Breaking the Silence

Men's Mental Health and the Importance of Reaching Out

In today's society, men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health and emotional well-being. Despite progress in breaking down gender stereotypes, many men still struggle with the pressure to "man up" and handle their problems alone. This article explores the importance of men reaching out for help when under emotional stress, the impact of societal expectations, and the particular challenges faced by Black men.

The Silent Struggle

Men are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women. This reluctance contributes to alarming statistics:

• 3 out of 4 suicides are committed by men
• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women
• Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men

These numbers highlight a critical need for change in how we approach men's mental health.

The Pressure to "Man Up"

Many men grow up with the belief that they must be strong, stoic, and self-reliant at all times. As one interviewee, K O. Boateng , shared, "We've been told that you need to man up... We think that it is our responsibility to carry every load that we have on our shoulder not to speak to other people because we think that when I share my problem with you in your eye you're going to see me as a weaker version of myself."

This mindset can lead to:

• Isolation during times of stress
• Reluctance to seek professional help
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms

The Impact on Black Men

Black men face additional challenges due to societal stereotypes and media representation:

• Black men are often portrayed negatively in media, leading to harmful stereotypes
• This misrepresentation can affect how Black men are perceived in everyday situations, including walking down the street.
• Good Black fathers and men may feel unfairly judged based on these stereotypes.

K O. Boateng 's experience as a Black man and father highlights the complexity of navigating these expectations while also dealing with personal struggles.

Breaking the Cycle

To address these issues, we need to:

1. Encourage open communication: Create safe spaces for men to express their emotions without judgment.
2. Challenge stereotypes: Promote diverse and positive representations of men, especially Black men, in media and society.
3. Provide accessible resources: Ensure mental health services are tailored to men's needs and easily accessible.
4. Educate from an early age: Teach boys that it's okay to express emotions and seek help when needed.

The Power of Reaching Out

Kennedy O Boateng emphasises the importance of finding someone to confide in: "I will encourage my fellow men, we should learn to speak out, find seek help when the time comes and we think that we need help."By reaching out, men can:

• Reduce the mental load they carry
• Find support and new perspectives on their problems
• Improve their overall mental health and well-being

Conclusion

It's time to change the narrative around men's mental health. By encouraging men to reach out for help, challenging harmful stereotypes, and providing the necessary support, we can create a society where all men feel comfortable seeking the help they need. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it's a sign of strength and self-awareness.

Watch Kenny being interviewed by another man who is a valued member at Centre for Sustainable Action : https://youtu.be/VMT2Jqv4jqc