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Study Reveals Men Do Not Speak About Feelings for Fear of Being Seen as Unmanly

Movember — the charity behind men's suicide prevention and destigmatizing men's health issues — recently conducted a survey and found that 58 percent of men aged 18-34 feel that society expects them to be "emotionally strong and to show no weakness." 

RELATED: 7 Behaviors That No Longer Define ‘Being a Man’

The study, Perceptions of Masculinity & the Challenges of Opening Up, surveyed 4,000 males between the ages of 18 and 75 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. While 77 percent of the men surveyed believe that talking about their problems helps, more than half admit that they choose not to speak up. Furthermore, 38 percent said that their reason for keeping quiet is the fear of coming across as "unmanly" or "less of a man." 

“Although we’ve made great strides in understanding the challenges in men’s mental health and the importance of speaking up, especially when you’re struggling, it’s concerning that young men still feel influenced by dated masculine stereotypes,” said Brendan Maher, Movember’s Global Mental Health Director. 

More than half of American men in the 18-34 age group, in particular, say that they feel the societal pressure to be manly. The good news is that this may be a feeling that dissipates with age, wisdom and life experience as only 15 percent of men over the age of 55 said they felt that same pressure.

RELATED: What Guys Get Wrong About Mental Health (and How to Fix It)

The study also revealed that this widespread fear of "unmanliness" may be somewhat unfounded. More than half of men reported that they had a positive experience when speaking openly about their problems, compared to just 30 percent who had a negative experience. While 30 percent is certainly nothing to sneeze at, it is encouraging that — statistically — men's concerns will fall on helpful and considerate ears more often than not.

“We know bottling up feelings isn’t the best way to deal with mental health challenges, and this research proves a need to continue tackling outdated ideas that harm men’s well-being," added Maher.

With November just a few weeks away, it’s about time to get started on your facially hirsute pursuits for a good cause. So go ahead and grow those ‘staches to help Movember support innovative projects that improve men's quality of life. If you're interested in donating or learning more, head over to Movember.com.

And, if you or someone you know needs help — or is ready to open up to one of those statistically helpful and considerate ears — call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both are free and available 24/7.

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Ashley Keegan, Khareem Sudlow