masculine traits that inhibit their ability to express emotions and seek help when needed. The toxic masculine ideals ingrained in cultures like Vietnamese society contribute significantly to the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, perpetuating a cycle of silence and suffering. Dr. Thu emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues in men while advocating for open conversations and destigmatization of seeking help for mental well-being.
Depression, anxiety
