International Men’s Day, which is observed on November 19, is celebrated to acknowledge men’s contributions, advocate for gender balance, and bring attention to key concerns surrounding their health and overall well-being. Diya Aur Baati Hum actor Aadesh Chaudhary feels men’s mental health is often overlooked.
He said, “Men’s mental health often takes a backseat, maybe because of societal expectations or traditional notions of masculinity. Men are sometimes expected to be the strong ones who don’t show emotions or vulnerability. This can lead to them bottling up their feelings, leading to stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues.”
“It’s high time we break this stereotype and encourage men to speak up about their mental health,” he added.
He agrees that men today feel more comfortable expressing vulnerability than before. He shared that there’s a slow shift happening and said, “Men are becoming more open to expressing vulnerability, thanks to conversations around mental health and emotional well-being becoming more mainstream. But what’s still holding them back? I believe it’s a mix of societal conditioning (men shouldn’t cry or be strong), fear of being judged or perceived as weak, and maybe not having the right support systems or spaces to open up without feeling vulnerable.”
“We need to keep normalizing the idea that vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness,” he added.
Aadesh shared that men often need a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about their feelings, and this can come from friends, family, or professionals. He said, “The issue is, men might fear being seen as less masculine if they seek help or show vulnerability, so they often don’t reach out.”
“Professional help, like counseling or therapy, can be super helpful but is sometimes stigmatized. Friends and family can play a big role in encouraging open conversations and being that safe space. The key is to make men feel it’s okay to seek help and talk about what’s bothering them,” he added.
While there are conversations around equality for women’s rights, the actor feels it should be about balancing the narrative. He said, “While women’s rights and struggles are super important and need focus, we shouldn’t forget that men have their own set of challenges, like societal pressures around masculinity or emotional expression. Including men’s emotional struggles in equality dialogues can help break stereotypes around masculinity and create a more holistic conversation about emotional well-being for all genders.”
“It’s about creating space for everyone to express themselves without societal constraints. We can do this by normalizing conversations around emotions and mental health for everyone,” he added.
Men are often told to be strong, but for Aadesh, the real strength is about being authentic and vulnerable when needed. “It’s about acknowledging your emotions, seeking help when you need it, and being kind to yourself. Strength isn’t about suppressing feelings or always putting up a tough front,” he said.
“It’s about being emotionally intelligent, understanding your limits, and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Real strength is embracing your humanity, with all its complexities,” he added.
Asked how he takes care of his mental and emotional well-being amidst all the pressures, he said, “As an actor, pressures come with the territory, but I try to prioritize self-care in my own way. I make time for things I love—like spending time with family, working out (it helps me de-stress), reading, or just chilling with friends. I also try to meditate or practice mindfulness when I feel overwhelmed.”
“Talking about stuff that’s bothering me with someone I trust helps too. The idea is to find what works for you to unwind and stay grounded. And if needed, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek professional help—it’s about taking care of yourself holistically,” Aadesh added.
