“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have left”
Cayla Mills
For a long time, society has propagated the notion that men should be strong, unemotional, and independent. However, this narrative has led to a generation of men who suffer in silence, unable to express their emotions or seek help when they need it. In recent times, the topic of men’s mental health has gained prominence, and it is crucial that we continue to shine a light on the pain that men go through every single day. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges that men face and provide inspiration and guidance to men of all ages.
Challenges Faced by Men Today
- Social Expectations – Society expects men to be the breadwinners, strong, and independent. Men are expected to be the providers and protectors, and this expectation can put immense pressure on them. These expectations often lead to men feeling like they need to be perfect and that any sign of weakness is unacceptable.
- Emotionally Repressed – Men are often taught to hide their emotions and not express themselves. This repression can lead to long-term psychological problems and affect their mental health. Men who cannot express their emotions often suffer in silence, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
- Toxic Masculinity – Toxic masculinity refers to the idea that men must be aggressive, dominant, and unemotional. This idea can lead to men engaging in risky behaviors like binge drinking, drug abuse, and reckless driving. It also affects how men interact with women, leading to abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.
- Mental Health Issues – Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD are on the rise, and men are not immune to these challenges. In fact, statistics show that men commit suicide at an alarming rate of over 4 to 1 compared to women. The stigma around mental health issues and the social expectations that men must be strong and independent make it hard for men to seek help.
Inspiration and Guidance
- Talk About Your Emotions – One of the most important things that men can do to improve their mental health is to talk about their emotions. This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Men should be encouraged to express their emotions and seek help when they need it.
- Engage in Physical Activity – Engaging in physical activity can be a great way to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem. Men should be encouraged to find an activity that they enjoy, whether it’s running, weightlifting, or playing a team sport.
- Challenge Toxic Masculinity – Men should be encouraged to challenge toxic masculinity and the harmful behaviors that come with it. Men can do this by speaking out against abusive behavior, promoting healthy relationships, and being an ally to women.
- Seek Professional Help – Men should be encouraged to seek professional help when they need it. This can include therapy, counseling, or medication. Seeking help for mental health issues is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Men should be encouraged to seek help without fear of judgment or stigma.
- Cultivate Healthy Relationships – Having healthy relationships can go a long way in improving mental health. Men should be encouraged to cultivate healthy relationships with their friends, family, and romantic partners. This can involve expressing emotions, listening actively, and being supportive.
- Prioritize Self-Care – Self-care is crucial to improving mental health. Men should be encouraged to prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring them joy such as exercise or spending time with friends. Self-care is not selfish, and it is essential to taking care of one’s mental health.
The pain that men experience today is real, and it is absolutely critical that we continue to address these issues. It’s time for men to break free from the fear of not being perfect. Break free from the expectations we have for ourselves, as well as those around us. It’s time to start fighting back against anything and everything that would do us harm. We all face challenges throughout our journey in life, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through them alone. Help for Him will be here to serve as a guide and friend throughout life’s many hardships. Make self-care a priority, be clear about your boundaries and expectations, and no matter how hard life might know you down always remember, “This too shall pass”.