Ms. Metzger
College Writing II
19 October 2016
Male Masculinity and the Impact on Mental Health in America
In psychological research, there is an idea known as the artifact theory that suggests that there is a possibility that men are just as likely to be susceptible to depression as women. However, the disease could manifest in different ways because of cognitive, social, or emotional differences in a male, and as a result, these factors could lead to improper or even missed diagnoses (Comer 237). Mental illness in men is not diagnosed at the same rate as in women, because it can be misdiagnosed, and most importantly, men are not seeking treatment at nearly the same rate as women. These are just a few direct effects that result …show more content…
The culture surrounding male masculinity in the United States could influence directly and indirectly mental health in males. Directly, it could discourage males from participating in groups or events that bring them joy, and indirectly, it could prevent them from getting rehabilitation, prolonging and worsening these existing health issues. This is because, at least partly, masculinity is associated with a lack of expressing emotion, being the “strong” one in the group, and not developing close, …show more content…
From early on, molding of masculine traits influences men to stray away from acknowledging their mental health, from being told to “Man up!” when they cry, to seeing in the media that men are supposed to be the strong one, not showing emotions other than anger. This has to be addressed at an early age, but it cannot stop there. Men at all points need to be encouraged to seek mental help when it is necessary. This can be accomplished by actively seeking behavioral problems in communities and offering help when possible, to limit acting