During the peak of Mumbai’s daily rush, a man breaks down on a crowded platform at Borivali Station. Trains move, crowds push forward, hundreds pass by. A few notices. Fewer pauses. This moment reflects a quiet crisis that affects men across the country. Many are struggling emotionally, yet most feel they have no permission to show it. From childhood, boys hear lines like “Boys don’t cry” or “Be a man, don’t cry.”
These ideas follow them into adulthood, where they face the weight of family responsibilities, work pressure, financial stress and personal setbacks. The expectation to stay strong at all times pushes many to hide their emotions. Over time, this leads to suppressed feelings that surface as sudden breakdowns, anger, substance use or even thoughts of self harm.
Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, notes that men’s mental health still receives little open discussion. Stigma remains a major barrier. Many men fear being labelled weak or unstable if they admit to anxiety, depression or emotional strain. This fear often delays or prevents them from seeking help. The "hidden emotional burden on men" refers to the significant mental and psychological distress men often experience silently due to societal expectations of traditional masculinity that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression. This burden contributes to a range of issues, including high suicide rates, substance abuse, and difficulties in relationships. Many men fear that expressing emotional pain will be perceived as a weakness, lead to judgment, or cause others to lose respect for them.
Dr. Sonal Anand explains that depression in men does not always look like sadness. It can show up as irritability, increased alcohol or tobacco use, overworking, withdrawal from family, loss of interest in daily routines or disturbed sleep. These signs are often dismissed as normal stress instead of recognised as indicators of a deeper mental health concern. She adds that instead of saying “Why are you overthinking?”, it helps to ask, “Do you want to talk?” and to listen with patience and without judgement.
Dr. Sonal Anand urges families, friends and workplaces to create spaces where men feel safe to speak about their worries and fears. Emotional expression should be seen as a healthy human need. Mental health check-ups should be as routine as physical ones, and seeking support from a psychiatrist or counsellor should be viewed as a responsible choice.
Dr. Anand shares a simple message for International Men’s Day. If you see a man crying, whether at home, at work or on a crowded platform, do not mock, film or look away. Sometimes a single “Are you okay?” can make a meaningful difference. Men deserve the space to feel, to speak and to heal.
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