The month of November is dubbed “Movember” to raise awareness for suicide and mental health issues that men face. Most men choose to do an activity for the month to raise funds for a specific charity and also grow out some weird looking moustaches.
I’m glad that we’re doing it, but I often wonder, why it’s just this month that we highlight that men struggle with mental health issues? Why is there such a stigma around men talking about their mental health struggles? Well let’s break it down a bit.
Men have always been told that they can’t show any form of weakness because they need to be strong. If they show even the slightest bit of weakness, they won’t be considered a “Man’s man”. Yo, honestly I hate that terminology so much. What is a “Man’s man”? I’ve heard that over the years and I always ask myself why is that even a thing? Just because a man doesn’t act in the “traditional” way or doesn’t do “traditional” things that men should do, he’s less of a man? That has to stop.
Another thing that has bothered me is the saying “Men don’t cry”. Throughout my childhood, my dad often told me that. And when I did cry, I always felt ashamed. To be honest, when I cry now, I still feel a bit ashamed and I tell myself that I should stop crying. I’m still trying to unlearn certain things that not only my father, but society as well have told me about “being a man”.
Do I blame my dad for telling me that when I was younger? Not at all. He was only going by what he was taught from a young age. When you only know a certain way, that’s the information that you’ll pass on to your children. However, it’s my job now to make sure that I let the boys that look up to me and my future kids, know that you’re no less of man if you do cry. You’re human. You have emotions. It’s ok to cry.
Over the course of this month, I’m going to share stories about my experiences dealing with mental health issues and the battles that I faced, and still am facing to this day. I want to highlight for those out there, especially men, that it really is ok to talk to others if your having some mental health issues. You’re not weak. You’re no less of a man. You’re just a person that’s struggling and needs help and that is just fine. Once you do open up, you’ll feel the love and support of those around you because they do care. They want you to be the best you.
So, remember to take care of your mental health because it’s just as important as your physical health. It’s the trigger for the rest of your body and how you feel on a daily basis. If you take care of it consistently, imagine the effect it’ll have on your overall well being.
And again, it’s ok. You got this.
Peace and blessings.
CB
Conroy's Cosy Corner 