On International Men’s Day, Saanand Verma opens up about men’s mental health, urging society to acknowledge men’s emotional struggles.
He emphasizes that true strength lies in staying happy, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a positive, balanced mind.
Actor Saanand Verma, known for playing various characters in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, reflects on men’s mental health on International Men’s Day. Speaking about the pressures men often carry and the emotional challenges they rarely voice, he highlights why conversations around men’s well-being and genuine strength are becoming increasingly important.
Addressing why men’s mental health is overlooked, he says, “A person’s mental and emotional well-being stays balanced only when they learn to keep their mind strong. If you understand how powerful your mind is, you can use it to do all the good things in life. If you learn to control your mind, everything else starts falling into place.”
He adds that men are often taken for granted and seen only as providers. He says, “People assume men are meant to earn money, fulfil responsibilities, and keep everyone happy. Because of this pressure, many men become lonely and mentally exhausted. Without emotional support, the struggle becomes even harder.”
When asked if men today feel more comfortable expressing vulnerability, Saanand Verma agrees that times have changed. He notes, “Society has opened up; expression is more normal now. Men no longer feel the need to constantly ‘show their masculinity.’ But expectations, financial pressure, and the fear of being judged as weak still hold many men back. A lot of men break down silently because they feel they cannot step back.”
He strongly believes men should not hesitate to seek professional help. “If someone is depressed or mentally disturbed, they should go to a professional. Expecting relatives to cure depression is unrealistic today, everyone is busy. Spending a little money is better than suffering silently,” he says.
While he acknowledges the importance of women’s rights, Saanand feels equality conversations must expand. He says, “Women have always been powerful, look at Indira Gandhi or Rani Lakshmibai. But along with women’s rights, the time has come to talk about men’s rights too, their emotional needs, struggles, and mental health. Equality means treating everyone the same.”
