A Note On Men's Mental Health Month

As we observe Men’s Health Month this June, I find myself reflecting on the societal standards that have long dictated how men process their emotions. From a young age, we are often taught that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, a lesson I learned firsthand when I lost my grandfather at 13. His final words, urging me to be strong for my grandmother and to not cry, shaped my emotional journey for years to come.

However, with alarming statistics revealing that a man dies by suicide every minute, it's clear that the narrative needs to change. We need to be more open-minded and listen; you can be strong and vulnerable. One can and does exist with the other, make time to listen and check on your friends.

“People learn to mask their pain with a smile because this is what our society expects from us. It's also about not wanting to be seen as weak or needy. In general, this is something men learn at a young age.”

Men deserve spaces where they can express grief, fear, love, and tenderness without judgment. Strength isn't about bottling things up, it’s about facing emotions head-on and knowing when to ask for help. This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s commit to challenging the outdated beliefs that keep too many men suffering in silence. Let’s show up, speak up, and remind the men in our lives: you don’t have to go through it alone.

Source: https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mens-health-month/