Do you have a Son, Father, Brother, Uncle or any male loved one that might be struggling?

June is Men's Mental Health month.

Be a friend or a loved one and reach out. From a very early age Males are taught to "suck it up". From that point on Men have this thing where expressing themselves through words is weak or to be shamed and so majority bottle up their feelings be it good or bad and carry them for life alone.

A tragic reality is that of all suicides world wide Men account for 75-80%.

Just simply showing you care or they matter even for a moment could save a life.

Reach out and ask how they are. If they're OK. Even a simple smile can make the world of a difference.

It's easier to be kind and its contagious.

Show the Men you care for that they have someone who supports them.

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awildsheepschase

I agree with this heartedly, yet there are exceptions to every norm. My second-cousin Sean was very emotional, expressive; a philosopher and poet, so expressive and emotional with his words, yet he could not save himself from his torment, emotions, and killed himself. It makes me feel we are asking the wrong question(s), when we ask what makes them feel shame or the need to be strong?

ScreamingFox

It seems almost genetic. I'm constantly supporting my son emotionally and prying feelings out of him even though I never raised him to hide or feel ashamed. The social constructs of our societies are a failure. Even with teaching him that he matters, it wasn't enough to save him from those fears and hesitations.

Thinkingdeeper · 36-40, M

There is nowhere enough support for men and culturally I can't see that changing soon. What I'd stress is the importance of checking in with people and spending time. I have often had periods of my life where I was in dark places mentally and it's really important to have people to speak to and positive outlets.

WestonTexan · 18-21, M

Even though I was never told to "suck it up" or raised to mask my emotions, I sometimes feel the pull to be "stoic" in the face of problems and to keep quiet about what's bothering me so that I don't disturb others. But that's how it starts. I think many men feel that pressure to be a "rock" and that means concealing it if you're struggling. But part of being strong is recognizing when you need help. Luckily I have known some guys who are seeing therapists and are getting past the stigma of it. And it's very important for women to be supportive and not look down on a man for admitting something's wrong.

Punxi · F

Men's challenges are unique in terms of mental health certainly. In my profession I've met with many who...just can't speak past that lump in their throat.

We're sponsoring MMHM in the clinic.