Strength in Vulnerability: Observing Father’s Day & Men’s Mental Health Month
Men’s Mental Health Awareness
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Ahead of Fathr’s Day this Sunday, we want to raise awareness of the importance of mental health. In our society, men face a unique struggle with mental health, because in many ways they are taught to ignore their emotional well-being from an early age. Most men are encouraged to hide their more vulnerable aspects and display only those expressions that demonstrate strength. Often times the only emotion associated with masculinity is anger, boys are taught not to cry or show any signs of weakness. This societal pressure often eventually leads to depression, anxiety, and shame. These problems can increase during fatherhood with increased expectations and pressure to provide for and protect a family. Due to these factors when compared to women, men are;
Less likely to acknowledge or report mental struggles
Less likely to seek counsel from a loved one or professional
More likely to cope by using substance abuse
3 to 4 times more likely to die of suicide
What Can we Do about it?
Normalize Open Conversations and Supportive Environments:
Encourage the men in our lives to talk about their feelings rather than just their accomplishments, in private settings such as at home or seeking the help of a therapist. This can make it easier for them to sort out their problems and relieve them of mental stress. It is also important to do this with our male children, reversing the social expectations starts with the youth.
Expand Access to Resources:
Ensure the affordability and effectiveness of mental health services such as; therapy, counseling, and support groups. Developing peer support groups and incorporating regular mental health screenings in healthcare settings are also ways to identify issues before they become crises.
Leverage Education and Technology:
Increasing mental health education in schools and workplaces can teach healthy coping and stress management skills. Encouraging the use of technology to aid the mental health cause through apps, online therapy, and virtual support networks, will increase the accessibility of mental healthcare to men.
