18/07/2025
Working with emotions, thoughts and feelings π
Alexithymia, the difficulty in identifying, processing, and describing emotions, is more frequently observed in men than women, and is often linked to societal expectations of masculinity. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as "Normative Male Alexithymia" (NMA), is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a subclinical condition influenced by cultural norms and social learning.
Socialisation and Masculinity:
Traditional masculine norms often discourage men from expressing emotions, particularly vulnerable or caring emotions, which can lead to a disconnect from their emotional world. Phrases like "man up" or "don't be a wimp" reinforce the idea that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness.
Impact on Mental Health:
Bottling up emotions can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It can also hinder the development of healthy relationships, making it difficult to express needs and resolve conflicts.
Beyond Clinical Alexithymia:
While some men may exhibit clinical alexithymia (characterised by severe difficulties in emotional processing and expression), NMA is often a milder form, stemming from societal conditioning.
Importance of Awareness:
Recognising and understanding NMA is crucial for men's well-being and can help them develop healthier emotional expression.
Strategies for Managing:
Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be helpful in improving emotional awareness and expression.
Mindfulness practices and education about emotions can also play a role in managing NMA.