💭 “Be a Man” – But At What Cost?

From tea shops in Triplicane to tech parks in Taramani, men in Chennai are taught to be strong, silent, and self-reliant. Many grow up hearing:

“Don’t cry.”
“Don’t talk about feelings.”
“Man up and move on.”

But what happens when the pressure builds quietly? When sleep becomes restless, anger turns inward, or the smile on the outside hides pain?

The truth is—more men in Chennai today are seeking help for emotional issues than ever before. And that’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a mark of strength.

📈 The Rise in Help-Seeking Among Men

At our clinics in Velachery and Tambaram, we’ve seen a steady increase in men aged 22 to 55 coming in for:

• Stress and work burnout

• Relationship struggles and breakups

• Depression, fatigue, and emotional numbness

• Sleep issues and irritability

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Low self-worth and identity confusion

• Substance use or pornography overuse as coping

These are not rare or extreme cases. These are software engineers, bankers, small business owners, students, and even auto drivers—men from all walks of life, finally saying: “Something’s not right. I need to talk.”

🧠 What Does Emotional Struggle Look Like in Men?

Unlike the stereotypical “sadness” of depression, men often express emotional pain differently:

• Anger outbursts or road rage

• Withdrawing from family or friends

• Overworking to escape feelings

• Drinking or smoking more

• Feeling numb, disconnected, or always tired

• Having frequent health complaints but normal test reports

Many say:

“I’m functioning… but I’m not okay.”
“I can’t explain it, but I feel empty.”
“Everything looks fine outside, but inside I’m collapsing.”

🌆 Why This Shift Is Happening in Chennai

1. Urban Stress, Unrealistic Expectations

High-pressure jobs, long commutes, family expectations, EMIs—it’s a lot to carry, often without emotional outlets.

2. Changing Masculinity Norms

Today’s generation of men, especially in urban Chennai, are rethinking masculinity—from domination to emotional awareness.

3. Social Media, Loneliness, and Comparison

Constant comparison, isolation, and social media overuse can erode self-esteem and increase anxiety.

4. Post-Pandemic Realizations

The pandemic forced many men to slow down, reflect, and finally address mental health concerns they had ignored for years.

👨‍⚕️ What Help Looks Like

At Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram, we offer confidential, respectful, and solution-focused support tailored for men.

Our services include:

• Evaluation for stress, anxiety, and depression

• Sleep and energy pattern correction

• Anger and impulse control therapy

• Relationship counselling

• Support for sexual and identity issues

• Habit recovery (alcohol, smoking, internet)

• Men’s mental fitness coaching

• Evening slots for working professionals

We don’t ask you to “open up” on Day 1. We walk with you—step by step.

📞 If You’re Reading This and Wondering “Should I Get Help?”

Ask yourself:

• Am I emotionally exhausted even when nothing’s wrong?

• Have I lost interest in what once mattered?

• Do I feel guilty for expressing how I feel?

• Do I use distractions to avoid being with myself?

If yes, then yes—you deserve support.

📍 Apollo Clinic – Velachery & Tambaram
📱 8595155808
🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com

“There’s no medal for suffering silently. But there is healing in being heard.”

✍️ About the Author

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist | Apollo Clinic, Velachery & Tambaram

Dr. Srinivas is a leading voice for men’s mental health in urban Tamil Nadu. With a special interest in male emotional development, burnout recovery, and digital stress, he helps men reconnect with their emotional strength without fear or stigma. His sessions are grounded in science, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.