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What influences men's well-being?

Men develop beliefs about what it means to be a successful man based on messages from society, family, and friends. Some common beliefs about what it means to be a successful man include:

  • Controlling your emotions

  • Handling problems on your own

  • Being physically tough

  • Being well-off financially

  • Being in control of situations

  • Avoiding anything "feminine"

  • Taking care of family

These beliefs about what it means to be a successful man can have both positive and negative effects on a man's well-being. For example:

"Men should control their emotions"

  • Positive effects: Staying focused on important tasks during stressful times.

  • Negative effects: Increased stress and a greater risk for depression.

"Men should handle problems on their own"

  • Positive effects: Being good at solving problems.

  • Negative effects: Having difficulty asking for help when they really need it.

Society also encourages men to engage in risky behaviors such as:

  • Working too hard

  • Drinking excessively

  • Driving too fast

  • Over-eating

In some cases, holding to rigid standards for being a successful man or engaging in behaviors like those mentioned above can put a man at risk for depression or anxiety.