Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who rarely gives interviews, was recently seen in conversation with entrepreneur and influencer Nikhil Kamath on various topics related to their lives. During the chat, they also touched upon subjects like men's mental health and father-son relationships, and the talk has gone viral due to its ' no-holds-barred' vibe. Ranbir revealed that he never had a close relationship with his father, actor Rishi Kapoor, and said he did not cry even when he passed away battling cancer. "I loved and respected him. I stopped crying very early on," said Ranbir, who also said he had a panic attack upon learning of his dad's death. Interestingly, even when his father cried in front of him during the treatment in New York, Ranbir couldn't bring himself to hold or hug him, which made him realise the distance. Nikhil also said he felt guilty about not being there enough for his dad, who passed away three months ago.
Taking help for mental health
Ranbir revealed that he had taken the help of a therapist once, but it didn't help him. However, he added that if someone is not mentally feeling well, there is no shame in taking help or crying about it. The actor also said that commenting on this topic freely is a challenge. According to a study by the World Health Organisation, "Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues and are much more likely to commit suicide." It also goes on to say that the main barriers to men seeking help are self-reliance, difficulty in expressing emotions and self-control. At the same time, it says men can display vulnerability and seek help from trusted people. According to a National Crime Records Bureau Report published in 2023, the suicide death rate per lakh among men in 2021 was 20.6, while it was 8.1 for women.
How can men help themselves?
According to many who have tried taking the help of therapists, zeroing in on the right therapist who can help you can be a great step towards handling your issues. In the aforementioned chat, while Ranbir said therapy didn't help him, Nikhil revealed that he regularly goes for sessions as it even helps him at work. The Cleveland Clinic gives 11 tips for men to take care of their mental health:
1) Accept that you are a person with emotions and validate them if at all you have grown up listening to lines like 'boys don't cry.'
2) If you have major mood swings, difficulty in sleeping, concentrating and restlessness, low energy levels and change in appetite, recognise them as potential symptoms of degrading mental health.
3) Try journaling your emotions, as it can be freeing for many people.
4) If you have a friend or someone in your circle who can be a support system, open up your thoughts to them.
5) Keep time aside for friendships
6) If you are indulging in substance abuse, gambling, unsafe sex, over-exercising or even doing a ton of work, identify them as unhealthy coping mechanisms
7) Allot time for healthy hobbies that give your brain a break from stressful thoughts
8) Try breath-based activities like meditation
9) Find time to indulge in some exercise
10) Try a healthy diet
11) Find a therapist who suits your requirements and offers a sensible support system