Strong Enough to Feel: Rethinking Masculinity and Emotion
From “boys don’t cry” to “man up,” many men grow up absorbing messages that equate emotional expression with weakness. These cultural scripts discourage vulnerability and reward stoicism.
Expressing sadness, fear, or even hurt can feel like stepping outside the bounds of “acceptable masculinity.” Many men worry they’ll be seen as weak, or their role is to be the strong warrior for the family - to protect and provide, by bearing the emotional weight in silence to shield those they love.
Suppressing emotions doesn’t make them disappear, it just pushes them underground, and overtime, can develop into deep and lasting implications.
It is 100% normal to feel down from time to time. Depression can affect anyone, at any age, any cultural: It doesn't discriminate. Approximately one in 10 people are likely to experience depression at some point in their life. Depression is a genuine health condition which you cannot ignore because you simply can't 'snap out of it'.
Symptoms and effects vary but can include constantly feeling upset and a sense of hopelessness, feeling upset and frustrated, losing interest in the things you use to enjoy, or isolating yourself from everyone. It can also cause physical symptoms such as problems sleeping, tiredness, having low appetite or sex drive, to even feeling pain.
A man's emotions should not be supressed. We need to shift the cultural norms in shaping how men show emotions. Men and women both experience the full spectrum of human emotions: joy, sadness, anger, fear, love, grief, and everything in between. The difference isn’t in the emotions themselves, but often in how they’re expressed, perceived, and socially conditioned.
Every ‘I’m fine’ can carry quiet pain. In 2025, masculinity means having the strength to feel, and the courage to speak. You’re not alone. You don’t have to shoulder it all, solve it all, or suffer in silence. Your feelings are not a burden; they’re a testament to your humanity. When you share them, you embody what real strength looks like today. That’s courage. That’s masculinity. And I honour you for it.
Talk!!
I'm proud of you.
Love Angie D
