In today’s world, men feel compelled to sacrifice their own passions, as they are expected to take on familial responsibilities. For many, the freedom they enjoyed at a younger age has gradually diminished. The burden of responsibility to achieve a stable and well-paying job is immense. The higher expectations placed on them also lead to intense scrutiny.
The Hidden Strain of Achievement
While gender roles are evolving, the pressure on men to be the providers of the family still remains strong. In cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR, many men seem to have it all. They have well-paying jobs as engineers, bankers, and managers, with enough money for big houses, school fees, and caring for their parents. But behind the success, there's a silence that’s not peaceful—there is the stress of job insecurity, long hours, and a work culture that expects them to stay strong and quiet, which indirectly affects their well-being.
Exposing the Silent Battles: A Viral Post
A recent LinkedIn post by a Mumbai marketing professional reignited this important conversation. He shared how a friend once went three months without pay—yet ensured that his family never knew. He paid his parents’ medical bills, children’s school fees, and even had the house repainted. On the surface, he “provided.” But behind the façade, his hair fell out, his moods dimmed, he withdrew, and his body aged overnight. The post soon went viral, as thousands resonated with the message and added their own perspectives.
Unspoken Mental Burdens of Breadwinners
What the viral post did well was name something many in corporate India live with daily but rarely speak about: the mental burden of providing, highlighting the silent struggles many men face while providing for their loved ones. The post hit a nerve, but if you look around, every breadwinner is silently absorbing the shocks—without complaints, without support. This isn’t a collapse. It’s a well-dressed decline that rarely makes headlines, but the statistics reveal a heartbreaking truth.
Staggering Mental Health Statistics
A staggering 76% of Indian workers have reported a stressful work environment, with almost half (49%) stating that their poor mental health negatively impacts their productivity. Another key study suggested that approximately 42.5% of professionals in 'corporate' India suffer from an anxiety disorder or depression. Economic anxieties are a major contributing factor. In a climate of frequent layoffs and economic flux, the price of a high salary is often severe burnout, even for young, successful tech workers.
The Dilemma of Success: High Salaries, But at What Cost?
A software engineer in Delhi-NCR recently shared his plight: despite an annual compensation of around ₹30 Lakh, his job at a major tech company caused "severe anxiety, frequent headaches, mental breakdowns, and constant burnout." The core issue was relentless work pressure, with demands for long hours even on major Indian festivals. This young man's dilemma—torn between protecting his mental health and walking away from a high salary in an uncertain job market—is a microcosm of the new generation’s struggle with toxic hustle culture.
The Tragic Consequences of Unspoken Pressure
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching evidence of this silent crisis lies in the suicide statistics. The overall male-to-female ratio for suicide victims in India is starkly skewed toward men, often around 72.5:27.4. While the data does not isolate "corporate men," it shows a chilling link between financial insecurity and male suicides. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals that family problems and illness—both often rooted in financial stress—remain major causes of suicide. Furthermore, across income groups, the rising economic downslide has taken the maximum brunt on male members, who are often the major breadwinners. The burden of bankruptcy or indebtedness is a significant, documented cause, particularly for men in financial difficulty. The tragedy here is twofold: the death of a man, and the generational failure of a culture that taught him that seeking help was a sign of weakness, leaving him to carry the weight of his family’s future entirely on his own, unyielding shoulders.
Resilience Redefined: Breaking the Silence
This is where I believe Corporate India needs to reconsider what "resilience" truly means because poor mental health can be costly. Showing up without engaging could be one of the most expensive issues that goes unnoticed. It's when an employee is physically at their desk, staring at a screen, but not actually getting anything done—yet still counted as "at work." When this happens across hundreds or even thousands of employees struggling with their mental health, productivity takes a huge hit. The corporate world must confront the reality that its pursuit of profit is being funded by the declining health and silent sacrifices of its male employees. The reality is that prioritizing mental health is a "must-have" for the long-term success of any organization and should be normalized to foster an environment where employees feel safe addressing their struggles.
A Path Forward
As conversations around men’s mental health gain momentum, it’s crucial for both corporate India and society to recognize the benefits of addressing this issue. Supporting men’s mental health is not just about helping individuals—it benefits families, workplaces, and society as a whole. Redefining masculinity and fostering openness can create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
In conclusion, men’s mental health is not just an individual issue—it’s a societal one. Creating a culture where men feel safe to express vulnerability and seek help will pave the way for a more balanced, healthier future. In doing so, we can empower men to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, both in their careers and in their personal journeys.