UAE doctors: Men are avoiding mental health treatment, and these 10 reasons explain why

Abu Dhabi: Psychologists have reported that social norms force men to feel ashamed or embarrassed if they lose their ability to compose themselves in the face of situations they encounter. They said it is common for men to be less emotional than women, and this means – in the opinion of the majority – that they should not show any signs of weakness, no matter how harsh or complicated the circumstance or situation they face, noting that “these beliefs can cause great psychological stress.” Doctors identified the main reasons why some men hesitate to seek support or consult a psychiatrist, including: A stereotypical image of masculinity and its conflict with showing sadness, fear, or weakness. Avoiding the societal view that makes him appear weak or incapable of taking responsibility. Difficulty expressing feelings due to not being accustomed to it since childhood. The belief of many that they can overcome psychological problems on their own, without help. Confusing psychological strength with suppressing feelings, thinking that it is evidence of toughness. Not recognising psychological symptoms. Fear of the impact of psychological treatment on the social and professional image. Preoccupation with responsibilities and financial pressures. Weak awareness of the usefulness of psychological treatment. Postponing attention to mental health and replacing it with immersion in work or isolation, or the use of harmful substances. Psychological balance Dr. Medhat Al-Sabahi, a consultant psychiatrist, stressed that paying attention to mental health is not a sign of weakness, but rather an essential step to promote psychological balance. Picture credit: Supplied Dr. Medhat Al-Sabahi, a consultant psychiatrist, stressed that paying attention to mental health is not a sign of weakness, but rather an essential step to promote psychological balance and improve the quality of life and general health of men, especially since psychological problems can negatively affect daily habits that contribute to promoting physical health, such as sleep, nutrition and exercise. He said that neglecting mental health not only affects emotional stability, but also contributes to the exacerbation of many health and physical problems, and may negatively affect an individual's professional performance and productivity, and lead to economic losses as a result of wasted working hours and a decline in the quality of achievement. He explained that stress, anxiety, and depression affect concentration and the ability to make sound decisions, slow down the completion of tasks, and may increase rates of absenteeism or attendance with a weak ability to perform, which increases the likelihood of errors. Moreover, the accumulation of professional pressures and the lack of sufficient support may lead to psychological burnout, loss of passion for work, and a decline in the quality of communication with colleagues and teamwork, in addition to physical symptoms such as headaches, sleep disorders, and fatigue that deplete the employee's daily energy. He pointed out that the most prominent psychological disorders that men may suffer from include depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders related to psychological problems, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, in addition to eating disorders. He warned that ignoring symptoms or delaying seeking specialised medical help could worsen the condition and increase its impact on the patient's life, family, and community. Misconceptions Dr. Amir Javed, a consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City, confirmed that some social beliefs still link masculinity to toughness and the ability to withstand pressures without being affected. Picture credit: Supplied Dr. Amir Javed, a consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City, confirmed that some social beliefs still link masculinity to toughness and the ability to withstand pressures without being affected, which reinforces the belief that men are less prone to psychological disorders. However, mental health is not related to gender or age, as a person may face circumstances and pressures at different stages of his life that affect his psychological balance and require care and attention. He pointed out that the factors affecting mental health are not limited to social and emotional conditions, but also include physical causes, such as hormonal disorders, and a deficiency of some vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin D, and hypothyroidism, which requires a medical evaluation to determine the causes and choose the appropriate treatment, whether by compensating for the nutritional deficiency or using medications when needed. He stressed the importance of promoting awareness of mental health from childhood, by helping children and adolescents understand their feelings and express them