Cultural and societal expectations about masculinity can make it difficult for men to seek help, especially since the conditioning starts early. As children we are told "boys don't cry," and men are told to "tough it out" or "man up." There is a stigma that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, so men often do not speak up when they are feeling depressed or anxious. Men may also worry that opening up will affect how they are perceived by their family, friends or colleagues. Men are expected to be protectors and providers, and admitting they are anxious or depressed can feel like a betrayal of those ideals. Men are often socialized to hide their pain, so it can be difficult to tell when they are struggling.