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Mental Health at Work: Are Men Burning Out in Silence?

In today’s fast-moving work culture, stress is everywhere. Deadlines, long hours, and constant pressure to perform are common. But for many men, this stress stays hidden. They keep quiet, push through, and act like everything is fine even when it’s not.

Why? Because from a young age, men are taught to be tough. Society tells them to “man up,” “don’t cry,” and “stay strong.” At work, this often means not talking about emotions, even when they feel overwhelmed or exhausted. They worry others might think they’re weak or not capable enough.

This silent pressure can lead to something serious “burnout”. Burnout isn’t just feeling tired. It’s a deep, emotional and mental exhaustion that builds over time. It can make someone feel hopeless, unmotivated, or even angry. But because many men don’t express these feelings, their burnout often goes unnoticed.

Many workplaces today also celebrate “hustle culture”, the idea that working non-stop means success. For men, this adds more pressure. They feel they must always be productive, available, and in control. Taking a break or asking for help might feel like failure.

So how does burnout show up in men?

  • Irritability or mood swings

  • Constant tiredness or trouble sleeping

  • Withdrawing from coworkers or family

  • Using alcohol or overworking to cope

Unfortunately, many men don’t talk about these signs. They might not even have the words to explain how they feel. Some may have never been taught how to express emotions or even know it’s okay to ask for help.

But staying silent only makes things worse.

What Can Workplaces Do?

  • Encourage open conversations about stress and emotions

  • Train leaders to spot signs of burnout and offer support

  • Make mental health resources private and easy to access

  • Normalize rest, breaks, and work-life balance

It’s also important to see male role models, like managers or team leads, being open about their own struggles. This helps remove the fear around speaking up.

What Can Men Do?

  • Start small, talk to a friend or write your feelings in a notebook

  • Try therapy or counselling

  • Take breaks without guilt

  • Learn to check in with yourself: “How am I really feeling today?”

Being strong doesn’t mean hiding how you feel. It means being honest with yourself and brave enough to speak. Let’s stop expecting men to suffer in silence. A healthy mind is just as important as a strong body and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Author: Nisarga Pujari, Counseling Psychologist, Intern @ Kyts

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