Actor and theatre personality Swaroopa Ghosh, who has acted in movies such as Love Hostel, LSD 2, War, and Scoop, will next be seen in Sony TV’s Ami Dakini. This June, as part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Swaroopa Ghosh is lending her voice to discuss something that gets no attention—men’s emotional struggle.
The Silent Struggle
“Men have difficulty expressing feelings. Discussing mental illness is more difficult,” Swaroopa Ghosh says.
A fear of being labeled “weak” silences most men. “Up to now, mental illness has been unfairly linked to madness,” she continues.
Stigma Hurts Everyone
The stigma has injured not only the suffering but also professionals in the field of mental health. Swaroopa Ghosh wants to address these issues head-on.
“Even physicians and psychologists were not given a hearing. Men were afraid of being cut off and judged, so they remained silent—even with friends.”
No Safe Spaces for Men
Swaroopa notes a stark contrast.
“Women have created emotional safe spaces. Men keep it surface-level. They avoid showing vulnerability.”
This emotional buildup, she cautions, “builds up and can lead to breakdowns or bursts of aggression.” By sharing these observations, Swaroopa Ghosh hopes to encourage more open discussions.
The Emotional Cost of Gender Roles
Swaroopa notes how families socialize boys.
“Men must provide and protect. But nobody discusses the emotional toll of that job. This denial isolates men.”
Change Begins Early
She demands schools to make mental health education part of the curriculum.
“We have to make children understand that feelings are okay. It makes them cope and ask for help without fear.”
Therapy Isn’t Last
Swaroopa Ghosh demands a shift in mentality.
“Therapy is not only for the ‘mad’ or ‘broken’. Men should feel free to speak, cry, and seek help without judgment.”
A Simple, Powerful Message
With decades in the arts behind her, Swaroopa Ghosh’s message is simple:
