Written and Submitted by LOUIS
In China, the conversation about mental health is evolving, yet a critical aspect remains unexplored: the mental well-being of men. Social stigma, increased economic pressure, and a lack of mental health care resources all contribute to the mental health challenges faced by the average Chinese male over the years.
From a young age, children are pushed to excel academically and compete against each other to achieve better grades and higher accomplishments. This relentless pressure from teachers, parents, and society causes children to experience constant stress even at an early age. Parents often sign their children up for additional studies and tutoring outside of school as early as five years old, exacerbating this pressure. Boys, in particular, are expected to remain stoic and resilient under this burden, conforming to the toxic masculinity stereotype that men should be strong and emotionally reserved. Expressing vulnerability or seeking help for emotional issues is sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness. Consequently, many children develop hidden mental health issues, which are often dismissed by parents and teachers who believe they are acting in the best interest of the children.
The ever-increasing inflation in China adds another layer of economic pressure on the population. For older men, this is especially challenging, as they are viewed as the primary breadwinners and financial providers for their families. Men who cannot provide for their families are often looked down upon. Younger generations face their own set of difficulties. Newly graduated college students flood the job market, with only the top candidates being selected first. Those left behind are forced to take less desirable jobs or rely on their parents’ support, leading to feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Even those who secure jobs are not spared from the high workplace stress, long working hours, and constant competition, which contribute to mental health issues such as burnout, anxiety, and depression. Many of these issues go undiagnosed and untreated.
China, with its 1.4 billion people spread across 3.7 million square miles, lacks the basic infrastructure for comprehensive mental health care. Remote villages and rural areas face significant challenges in accessing mental health services, as most psychologists are concentrated in major cities. Even in urban areas, the demand for mental health care often exceeds the supply, with wealthy patrons receiving priority treatment. This makes it difficult for the average person to receive timely and effective mental health care, leading many to ignore their issues and continue struggling, ultimately worsening their condition.
Despite these challenges, the Chinese government is taking active steps to improve the mental health infrastructure. Recognizing the widespread impact of anxiety, depression, and burnout on daily life, efforts are being made to enhance access to mental health care. Only when individuals can access mental health services as readily as they do physical health check-ups can the nation begin to tackle this pervasive problem.
__
MENtalCare truly values personal experiences and perspectives from everyone. Your stories and insights help us connect people, promoting greater self-awareness and health literacy within our community. If you would like to submit a personal perspective for publication, visit this Link to learn more about the process and requirements. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission toward better mental health for all!