The unspoken struggles of men

Dr. Brian Tawanda Marwenze (D.D)

As men, we’re often expected to be strong, stoic, and unyielding.

We’re taught to suppress our emotions, to “toughen up,” and to never show vulnerability. But what happens when the weight of these expectations becomes too much to bear?

When the pressure to conform to traditional notions of masculinity leads to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and despair?

The truth is, many men are struggling.

They’re struggling to make ends meet, to provide for their families, and to navigate the complexities of modern relationships.

They’re struggling to reconcile their own identities with societal expectations, and to find a sense of purpose and meaning in a world that often seems hostile to their very existence.

But instead of acknowledging these struggles, we often respond with silence, stigma, and shame. We tell men to “man up,” to “get over it,” or to “stop being so sensitive.”

We fail to recognize the depth of their pain, and the ways in which it’s shaped by societal expectations and norms.

The result is a crisis of masculinity, where men are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Where they’re more likely to engage in violent behavior, either towards themselves or others. Where they’re more likely to struggle with feelings of inadequacy, and to lash out in anger and frustration.

But there are exceptions. There are men who refuse to be bound by traditional notions of masculinity. Men who dare to be vulnerable, to express their emotions, and to challenge the status quo. Men who stand tall, not in spite of their struggles, but because of them.

These men are the true leaders. They’re the ones who are brave enough to admit their weaknesses, and to seek help when they need it. They’re the ones who are strong enough to be vulnerable, and to create space for others to do the same.

Traditional masculinity can be toxic. It can lead to aggression, violence, and domination. It can stifle emotional expression, and create a culture of silence and shame. It can also limit men’s potential, by forcing them to conform to narrow and outdated norms.

A New Way Forward

So what does a more positive, more inclusive form of masculinity look like? It looks like men who are brave enough to be vulnerable. Men who are strong enough to admit their weaknesses. Men who are willing to listen, to learn, and to grow.

It looks like men who prioritize empathy, compassion, and kindness. Men who recognize the value of emotional expression, and who create space for others to do the same. Men who are willing to challenge the status quo, and to create a more just and equitable world.

– Men who have spoken out about mental health, and who have worked to reduce stigma around men’s mental health issues.

– Men who have challenged toxic masculinity, and who have worked to create a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of what it means to be a man.

– Men who have prioritized empathy, kindness, and compassion, and who have created positive change in their communities.

In conclusion, it’s time for us to rethink our understanding of masculinity. It’s time for us to create a more nuanced, more compassionate, and more inclusive understanding of what it means to be a man. It’s time for us to celebrate men who stand tall, not in spite of their struggles, but because of them.

By doing so, we can create a world that is more just, more equitable, and more compassionate.

A world where men can thrive, without being bound by traditional notions of masculinity. A world where men can be strong, without being stoic. A world where men can be vulnerable, without being weak.

Let’s work together to create this world. Let’s work together to celebrate men who stand tall, and who dare to be different. Let’s work together to create a more positive, more inclusive form of masculinity – one that values empathy, kindness, and responsibility.