Psychotherapist Johannes Vennen works primarily with men. In this interview, he explains why some of them still suppress weakness and emotions and how toxic masculinity can affect the psyche.
Mr. Vennen, the term toxic masculinity has been appearing more frequently in the media and cultural debates for several years. What does this mean?
Toxic masculinity describes negative behaviors and attitudes that result from perceived gender roles. But where does toxic masculinity begin? There are no clear criteria for it. Men who believe they have to do everything on their own and don’t seek help certainly don’t come to me. But I often meet men in my practice who believe they always have to be strong and cannot allow themselves to be weak. They suppress their feelings. In doing so, they harm themselves above all else.