Not exactly the easiest or most comfortable topic, but it’s one that is important to me. I think what I like about the Movember campaign and the programs they support is that they connect men’s health concerns WITH men’s mental health. They go together. We should not be expected to sit down and shut up when we receive hard news about our health. Keeping things to yourself like that is an excellent way to completely fry yourself until you’re burnt.
I work in the mental health field. It’s my passion. So of course, this is front of mind to me, but it surely isn’t for all men. The social expectation is masculinity, silence, and not talking about these kinds of things. To me that sounds like a great way to continuously lose our brothers and fathers and friends to the many mental health issues that completely surpass any boundaries of social construct.
We need to be talking about this.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a household where my parents taught me not to hide my feelings. As early as high school, my dad recognized me as a mirror of him, and has always reminded me to be voicing what’s on my mind and my heart. Not letting others decide for you. Not sitting down and shutting up or “being a man”, whatever that means. Opening up and being honest about these things is the most “manly” thing you can do.
I guess my point here is that men’s health, and men’s mental health, are no small issues. They are societal constructs we are working towards breaking down, but we aren’t there yet. Keep the discussion going and consider supporting programs that support these kinds of things. The boys in my school cohort are doing a fundraiser together through Movember.
If you have a few bucks, I would super appreciate you checking it out and potentially donating. Donate here
Take care of yourselves out there.
Quail