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December 13, 2025|No Shit Shirts

How toxic masculinity makes life difficult for men

Men are supposed to be strong, solve problems alone, always be in control, and of course, never show any emotions. Anything else would be "unmanly." It sounds like a bad 80s action movie, but it remains a deeply ingrained societal agenda that harms men more than it helps. While women are criticized for their emotions, men literally lose years of their lives due to their supposed emotional detachment. Welcome to the world of toxic masculinity , which isn't just a trending buzzword, but a system that dictates how men are supposed to be... and in doing so, destroys them.

“Being strong” is not a character trait, but a risk.

Traditional norms of masculinity, be it success, toughness, independence, or emotional control, may seem like a career booster at first glance. In reality, however, they pose a health risk . The Men's Health Foundation even goes so far as to describe them as "self-destructive," partly because mental illness doesn't fit the male ideal. The result? Men ignore warning signs. Men avoid seeking help. Men die earlier.

Studies show that men who cling tightly to traditional roles lead riskier lives, go for preventative checkups less often, and are more likely to suffer from physical illnesses such as coronary artery disease or stomach ulcers. The University of Heidelberg even describes this type of man as a " supermasculine risk type ," characterized by a toxic mix of competitiveness, impatience, and overconfidence. It sounds impressive, but it's more like a recipe for burnout.

Emotions = weakness? Or simply… human?

That men suppress their feelings is no coincidence; it's socially ingrained. But this suppression comes at a high price. The emotional pressure leads to stress, depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors . Men have twice as many sick days due to mental health disorders (often alcohol-related) and three times as many inpatient treatments. And particularly alarming: the suicide rate among men is at least three times higher than that among women.

A large-scale study by Indiana University involving 20,000 men confirms: The more a man conforms to traditional gender norms, the worse his mental health. In short: The more he tries to be the perfect "tough guy," the more he damages himself.

Traditional masculinity is a cage

Toxic norms are not a "men's problem." They are a societal construct that forces men into roles that harm them in the long run. The system demands: Strength, no matter how bad you feel! Alcohol instead of therapy! Risky behavior instead of prevention! Sexual performance instead of intimacy! Muscle mass instead of body awareness!

The prevailing "beauty ideal" for men , a disproportionately muscular physique, also leads to body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and excessive training, often combined with shame and performance pressure. Because let's be honest, when we encounter a six-pack in everyday life, it's more likely to be in the form of beer cans than a washboard stomach, and we actually prefer that, don't we?

Hegemonic masculinity , the ideal of power, strength, and superiority, is just as realistically achievable. Consequently, it puts the majority of men under futile pressure and ultimately makes us all losers.

Spoiler: Feminism is (also) good for men

Anyone who thinks feminism is an anti-male project has truly misunderstood the issue. Excuse the harsh words, but there's unfortunately no other way to put it. Feminism dismantles the norms that make men ill. It allows them to show feelings, to be vulnerable, to accept help without having their identity questioned. It creates new images of masculinity: empathetic, communicative, and self-determined.

Studies show that younger men who are less bound by traditional norms live healthier lives, both mentally and physically. Programs like "Factor M" even demonstrate that men with flexible roles are less susceptible to radical ideologies that legitimize violence. Emotional intelligence saves lives, and not just metaphorically. Feminism, therefore, is NOT the antithesis of men . It is an invitation to a version of masculinity that embraces every single one of us.

Break the Toxic Masculinity

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Takeaways

Toxic masculinity kills, literally: men have a suicide rate three times higher because they deal less with their emotions.
Hard shell, poor health: Traditional roles lead to more physical and mental illnesses.
Body ideals also put a strain on men: pressure to build muscle and performance lead to dysmorphia and addictive behavior.
Seeking help is a strength: Men who are less bound by norms have better health and relationships.
Feminism = freedom for all: New role models relieve men, reduce isolation, fear and violence, and benefit everyone.