Men’s mental health is often overlooked due to societal pressures to appear strong. Lissun, a leading tech-enabled mental health platform, is redefining support through clinical expertise and AI-driven tools. In this Q&A, Co-Founder Tarun Gupta shares insights on challenges, early intervention, and creating spaces where seeking help is seen as strength.
What inspired Lissun to focus on men’s mental health as a priority area?
The focus came from what we were consistently seeing on the ground at Lissun. A large number of men were struggling in silence, often reaching out only when distress had already begun affecting their relationships, work performance or physical health. Social conditioning still discourages men from expressing vulnerability, which leads to delayed care and deeper challenges. We realised there was a clear gap between need and access, not because services did not exist, but because they were not designed in a way that felt approachable or relevant for men. This insight pushed us at Lissun to create supportive, stigma free pathways that normalise seeking help, encourage early intervention and make mental healthcare feel like a strength rather than a weakness.
In your experience, what are the biggest mental health challenges that men face today?
In our experience at Lissun, many men struggle with emotional suppression, chronic stress and a strong sense of pressure to constantly perform. Expectations around being providers, problem solvers and emotionally resilient often leave little room to acknowledge vulnerability. This results in delayed help seeking, with concerns surfacing as burnout, anxiety, anger or withdrawal rather than expressed distress. Relationship strain, workplace pressure and financial uncertainty further compound these challenges. Many men also lack safe spaces where they can speak openly without fear of judgement. The real challenge lies not in the absence of awareness, but in the internalised belief that seeking support signals weakness, which prevents early intervention and timely care.
How does societal perception of masculinity affect men’s willingness to seek mental health support?
Societal expectations of masculinity create a strong barrier for men in accessing mental health support. From childhood, many internalise the idea that strength means hiding emotions, which makes admitting struggles feel shameful. This pressure extends into work, relationships and social circles, often delaying intervention until stress or burnout becomes severe. At Lissun, providing safe, non judgemental spaces and normalising emotional expression has shown that men engage earlier and more openly. Early support not only improves coping and resilience but also strengthens relationships and overall wellbeing, helping men navigate personal and professional challenges with greater balance and confidence.
Are men less likely to talk about their mental health compared to women? Why do you think that is?
Men often find it difficult to talk about their mental health because societal expectations reward self-reliance and emotional restraint. From a young age, many internalise the belief that sharing struggles is unacceptable, which leads to bottled-up stress, anxiety, or frustration. Workplace culture, peer pressure, and family attitudes further discourage open conversation, making early intervention less likely. When safe, supportive spaces are available and seeking help is normalised, men are more willing to engage, express emotions, and adopt healthier coping strategies. We also see this in our business where 70% of our clients are women
What advice would you give to men who feel pressure to appear strong and hide their struggles?
It is important to recognise that true strength lies in acknowledging challenges, not concealing them. Accepting that it is normal to feel stress, anxiety or emotional strain is the first step towards wellbeing. Seeking support early, whether through friends, family, or professional help, allows problems to be addressed before they escalate. Developing healthy coping strategies such as exercise, mindfulness or creative outlets can provide balance and clarity. Surrounding oneself with people who listen without judgment reinforces the idea that vulnerability is human, not a flaw. Sharing experiences not only lightens the personal burden but also strengthens relationships and builds resilience over time.
Do you see generational differences in how men deal with mental health today versus 10–15 years ago?
Generational shifts are becoming increasingly visible in how men approach mental health. Younger men tend to be more open to discussing emotions and seeking help, influenced by greater awareness, social media conversations, and exposure to mental health education. Older generations often grew up with rigid ideas of self-reliance and emotional suppression, which still affect their willingness to seek support. Despite these differences, stigma remains a barrier across age groups. Creating environments that normalise conversation, emphasise emotional literacy, and provide accessible resources helps bridge this gap, encouraging men of all ages to engage proactively with their mental wellbeing.
What is your vision for a future where men feel more comfortable seeking mental health support?
At Lissun our vision is to create a world where seeking mental health support is natural and stigma-free for men. Strength is redefined as self-awareness, emotional courage, and the willingness to address struggles rather than endure them silently. Communities, workplaces, and families become spaces that encourage reflection, dialogue, and care. Mental wellbeing is integrated into daily life, taught early, and treated as essential to personal growth. Support is proactive, and vulnerability is embraced as a source of connection, resilience, and balance. The ultimate goal is healthier individuals, stronger relationships, and more compassionate, thriving communities.
How can early intervention help men who are struggling silently with stress, anxiety, or depression?
