Alert Men: Are You Holding Back? Dear Ladies, What Happens When Your Men Bottle Up Their Feelings?

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It's not easy being a girl as she is always expected to reach home in time, late night outings are a complete no-no, she is judged for her outfits and the world is not such a safe place for her to dwell that she constantly lives in silent fear. So much that she has to find ways to defend herself. As a wife and a mother, she also goes through many responsibilities that take the toll on her. After balancing all the work she has done, all that she wants to do is go to a quiet corner and take a deep breath or at the most cry her heart out out of frustration.

Let's not be gender-biased here, the guys have their share of problems too. They too have to face a lot of problems in life and the worst part is they are always expected to be strong. They have to go along with the 'Men are not supposed to cry' norm that they suppress all their negative emotions inside. There are women out there who think men with toxic behaviour and six-pack muscles are manly, and no matter what they will frown at men who let their emotions out and cry like they do. But is that right or more specifically healthy? Let's understand through this story -

When Pretense Comes At A Cost

Rudra had an infectious laughter and cheerful demeanour that attracted the people around him. He was the kind of friend everyone relied on. Someone who brought a smile and grin to a person's face with a simple joke or a comforting word. But nobody knew that beneath this vibrant exterior lay a darkness that would soon consume him.

Rudra was brought up in a family where he was taught to keep his emotions in check. "You are a man, you are not supposed to cry" his father would say with a stern look in his eyes. "Stay strong, No one wants to see you with tears". He added. Rudra had obeyed this advice since childhood and learned to bury his feelings deep within, wearing a mask of happiness that disguised his turmoil.

But as the years rolled on, life began to weigh heavily on him. One by one, the pressures of work, expectations of family, the silent battles with anxiety crept into his daily existence. He soon felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of pretense as he put this mask over his real emotions. Rudra then struggled to find words to express pain, fear and confusion that swirled in his mind but he constantly convinced himself that thinking such thoughts would make him weak.
One evening, after a particularly challenging week at work, Rudra returned home to find his apartment filled with shadows. He felt utterly alone. The weight of his unexpressed emotions pressed down on him and suffocated him. With no one to turn to, he eyed the bottle of liquor on the table, hoping to numb the pain that had become unbearable.

Days turned into weeks, and Rudra continued to spiral deeper into silence. His friends began to notice his absence, but each time they reached out, he brushed them off with a half-hearted smile with the words, "I'm fine." Inside, he was breaking apart, the burden of his hidden struggles becoming too much to bear.

Then came the day that changed everything. Rudra's long-distance girlfriend, Aarti, had noticed the cracks in his facade through their video calls. She knew something was terribly wrong and decided to pay Rudra a surprise visit. When Aarti arrived, she found his apartment dark and eerily quiet. After knocking for several moments, she finally managed to push the door open, worried by the silence.

Inside, Aarti found Rudra slumped on the floor, empty bottles scattered around him. Panic surged through Aarti as she rushed to his side. "Rudra! What happened? Talk to me!" But Rudra lay unresponsive, his eyes hollow and distant.

At that moment, Aarti realized the tragic truth: She understood why during their calls, whenever she questioned him about his change of behaviour, he always changed the subject with a fake smile. Rudra had lost himself in the silence he thought would protect him. He had hoped to shield everyone from his pain but had ultimately shut them out, leading him to this heartbreaking state.

Desperate, Aarti called for help, but it was too late. As the paramedics arrived, they worked tirelessly to revive Rudra. If only she had come earlier, probably she could have saved him, she thought in tears. The once-vibrant man who had brought laughter and joy to so many was now fighting for his life, his battle against the unspoken pain having claimed its most devastating toll.

In the days that followed, everyone mourned the loss of a man who had always been there for others, a friend who brought light into their lives. The tragedy of Rudra's story rippled through Aarti, his family, friends and colleagues, awakening them to the silent struggles that so many face.

Men have often been conditioned to avoid anything perceived as "feminine," including showing emotions or seeking help, particularly for health issues. This stigma discourages them from recognizing and understanding their feelings, leading to unhealthy emotional suppression. Over time, this can result in increased stress, anxiety, impulsive behaviour, and even substance use. If left unaddressed, these effects can contribute to both mental and physical health challenges, ultimately harming their overall well-being.

So guys, if you are feeling upset or emotional about something just let it out and feel relaxed, your emotions have no connection to your gender, please understand that.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.