Tough Men Can Cry Before Female Doctors, Says Doctor on Mental Health Stigma

A seemingly tough and masculine man dissolved into tears before a female doctor when asked to openly discuss the pressures of his life. Dr. Amimy Izeanis Amran recounted this experience at her clinic while treating a patient suffering from depression following the death of his youngest child.

For two years after his son's death, the patient had shown no outward signs of grief to his children or wife, wanting to maintain an image of strength. This suppression of emotion led to a buildup of stress over a long period. "Men have a mindset, programmed since childhood, that they must be strong and endure all challenges," Dr. Amimy explained during a talk at the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) 2026 program in the capital.

“

Men have a mindset, programmed since childhood, that they must be strong and endure all challenges. For men, facing mental health problems means they are weak. This stigma needs to change.

She noted that men often perceive mental health issues as a sign of weakness, a stigma that needs to change. Unlike women, who may not hide their mental distress, men often internalize their struggles. This silence can be dangerous, as symptoms of depression or burnout accumulate over time, and seeking help is often delayed.

"Even among men, including doctors, they feel ashamed to talk about it because they don't want to show weakness to their male peers. But they are more comfortable expressing their feelings to female doctors because they feel safer," she said. The doctor also shared an anecdote about a patient in his 50s who initially only complained of headaches, only revealing symptoms like blood in his urine after his wife's gentle encouragement, highlighting men's reluctance to admit serious health issues.

“

But they are more comfortable expressing their feelings to female doctors because they feel safer.