Studies have revealed that traditional norms of the dominant society can increase the risk of suicide among young men. The downside of toxic masculinity includes suppression of emotions and an unending struggle for independence.

The study revealed that men who follow the traditional male society norms religiously are at a greater risk of committing suicide. The suicide rate of men over women is already higher on a global scale. The study further disclosed that men are at a greater risk at this time. The traditional, muscular role expected from them is taking a mental toll on them. Toxic masculinity is what’s driving them towards suicide.

Strain of Keeping Up with The Male Ideal

Living up to the idea of a traditional male can make men feel exhausted at a point. The stress that comes with the keeping up to the idea of ‘traditional masculinity’ can strain men extensively. The study elaborated how the gender norms of yesterday expects men to be strong, independent, and maintain emotional control. These unrealistic expectations can create a psychological strain dangerous for a man’s mental health.

The expectations of people around men make it hard for them to express vulnerability and seek help. Men can bottle up their feelings out of the fear of feeling vulnerable and weak. Many men find it hard to open up just because that will make them less masculine. The mental challenges faced by them at this time can strain them a lot.

Men cannot always identify with the roles played by traditional males. It can make them emotionally withdrawn from themselves.

Tailored Intervention

The study examined over 500 men. The examiners segregated the 500 males in three groups: Players, Stoics, and Egalitarians. Players were the group of men who focused on sexual success and status in order to appear manly. Stoics were men who strongly adhered to the emotional control and independence of risk-taking, i.e., adherence to traditional man ideals. Egalitarians referred to the group of men who did not follow traditional masculinity norms.

The stoics group often curbs emotions. They strive to appear independent and follow the traditional male ideal. They adhere to strict masculinity. They believe in engaging in extreme sports of driving fast. They are barely expressive when it comes to emotions. Stoics are at double risk of suicide in comparison to egalitarians. Stoics are always on the lookout for solving problems themselves rather than asking for help. They end up solving everything alone with no support. This is when they start believing that suicide is the way out of their problem. The research found that the stoics group is younger in age than other groups. Men in young adulthood are more likely to shape and nurture traditional male ideals. This kind of exposure to toxic male ideals can have lasting effects on the mindset of men. The idea should be corrected during early adulthood only. The symptoms of depression in Stoics are also quite unusual than the normal ones.