Breaking the Silence:

Men’s Mental Health Matters

By Jodihno Jansen, Aspiring Candidate Legal Practitioner at DONNELLY-BORNMAN LAW Inc

Did you know that men are four times more likely to take their own lives? Society places heavy expectations on us, telling us that men must be "strong" and "independent" and that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. We’re conditioned to believe that expressing emotions or asking for help somehow makes us "less of a man." This image of the silent, emotionless provider is isolating – it leads to feelings of loneliness, and it stops us from sharing the very real struggles we all face.

For a long time, I believed I had to carry everything on my own. I thought showing emotions or leaning on others was out of the question. I relied on distractions, like Netflix, food, and weekends out, to escape from my thoughts and numb the stress. Yet, instead of helping, these coping mechanisms only left me feeling emptier. Then, the Lord brought a blessing into my life: my girlfriend, who has been my unwavering support for almost four years now. With her, I found a safe place to be vulnerable, to let my guard down, to cry, and to share my burdens without fear of judgment. Through opening up to her, I began to feel a profound shift in my mental health. I felt more motivated, driven, and able to focus on my goals. I started going to the gym and taking better care of myself, not just physically but mentally too.

During this Men’s Health Month, let's strive to cultivate an environment where men feel supported and secure in expressing their emotions. Mental health should not be a subject of stigma; it is just as crucial as physical health, and every individual's concern merit attention. By embracing moments of vulnerability and stepping outside our comfort zones, we can strengthen our relationships, lead healthier lives, and motivate those around us to follow suit.