If you're a man let me ask you this–When was the last time you thought about your mental health? For many men, the answer is “rarely” , isn't it? Society has long conditioned men to be “tough and rough to match their standards, pushing them to suppress emotions at the cost of their own well-being. But staying silent isn’t the solution—it’s time to break the stigma and speak out. This Self-Injury Awareness Day, let us change the norm of pushing men to their breaking point and rather focus on fostering healthy discussions.
In this article, we’ll explore why self-harm awareness is crucial for men, the barriers that keep them from seeking help, and how open conversations can make a life-changing difference. Keep reading to also find resources for help. Let’s talk.
Self-harm is often misunderstood and stigmatized. It is commonly associated with women, but the reality is that it affects people of all genders. Research studies also show a significant number of men engaging in self-harming behaviors (Ogundipe et al., 2021).
However, due to societal expectations, men are far less likely to actually go out and seek help. Many choose to suffer in silence, fearing the stigma, judgment, or the pressure to appear "strong" in the society. The truth is, talking about self-harm can be life-saving.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm, or non-suicidal self-injury, refers to deliberately hurting oneself without suicidal intent (Klonsky, 2007). Some common self-harming behaviors include:
Cutting, burning, or scratching the skin
Hitting oneself or punching walls
Excessive alcohol or drug use
Engaging in reckless or life-threatening activities
For many, self-harm serves as a maladaptive coping mechanism for emotional distress.
The Reality of Self-Harm in Men
Discussions about self-harm often focus on women, leaving men in the shadows. However, men engage in self-harming behaviors at similar rates—but they express them differently. Instead of cutting or burning, men may turn to:
Binge drinking
Risk-taking behaviors
Physical aggression and violence
Self-isolation and withdrawal
The pressure to "man up" often leads to emotional suppression, pushing help even further out of reach.
Studies indicate that the global incidence of self-harm in male adolescents is around 13.7%, yet men are much less likely to ask for help. Many don’t even recognize their actions as self-harm. Have you ever known someone who risks danger, becomes withdrawn, or numbs their emotions with alcohol? These are forms of self-destruction too.
Breaking the Silence: How Do We Change This?
Have you ever felt the pressure to “stay strong” at the cost of your mental health? How do we change how men express emotions? Let’s start the conversation—because real strength is admitting when we need help.
Psychological Factors Contributing to Self-Harm in Men
1. Emotional Suppression
Men are often conditioned to suppress emotions. This makes it difficult for them to verbalize distress. Alexithymia—the difficulty in recognizing and labeling emotions—is common in those who self-harm (Levant et al., 2020).
2. Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Men often express depression differently from women. Instead of sadness, symptoms may include:
Substance abuse
Irritability and anger
Social withdrawal
Reckless behavior
These behaviors can escalate into self-harm (Martin et al., 2013).
3. Masculinity Norms and Shame
Traditional masculinity requires men to demonstrate independence together with emotional stability and a strong masculine persona. The inability to show vulnerability results in feelings of shame when men experience self-harm according to Mahalik et al. (2003).
4. Childhood Trauma and Adverse Experiences
Men who survived childhood trauma through physical abuse or emotional mistreatment or bullying or neglect show a higher probability of self-harming behavior (Gratz et al., 2015). People who fail to resolve their traumatic experiences may use self-harm as a way to manage their emotional distress.
How Can We Transform This?
1. Foster Open Discussions
Men need to express their emotions freely without facing any form of condemnation. The process of sharing mental health concerns with friends or family members or professionals helps stop the pattern of suppressing emotions. Men can find supportive environments through both support groups and online communities which enable them to share their mental health challenges.
2. Educate and Spread Awareness
The medical community continues to treat self-harm as a problem that primarily affects women. Educational institutions and workplaces together with media platforms should establish open dialogues about male mental health issues. Educational programs combined with social media campaigns and workshops can aid in the destruction of negatively influenced masculinity stereotypes.
3. Improve Access to Mental Health Resources
Many men avoid seeking help due to stigma or lack of awareness. We need male-specific mental health support, including:
Anonymous helplines
Online therapy platforms
Culturally sensitive counseling
Workplace Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
4. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Instead of resorting to destructive behaviors, men need healthier outlets for their emotions. These can include:
Exercise (running, gym, martial arts)
Mindfulness practices (meditation, deep breathing)
Creative activities (music, journaling, painting)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thoughts
5. Promote Role Models and Influencers
Public figures who openly discuss mental health and self-harm recovery can inspire men to seek help. Sports figures, celebrities, and social media influencers speaking about their struggles make it easier for others to do the same.
Seeking Help: Indian Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, help is available. Here are some India-based mental health resources that provide support:
1. Helplines for Immediate Assistance
Vandrevala Foundation Helpline – 9999 666 555 / 1860 266 2345
iCall (TISS Mumbai) – 9152987821
AASRA – 91-9820466726 / 91-22-27546669 (24/7)
Snehi – 9582208181
Connecting Trust – +91 9922001122 (Call) / +91 9922004305 (WhatsApp)
Sumaitri (Delhi) – +91 11 23389090
2. Online Therapy Platforms
MindPeers (Online therapy and emotional wellness tools)
YourDOST (Affordable counseling and self-care resources)
Wysa (AI chatbot + human therapist support)
BetterLYF (Counseling for stress, anxiety, and self-harm)
3. Mental Health NGOs and Support Groups
Sangath (Goa-based mental health NGO offering tele-counseling)
The Live Love Laugh Foundation (Awareness and support for mental health)
Manas Foundation (Delhi-based NGO focusing on gender and mental health)
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it is the first step toward healing.
Self-harm among men is a critical issue that needs more attention. By encouraging open discussions, raising awareness, and providing better support systems, we can create a world where men feel safe seeking help. No one should suffer in silence.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your mental health matters, and support is always available. You are not alone.