"Be a Man" – a Phrase from Childhood that Costs Health: Advice on Changing Deep-Seated Stereotypes
The article discusses the stigma around emotional health faced by men in Lithuania and offers insights on how to combat these harmful stereotypes.
The article highlights a concerning trend in Lithuania regarding men's emotional health, as discussed by psychotherapist Dainius Jakučionis. He emphasizes that societal stigma, rooted in childhood experiences, has contributed to a significant number of men feeling overwhelmed by daily stress. According to the National Well-Being Index (NSI), 38% of Lithuanians experience daily stress, yet nearly a quarter of the population does not take steps to manage it, risking their overall well-being.
Eglė Laskauskaitė, the head of pharmaceutical activities at "Eurovaistinė," points to a study that provides clear trends rather than isolated opinions on stress management. The data shows a significant gender gap, revealing that men are much more likely than women to report an inability to manage their stress. This indicates that many men live under constant emotional pressure without actively seeking ways to alleviate it, perpetuating a cycle of emotional strain and stigma associated with seeking help.
The article aims to educate the public on the importance of acknowledging and managing stress, challenging the misconception that emotional health equates to weakness. The authors advocate for a societal shift towards recognizing the strength in understanding and managing emotions as a crucial step in improving overall health for men, thereby reshaping long-held stereotypes and promoting healthier lifestyles.