MEN’S RESISTANCE TO SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENTS: FACTORS AND CHALLENGES INFLUENCING THIS RELUCTANCE

Abstract

This article, based on a literature review, offers a perspective that supports men's mental health care. It aims to examine the sociocultural factors that lead men to resist seeking mental health care, understanding how patriarchal ideology and standards of masculinity impede the expression of emotions and the search for psychological support. The methodology employed involved an exploratory literature review, based on books, articles, magazines, and documentaries published from 2005 to 2022, examined using content analysis. Patterns and categories linked to stigma, suicide risk, and cultural and social barriers that affect men's behavior regarding mental distress were identified. The results indicate that masculinity, associated with strength, invulnerability, and self-sufficiency, is directly related to the neglect of men's mental health, contributing to risky behaviors, high suicide rates, and low treatment adherence. Furthermore, the low demand for mental health services highlights the impact of social stigma and the lack of positive referrals for care. The study concludes that it is crucial to implement awareness-raising strategies and specific health policies to dismantle harmful patterns and encourage male self-care.