The Toxic Mental Health Crisis & Ancients Solution


Here’s the thing: Men’s Mental Health IS In Crisis.

Globally, men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men represent 77% of all suicides in the U.S. alone. Despite this, men are far less likely to seek therapy or discuss their mental health challenges. Why? Because society has conditioned men to “man up” and suppress their emotions, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.

A study from the Journal of Adolescent Research found that over 75% of men reported hearing phrases like “don’t cry,” “be a man,” or “grow some balls” regularly during their formative years. These societal norms not only silence men but create a toxic cycle of shame and repression that manifests in depression, substance abuse, and even violence.

This imbalance also explains the growth of the Red Pill, MGTOW (Men Going Their Own Way), the Manosphere, and similar movements. Conversely, this imbalance also explains Radical Feminism, Hypergamy Extremism, Toxic Girl-Boss Culture, and the Misandrist movement with women. These mismatches and imbalances of environmental upbringing is what cultivates further imbalances with relationship dynamics between men and women.

In my experience, one of the most damaging aspects of male socialization is the conflicting advice men receive. On the one hand, they are told to “be a man”—stoic, strong, and invulnerable. On the other hand, they’re encouraged to “be yourself” and “be vulnerable.”

Today, the term “toxic masculinity” has become highly polarizing, often leaving men caught in a no-win situation. On one hand, they are shamed for embodying traditional traits like strength and stoicism; on the other, they’re often discouraged from expressing vulnerability or seeking help. This paradoxical messaging creates a landscape where men feel alienated—pressured to “man up” while being denied the space to open up about their struggles.

The result? Many men become resigned, cynical, or angry, particularly in relationships, where unresolved emotions and societal expectations collide, creating cycles of frustration and disconnection.These mixed messages leave many men confused about how to act or feel, especially in relationships.

What I’ve found is that this confusion can ripple outward, affecting not just men but women and children too. A generation of men struggling with emotional repression can destabilize entire family systems, create unhealthy dating pools, and perpetuate cycles of poor communication and broken relationships. The stakes are high, and we need to address this issue at its core.

Here’s where stoicism comes in. Many people think being stoic means being quiet, detached, or emotionless. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The true essence of stoicism, as taught by philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, is about cultivating resilience, resourcefulness, and self-determination amidst life’s challenges.

The Stoics believed that while external struggles might seem overwhelming, true power lies in how we choose to respond. Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Stoicism doesn’t mean avoiding anxiety or fear—it means facing them head-on while maintaining control over your thoughts and actions.

What I’ve found is that modalities like hypnotherapy, meditation, and visualization are modern tools that align beautifully with stoic principles. For example, Psycho-Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz teaches the power of visualization to desensitize fears, rehearse positive action steps, and build affinity for success. Napoleon Hill echoed this idea, emphasizing the importance of a “burning desire” to fuel a man’s purpose.

When men visualize overcoming challenges, they retrain their brains to see struggle as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Studies show that visualization improves performance by up to 30% in athletes and entrepreneurs alike. Meditation, meanwhile, calms the nervous system, creating the psychological space needed to process emotions and act intentionally rather than reactively.

I’ll leave you with this: a man without purpose is like a ship without a rudder—adrift, aimless, and vulnerable to the storms of life. Stoicism teaches men to anchor themselves in their internal compass, guiding them through even the roughest waters. Men who work with qualified therapists or coaches report higher levels of joy, purpose, and emotional stability. They learn to redefine strength, not as the suppression of emotion, but as the ability to face challenges with clarity and resolve.

If you’re struggling with mental blocks, procrastination, or a lack of direction, adopting stoic principles can be life-changing. Remember: resilience isn’t about eliminating fear or failure—it’s about showing up despite them.

As Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

The path to mental wellness and fulfillment isn’t about denying your struggles or emotions; it’s about transforming them. As men, I encourage you to drop the ego and shame around pursuing mental health. By  working with a qualified therapist, who can help you address the core issues  you struggle with, blindspots you’ve been dealing with, and  fortifying your inner resources, you can transform now. With proper support, men can reclaim their power, build unshakeable resilience, and lead lives of purpose and joy.

The first step is recognizing that strength isn’t found in silence but in the courage to grow.

Do the deep inner work to heal those aspects of the past that got imprinted in your childhood.

This article was written by Manoj Varghese, Transformation Coach and Ericksonian Hypnotherapist for Business Owners and Investors, and Founder of Manoj V. Coaching and Consulting Group.

Learn more at www.manojvcoaching.com.

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