Men's Mental Health Awareness Week: Support Starts from Home

International Professional Security Association (IPSA) Emerald Defence Ltd

In honour of Men's Mental Health Awareness Week, it is crucial that we address the importance of support starting from home. As a parent, I believe it is essential to have open and honest conversations with our children, regardless of their age, about the issues and feelings they may experience.

In this article, I want to share my personal experience of speaking to my 10-year-old son about the pressures of living up to masculine standards, including a particular incident involving his exposure to Andrew Tate's YouTube videos.

Through this dialogue, I aimed to educate him about toxic masculinity and help him understand the importance of healthy masculinity.

The Impact of Masculine Standards:

Society often imposes certain expectations on men and boys, promoting traditional concepts of masculinity that can be damaging to their mental health. Even at a young age, boys can feel the pressure to conform to these standards, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and the inability to express emotions freely.

As parents, it is our responsibility to create a safe space for our children to discuss these issues openly and honestly.

Open Conversation: Addressing Toxic Masculinity:

One day, I noticed that my son was watching videos by Andrew Tate, a controversial figure known for promoting toxic masculinity. Instead of dismissing his interest or condemning him for watching those videos, I saw it as an opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation.

I sat down with him and asked him what attracted him to those videos and what he thought about the ideas being presented.

‘He’s a Top G’, he replied.

My son also indicated that he was fascinated with Andrew Tate’s lifestyle and the range of Lamborghinis he had. ?

Educating about Toxic Masculinity:

During our conversation, I explained to my son that while it's natural to want to embody masculine traits, it is essential to recognise when it becomes toxic. I elaborated on how toxic masculinity perpetuates harmful behaviour’s and attitudes, such as aggression, dominance, and the suppression of emotions.

I emphasised that it is okay to be masculine but encouraged him to understand the difference between healthy and toxic expressions of masculinity.

Encouraging Emotional Expression:

To further support my son's emotional development, I stressed the importance of expressing and discussing his feelings openly. I assured him that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength.

By promoting emotional intelligence and empathy, I hope to equip my son with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges he may face in the future.

Support at Home:

Support for men's mental health starts at home. It is our responsibility as parents to create an environment that encourages open dialogue, acceptance, and understanding.

By actively engaging in conversations about masculinity, mental health, and emotional well-being, we can help break the cycle of toxic masculinity and promote healthier ideals for our children.

Men's Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and nurturing the mental well-being of our male loved ones.

By starting conversations about masculinity, toxic behaviour’s, and emotional expression from an early age, we can empower our children to challenge societal norms and adopt a healthier understanding of what it means to be a man.

Together, let's create a world where men feel comfortable seeking help, expressing their emotions, and embracing their authentic selves.

#MensMentalHealthAwarenessWeek #SupportStartsFromHome #BreakTheStigma

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