The next time a man is asked to talk about his feelings, he might want to spring at the opportunity.
A new study from Scotland found that drinking and socializing with friends increases mental health in men. Being in a pub or bar surrounded by trusted comrades allows men to express their feelings, something that is often considered taboo.
"There is a stereotype that men are strong and silent about their mental health and it is something they never talk about, said Dr. Carol Emslie, who conducted research for the study, "Drinking Attitudes in Midlife," The Scotsman reported Friday.
The study, conducted by the Medical Research Council, focuses on 22 men ages 28 to 52-years-old. The men were asked about their experiences when drinking with friends in pubs.
"The most surprising thing was the way drinking opened up a space for men to behave in alternative ways that aren't so associated with masculinity," Emslie said,The Scotsman reported. "There was the idea if you've had a few drinks it really helps you express emotion in a way you might not in your everyday life. I did not ask about mental health. This they raised themselves."
The findings were part of a larger research project to explore the overall drinking habits of middle-aged men. The goal is to find a way to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive drinking, which men are more likely to die from than women.
Researchers also found that for men, the act of buying and sharing rounds of drinks is therapeutic, The Scotsman reported.
"The idea that you would just buy your own little drink was seen a quite a horrible thing to do. They were saying it is a communal experience. You buy someone a drink and they buy you one back," Emslie said, according to The Scotsman.
"You're drinking together, you're laughing and joking and it's uplifting. It helps you open up and relax. Also men talked about it being a way of looking out for each other." Emslie said.
