In Western culture, males are expected to be stoic providers—people primarily appreciated for their contributions to society. They have also historically been respected for their mental fortitude and physical tenacity rather than their capacity to display gentler emotions. Men’s mental health issues have frequently been disregarded and excluded, yet recent years have seen the beginning of a shift in this traditional viewpoint.
Thankfully, each June is designated as Men’s Health Month. This observance does not intend to diminish any of the traditional qualities you hold dear in men; instead, it merely seeks to acknowledge that men are human and occasionally struggle with their mental and physical health. Men can suffer and go through many of the same issues and emotional states as women and other people do. Men’s Mental Health Month’s goal is to encourage and confirm that having a mental health disease or difficulty is not a sign of weakness. It is only normal.
What Is the Purpose of Men’s Health Month?
Since 1994, when it was first referred to as National Men’s Health Week, Men’s Health Month, also known as Men’s Mental Health Month, has been a recognized holiday. President Clinton officially enacted the holiday. This day raises awareness of preventable health issues, encourages early disease identification and treatment, and inspires men to choose healthier lifestyles.
Various organizations, healthcare providers, and community organizations run health education campaigns, arrange health fairs and screenings, hold fitness competitions, and encourage discussions on prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, heart disease, and other issues affecting men’s health throughout Men’s Health Month.
Men’s health should be prioritized throughout the year, even if June is officially recognized as Men’s Health Month. Maintaining men’s health at its best requires regular checkups, healthy lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, seeking medical or mental health care.
Goals for Men’s mental health month.
Men’s Mental Health Month provides an opportunity to draw attention to the mental health issues men experience. It seeks to raise awareness of mental health’s value and urge men to get help when needed. Men’s mental health stigma must be eliminated, and open dialogue about emotional issues must be encouraged.
Men’s Mental Health Month emphasizes the value of seeking out support and qualified assistance when necessary. Men may encounter mental health issues influenced by various circumstances, such as gender roles, cultural standards, and societal expectations.
Men’s Mental Health Month acknowledges the need for specialized strategies to deal with these problems. This involves addressing toxic masculinity’s effect on men’s mental health and depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, addiction, and other related themes. It also emphasizes encouraging healthy coping techniques and creating situations where men can flourish emotionally.
Why do people ignore Men’s mental health month?
Traditional gender norms generally emphasize men being strong, stoic, and self-sufficient, which can deter men from seeking help or expressing their emotions. This societal expectation could lead to a lack of understanding and discussion about men’s mental health difficulties.
Men can experience the stigma associated with mental health concerns, which has historically been very strong. Due to societal expectations that prevent men from asking for assistance or showing vulnerability, they may face additional difficulties. Men sometimes hesitate to ask for help or be honest about their issues because of the stigma associated with mental illness.
There may not be enough knowledge or understanding of the unique problems with mental health that males experience. There might not be as many resources, services, and support systems accessible for men’s mental health as a result. Men’s mental health may appear undervalued if there aren’t enough resources.
Men’s Mental Health Month may be misunderstood, but it’s crucial to remember that in recent years, understanding and awareness of mental health concerns, in general, have increased.
How to support the Month of Men’s mental health.
There are numerous ways you can support Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. You may host a fundraiser to support a mental health charity or group. You may have a garage sale or bake sale to earn money, ask for sponsorship in a race or competition, or inquire about awareness-raising opportunities at your place of employment. You can also join the numerous charities, groups, and organizations that work diligently to promote men’s mental and mental health.
Although they do not exclusively focus on men’s mental health, MHA, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness are all worthwhile organizations to support and good places to go for more information. Additionally, it is critical to acknowledge and communicate with the men in your life if they reach out to you.
Wrap-up.
Even though it is now more common for men to voice their feelings and seek treatment, the persistent stereotype that says men should not require mental health care needs to be addressed. Men should know that they are not alone, and seeking help for depression, anxiety, fury, or other mental health concerns does not make you any less of a man.
Caregivers are crucial in helping loved ones struggling with mental health issues or illnesses get better. Caregivers offer emotional, social, and material support to ensure their residents have a high quality of life. If you or someone you know needs emotional help along their journey, please contact Sequoia Senior Solutions immediately.