Masculinity and men’s mental health

Asian Network Trending: The biggest stories affecting Asian Network listeners across the UK with Amber Haque.

Mental health issues can affect so many families, but they're still not always talked about openly. For some South Asian men in particular, ideas around patriarchy, masculinity, responsibility can make it harder to acknowledge when things are not okay.

But what happens when those expectations become too much? When from the outside, everything seems fine, but inside someone's quietly struggling?

In this conversation, Amber is joined by Taimour Ahmed and Hiren Laxman, two men who've faced their own mental health challenges, alongside councillor Rahi Popat. Together they talk openly about their struggles, vulnerability, therapy, and the cultural barriers that can stop some people from getting help when they need it. They also explore why so many men only reach out when they are already at breaking point, and what needs to change to make those conversations easier and earlier.

Produced in Birmingham by Samsaara Productions for BBC Asian Network.