Early intervention allows men to address stress, anxiety, or depression before it escalates into more severe physical, emotional, or relational consequences. Recognising signs early provides the opportunity to build coping strategies, seek guidance, and develop healthier thought patterns. It reduces the risk of burnout, improves decision-making, and strengthens personal and professional relationships. Intervening early also normalises help-seeking, making it easier to maintain ongoing wellbeing rather than relying on crisis management.
What role do workplaces play in supporting men’s mental health?
Workplaces have a huge impact on how men experience and manage their mental health. When leaders talk openly about stress and wellbeing, it sends a signal that it’s okay to not have everything under control. Small things like flexible schedules, access to counselling, or quiet spaces for reflection make a real difference. Teams notice when mental health is treated as important, not just an afterthought. Managers who check in genuinely and respond without judgment can change the whole culture. When workplaces create that kind of environment, men feel safer to speak up, tackle challenges earlier, and perform better without sacrificing their wellbeing.
How does Lissun approach designing programs or tools specifically for men?
Lissun designs programs for men by starting with an understanding of their unique experiences and the social pressures they face. Tools and sessions are created to feel approachable, practical, and relevant, avoiding jargon or clinical distance that can feel intimidating. Activities focus on building emotional awareness, coping strategies, and resilience in ways that fit naturally into daily life. Group programs and one-on-one support are structured to normalise discussion, encourage reflection, and reduce stigma. Feedback loops and iterative design ensure that tools remain effective and engaging. Every initiative aims to make seeking support feel like a strength, helping men connect with themselves and others more meaningfully.
Can technology like Ray AI help men open up about their mental health? If yes, how?
Ray AI was launched to solve a very specific challenge: the gap between what happens inside a therapy room and everyday life at home. Many parents struggle with uncertainty, consistencyand emotional fatigue while supporting children with neurodevelopmental or behavioral needs. Ray AI acts as a steady guide that carries therapeutic intent beyond sessions by offering personalised guidance tracking developmental milestones and suggesting meaningful activities. Being accessible on WhatsApp removes friction and makes support available when questions arise rather than after delays. Integrated with our specialised child development and therapy division Sunshine by LISSUN, Ray AI creates continuity between home therapy centers and the community while empowering families to make informed and timely care decisions.
How can families and friends support men who might be struggling emotionally?
Supporting men emotionally begins with creating a safe and non judgmental space where they feel heard and understood. Friends and family can normalize discussions around stress, anxiety, or burnout by checking in regularly and acknowledging feelings without rushing solutions. Encouraging small, consistent practices like journaling, mindfulness, or reflective conversations helps men articulate emotions they may otherwise suppress. It is important to validate their experiences and offer patience rather than pressure. Emotional support becomes most effective when men feel respected, empowered, and trusted to seek help at their own pace, knowing they are not alone in navigating challenges.
How important is it to normalize conversations around vulnerability for men?
Embracing vulnerability equips men to recognize and address stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges before they intensify. Societal norms often reward stoicism, making openness feel risky, yet reframing courage as self-awareness and help-seeking transforms the perception of strength. Thoughtful, empathetic dialogue fosters emotional literacy, resilience, and relational depth, allowing men to process experiences rather than suppress them. This mindset encourages timely engagement with support systems, reduces isolation, and cultivates healthier workplaces, families, and communities.
Are there unique challenges around masculinity in India that affect mental health?
In India, men face pressures that are often invisible but deeply impactful. From a young age, society teaches that showing emotion is weakness, and that strength means handling everything alone. There is constant expectation to perform, provide, and live up to family and social standards, leaving little space to reflect or seek help. Rapid urbanization, high-pressure jobs, and changing social roles add layers of stress and anxiety. With few safe spaces to talk openly, many men internalize struggles, which can escalate into burnout, depression, or chronic stress. These cultural and societal norms create a unique set of barriers to mental wellbeing for men.
How does Lissun measure the impact of its interventions on men’s mental well-being?
At LISSUN we measure impact through a combination of clinical assessments, structured feedback, and engagement tracking. Men’s progress is monitored using standardized tools that capture stress, anxiety, mood, and coping skills, enabling therapists to tailor interventions effectively. Session attendance, active participation, and responsiveness provide insight into behavioral changes and sustained engagement. Longitudinal tracking and follow-ups help quantify the lasting benefits of programs, while anonymized reporting across partner organizations ensures accountability and continuous improvement. This approach allows us to refine care pathways, optimize outcomes, and ensure that every intervention meaningfully supports men’s mental well-being.
