Why Men’s Mental Health is important to me.
Never has there been a time in history, where the state of our nation’s mental health has been challenged. The direct onslaught of the pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns, climate protests, and social unrest globally, is taking its toll, more than ever before, on the state of a man’s mental health.
It is for this reason, that I am and always be an advocate for Men's Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Over the coming weeks, I will be highlighting some of the key reasons why Men’s Mental Health is important for me. A number of the opinions are my own.
One of the reasons why a man’s mental health is important for me is the shame and stigma that men feel about admitting their mental health issues. This shame and stigma can stop him in his tracks and prevent him from coming forward to seek the necessary help. Numerous research articles reveal that masculine stoicism drives men to suffer in isolation and in silence. The Cambridge dictionary describes stoicism as the quality of experiencing pain or trouble without complaining or showing your emotions. It is masculine stoicism that hushes the hurt and hides the pain. Dare I say that it is masculine stoicism that drives men to the point where they are teetering on the brink between life and death.
My message to all men is that it is brave, noble and admirable, to open up about your mental health challenges to someone you trust. There is nothing embarrassing about opening up. Your life is too valuable and too precious to ignore the pain, swipe it under the carpet and pretend that you are ok.
By being honest, and transparent about your struggle, you are taking the key and most vital step to protecting yourself and starting on your personal journey towards healing. By opening up, you are encouraging others to be brave and to feel safe enough to come forward to get help.
My question to you is will you put the stoicism aside just for today, and take the necessary steps to keep yourself safe?
Ask for help and keep knocking. There is restoration, hope, healing, strength, support, community and growth waiting for you on the other side. Get more tips by clicking on this free Men Conquering Depression Action Guide — https://choosingsafety.com/action-guide
