Mental health is fundamental to human well-being, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and silence, particularly regarding men. In many societies, men are often expected to be stoic, strong, and emotionally resilient. This societal expectation has contributed to the reluctance of many men to seek help for their mental health struggles. However, it is crucial to emphasise that asking for help for mental health is not a sign of weakness but a courageous and necessary step towards healing and self-improvement. Today, I will explain my journey and then explore why it is perfectly acceptable for men to seek help for their mental health, why they should not be afraid to do so, and why seeing a counsellor is a commendable decision, not something to be ashamed of. I have had a lot of trauma in my life, being physically and mentally abused during my childhood, bullied at school, mentally abused as an adult, in abusive relationships, and bullied at work. Then you add the loss of my dad and then my mum, add the eating disorders, becoming morbidly obese, losing weight and becoming obese again, and here I am. I may have had a lot to deal with in my life, but I found the confidence to reach out for help. I regularly see a counsellor who gives me the tools to work through the issues of the past so I can work on the future. My eating issues result from my trauma, which I am working on, so now, I see a bright future ahead. Sadly, for most men, they don't get to do this. From a young age, men are often taught to conform to societal norms of masculinity. They are expected to be tough, self-reliant, and unemotional. This upbringing fosters a culture where expressing vulnerability or seeking help is perceived as a sign of weakness. Men, therefore, feel immense pressure to maintain a facade of strength, even when they are grappling with mental health issues. This burden of masculinity perpetuates stigma and makes it difficult for men to acknowledge their struggles, let alone seek help. One of the first steps towards improving men's mental health is to break the silence surrounding the topic. Men must realise that they are not alone in their struggles and that it is perfectly okay to ask for help. When individuals open up about their mental health, they alleviate their suffering and contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding the issue. Sharing their experiences can also empower others to seek help, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Seeking help for mental health concerns is not a sign of weakness; instead, it is an act of bravery. Men should not be afraid to ask for assistance when they are facing emotional turmoil. Here are several reasons why seeking help is essential for men's mental health:
To encourage men to seek help for their mental health, it is crucial to challenge and overcome the stigma associated with it. Here are some strategies to break down this barrier:
Seeing a counsellor or therapist should be seen as a courageous and commendable decision rather than something to be ashamed of. Here are several reasons why counselling is an invaluable resource:
It is perfectly acceptable for men to ask for help for their mental health struggles. The burden of masculinity and mental health stigma must be challenged and dismantled to create a more supportive and understanding society. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of bravery that can lead to improved well-being, better relationships, and a higher quality of life. Moreover, seeing a counsellor should be celebrated as a commendable decision, as it offers professional guidance, a safe space for expression, and the opportunity for personal growth. By breaking the silence and encouraging men to seek help, we can foster a culture of compassion, empathy, and resilience where everyone's mental health is valued and supported.
1 Comment
Sam Matthews
9/17/2023 05:55:58 pm
Great article. Thanks for sharing your personal journey and encouraging us to get help. It cant be seen as against the "kiwi bloke" no.8 wire type of thing to do, but there are too many loses of good lives in NZ. There is support out there, people need to know its ok to reach out! Thanks again,
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AuthorAfter the outstanding success of his first children’s picture book, Comet the Red Bus - Around the City, Author Christopher Candy has continued to write the next book in the Comet the Red Bus series. Working full-time as a Manager for Tranzit Coachlines, Christopher has many years of bus-related experience that brings his characters to life. Christopher is based in the Tararua region and enjoys spending time with his partner, farm animals and pet dog, Tupance. You can see updates from Christopher, including new releases, giveaways and more, on his website or social media accounts. Archives
October 2023
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