Silenced and Judged: A Middle Manager’s Battle with Exhaustion, Financial Pressures, and Mental Health

Tuan Anh, a 36-year-old middle manager for a service company, shared his struggles with exhaustion and financial pressures on social media at midnight. However, instead of receiving support, he was gossiped about as being “soft and useless.”

Living in Hoan Kiem district, Tuan Anh has been under intense stress for years, working long hours from 5 a.m. to midnight and pushing himself to make money to pay off his parents’ debt, buy a house, a car, and send his children to private school. Recently, his income has decreased, making it difficult for him to meet financial obligations. He even had to borrow money from friends to pay for his children’s education. This financial pressure led to arguments with his wife about finances, causing him to break down in tears. His wife criticized him for showing weakness.

Feeling silenced and judged, Tuan Anh turned to social media to share his feelings but received harsh criticism from friends who told him to be strong and solve his problems on his own. This only made him feel more isolated and angry, with poor appetite and insomnia. After seeking help at Mai Huong Psychiatric Hospital, Tuan Anh was diagnosed with mild anxiety-depressive disorder by Dr. Tran Thi Hong Thu, the Deputy Director. Dr. Thu also shared the case of a business director who hid his depression for fear of damaging his strong masculine image.

Dr. Thu emphasized that the pressure to uphold a strong masculine image can have serious consequences on men’s mental health. Men often feel ashamed and hesitant to seek help, leading to long-term repression of emotions and eventual breakdowns. It is important for men to recognize the signs of mental health issues and seek support from others before their problems worsen.

Tuan Anh’s story highlights the importance of acknowledging the pressures that men face in today’s society and seeking help when needed. Men should not feel ashamed or hesitant to reach out for support from friends or professionals if they are struggling with their mental health.

In conclusion, Tuan Anh’s story serves as a reminder that financial pressures can take a toll on one’s mental health