Traditional masculine norms that prioritise stoicism, strength, and self-reliance often discourage males from acknowledging or expressing vulnerability, especially in relation to psychological health. Seeking help is often viewed or perceived as a weakness – or a failure to uphold these ideals – leading many to internalise such perceptions. As a result, the fear of judgment, shame, or social stigma can further act as a deterrent to reaching out for needed support.
‘Failure’ per se can be interpreted as a, shape-shifting concept—less a fixed event and more a mirror reflecting our values, expectations, and sense of self. At its core ‘failure’ can simply signal a gap between intention and outcome. You aim for something—success, love, meaning—and fall short. But what counts as “falling short” depends entirely on the framework you’re using – there are strong elements of perception here!
Theoretically, if you have experienced, recognised and acknowledged aspects of life (internal and external) which require change and growth, then that analysis in and of itself can indicate a successful process – albeit a difficult and challenging one.