I listened to Dr. Gabor Maté share quite interesting insights on men and trauma. Gabor Maté is a Canadian physician and has a background in family practice and a special interest in childhood development, trauma, and potential lifelong impacts on physical and mental health. In this article, I’ll highlight the societal expectations that can contribute to mental health challenges, the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed care, and the role of societal structures in perpetuating trauma.
The Illusion of Strength
The society expectation of men is to be strong, emotionless, and in control. This “strong and silent” archetype often masks underlying vulnerabilities and trauma. Dr. Maté emphasizes that this masculine ideal can be detrimental to mental health, leading to suppressed emotions, addiction, and violence.
It is imperative and important to acknowledge and address men’s emotional needs. This acknowledgment allows us to create a culture that allows men to express their feelings without fear of judgment, enabling us to foster healthier individuals and stronger relationships.
Many societal issues, including addiction, violence, and mental health crises, can be traced back to unresolved childhood trauma.
The Impact of Trauma
Dr. Maté underscores the profound impact of childhood trauma on adult life. He argues that many societal issues, including addiction, violence, and mental health crises, can be traced back to unresolved childhood trauma. He emphasizes the need for early intervention and trauma-informed care. Trauma-Informed Care involves understanding and responding to the impact of trauma in all aspects of care. This includes creating safe and supportive environments, building trust with patients, and offering trauma-specific treatments.
The Impact of Societal Structures
But what are the broader societal factors that contribute to trauma? The patriarchy, as a system of power that privileges men, is identified as one such factor. Dr. Maté explains that while the patriarchy doesn’t necessarily involve conscious malice, it creates a culture that can be harmful to both men and women.
For men, the pressure to conform to traditional masculine roles can lead to the suppression of emotions, increased risk-taking behaviours, and isolation. For women, the expectation of caregiving and emotional labour can contribute to burnout and mental health challenges.
Dr. Maté explains that while the patriarchy doesn’t necessarily involve conscious malice, it creates a culture that can be harmful to both men and women.
By recognizing how societal structures perpetuate trauma, we can develop more effective prevention and intervention strategies. This includes challenging harmful gender roles, promoting equality, and creating supportive communities.
When we examine how gender roles and expectations contribute to mental health challenges, we can develop more effective strategies for prevention and treatment. When individuals feel disconnected from their communities and lack a sense of meaning, they are more susceptible to mental health issues and destructive behaviours.
Read more: Why men experience anxiety differently
Conclusion
These ideas call for challenging the traditional norms and exploring the impact of trauma. To truly understand and address the challenges faced by men, we must move beyond stereotypes and create a culture that supports emotional well-being and vulnerability. As well, fostering open dialogue and challenging harmful norms. This will enable us to work towards a future where all individuals can thrive.
