Men who frequently go to bars are doing themselves a favor as it can help boost their mental health, a recent study led by the Medical Research Council finds.
Researcher Dr. Carol Emslie from Glasgow Caledonia University, asked men about their drinking habits and was surprised when they said pub visits benefited their mental health. "The most surprising thing was the way drinking opened up a space for men to behave in alternative ways that aren't associated with masculinity. There was the idea if you've had a few drinks it really helps you to express emotion in a way you might not in your everyday life.
"I did not ask about mental health, this they raised themselves. There is a stereotype that men are strong and silent about their mental health and it is something they never talk about. This wasn't what we found. It was very much the idea that alcohol or drinking in these communal groups had this positive effect on your mental health. You're drinking together, you're laughing and joking and it's uplifting. It helps you to open up and relax. Also men talked about it being a way of looking out for each other."
However, the study also acknowledges that buying rounds encouraged men to drink more, which may also be harmful to their health. Dr. Emslie, said their findings should help tackle harmful drinking while acknowledging the positives. "It is a delicate balance because we have got this problematic side with alcohol. But also there is a pleasure and what men talked about as being uplifting, crucial, natural and positive, and a way to show concern and friendship to other men."
