International Men's Day 2025: Study Reveals High Suicide Risk In Men Driven by Emotional Isolation, Expert Shares How To Overcome

Every year on 19 November, the world observes International Men’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrate men, but also for raising awareness about challenges they face, emphasising that men’s mental health is just as important as their physical wellbeing. Yet, year after year, men's emotional struggles go unnoticed. Society continues to view men as the stronger gender, leading to silent suffering, unaddressed stress, and suppressed emotions.

According to a new study, men are as much as three times more likely than women to die by suicide, and emotional isolation is emerging as one of the major drivers in this risk.

The study revealed that many men quietly suffer from depressive symptoms, anxiety, and chronic stress without seeking help due to fear of judgment or the perception that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. This emotional bottling often leads to loneliness, withdrawal, and eventually crisis. It comes at a very vital time when mental health conversations are growing, yet stigma around men's emotional expression still pervades.

The report noted that men who experienced prolonged emotional isolation were far more likely to show increased suicidal ideation. They frequently avoided sharing feelings with partners, friends, or family and preferred to cope alone, even when overwhelmed. Many reported being socially connected yet emotionally disconnected, a state experts refer to as hidden loneliness.

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We spoke to Zalak Nandu, Psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, Thane, to understand how men can break the cycle of silent suffering. According to her, emotional isolation in men is generally misunderstood, and here's how individuals and society can help reduce the risk.

Why Are Men Emotionally Isolated?

As Zalak pointed out, men are often socialised early to autonomous, and emotionally private. “Many men internalise showing pain or insecurity is a sign of less masculinity,” explained Zalak. Over time, this kind of socialisation leads to emotional distancing, restricted communication, and an inability to create meaningful support networks. In close relationships, many men are either unable to articulate what they feel or their feelings are misunderstood, furthering the isolation.

Another powerful influence comes from societal expectations. Men are often perceived as protectors or providers, and acknowledging a struggle with mental health can be at odds with these notions. This pressure silently builds to a breaking point.

How to Overcome Emotional Isolation as a Man

Zalak stressed that addressing emotional isolation is not a sign of weakness; it's a brave thing to do, an act of self-care. She outlined several steps men can take to protect their mental health, including:

1. Start with honest self-reflection

The first step involves recognising those emotions. Men may begin to understand what they are truly feeling through journaling, mindfulness, or a simple daily check-in activity.

2. Establish emotionally safe connections

Make a connection and open up to that one friend, partner, or family member can create a ripple effect, since vulnerability often deepens relationships and invites others to share in return.

3. Early treatment by a professional

Therapists provide a space that is confidential and non-judgmental, where men can unpack concerns. As Zalak had put, therapy is not always about crisis situations, it can also be preventive and transformative.

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4. Challenge limiting beliefs

This may be even more beneficial to men, questioning long-held notions of masculinity. Redefining strength to include emotional expression helps dismantle harmful stereotypes.

5. Establish healthy routines

Regular physical activity, structured sleep, reduced alcohol consumption, and mindfulness practices contribute immensely to mental stability.

Bottomline

Emotional isolation plays an important role in increasing suicide risk among men, while early intervention through supportive relationships and open communication may create powerful pathways to mental wellbeing.