November 19 is celebrated as International Men's Day with the aim of shining a spotlight on issues that impact men. There is perhaps none more than the issue of mental health which is being increasingly acknowledged as a global health concern. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 25 per cent of the global population will suffer from neurological or mental disorders in their lifetimes. Mental health conditions have only been aggravated during the pandemic owing to the rise in stressors, and disruptions in mental health services, with WHO estimates indicating the increase in both depressive and anxiety disorders to be more than 25 per cent. Treatment, although available, isn’t sought by nearly two-thirds of people affected by a known mental disorder due to stigma, leading to preventable deaths.

Amidst the global mental health crisis, it is helpful to note how it impacts different demographics. Due to the patriarchal norms and expectations, there are few emotional outlets for men and they are reluctant to seek help which leads to a difference in manifestation of mental distress in different genders. Gender and culturally sensitive mental health services are essential to recognise and treat mental disorders appropriately. We spoke to three mental health practitioners, Dr. Vinod Kumar, psychiatrist and head of Mpower-the Centre in Bangalore, Nikita Sulay, clinical psychologist at Mpower-the Foundation in Mumbai, and Dr. Ambrish Dharmadikari, adult psychiatrist and assistant vice president of clinical operations and rural initiative at Mpower, who draw upon their diverse expertise and experiences with patients to further our understanding of the gender disparity in mental health.