In today’s always-on world, where hustle culture is idolised and hyperproductivity is the norm, burnout among men has become an escalating concern. The societal expectation for men to continuously perform, stay composed, and suppress emotional vulnerability has led to an alarming rise in mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion.
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The Digital Age and the Pressure to “Keep Up”
The pressure to succeed is nothing new, but the digital era, with constant notifications, endless comparison through social media, and blurred lines between work and life, has intensified this challenge. Men are now expected to excel professionally, maintain peak physical health, and project an image of effortless success, all while staying silent about their internal struggles.
“Hustle culture feels like a double-edged sword,” explains Joslin Gracias, Psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre. “Men are pushed to ‘do it all’ while hiding their emotional fatigue. This constant self-neglect is taking a heavy toll on their overall health.”
Conditioned to Withstand, Not to Feel
From a young age, boys are often taught to value stoicism and logic over emotional expression. This early conditioning makes it harder for men to ask for help or even recognise when they need it. The rise of remote work has also dissolved the boundaries between professional and personal lives, leading to longer hours, minimal breaks, and increasing disconnection.
A 2022 survey found that men working from home logged significantly more hours, often skipping meals, delaying rest, and ignoring personal well-being, fueling a state of chronic stress and emotional depletion.
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The Physical Fallout of Mental Strain
Burnout among men doesn’t only manifest mentally—it has severe physical consequences too. From anxiety and panic attacks to digestive issues, heart problems, and insomnia, the body’s stress response is in constant overdrive. Many men experience long-term nervous system dysregulation, leading to feelings of emptiness, irritability, and fatigue.
How to Break Free from Burnout
Gracias advocates for a multi-faceted approach to recovery. “We need to normalise tools like somatic therapies, mindfulness, breathwork, and emotional literacy,” she says. “These practices help men reconnect with their emotions, build resilience, and redefine success, shifting the focus from status to purpose, balance, and overall well-being.”
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A Cultural Shift Is Needed
Addressing burnout among men isn’t just a personal journey, it requires a collective societal effort. Traditional gender roles that discourage emotional openness must be challenged from early childhood. Just as we prioritise physical health, mental well-being must be given equal attention and urgency.
It’s time we move away from glorifying overwork and start honouring the need for rest, connection, and authenticity.
About the Author
- Esther Lackie
- Aesthetics enthusiast, in love with running; marketing and PR pro during the day, an amateur chef and wine taster behind closed doors.
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