November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, sometimes called Movember or No Shave November to raise awareness. This includes physical health, like cancer. Here are some statistics:
Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer for young men aged 15 to 34.
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
This also includes mental health and suicide prevention.
Here is a concerning statistic:
4 out of 5 people that take their own life are male.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to why this is?
I think the main thing is definitely men not being encouraged to handle their emotions well. It’s harder to get help when you’re expected to be stoic, and any expression other than rage and violence is met with scorn and mockery.
Bumping this because it’s November again and it’s still important.
A reminder to all men out there that it’s okay to not be okay, it’s okay to have and to express emotions, and it’s okay to need help and to get help. Help is available and you are loved.
A further reminder to get any health concerns you may have checked out, whether it be lumps, bumps, tenderness, change in colour, or changes when you “go”. Getting checked may save your life and if it’s nothing, then that’s good news and not something to be ashamed of!
Hey y’all! I have no idea what it’s like to be a guy! Well, I wouldn’t say “no idea” whatsoever, but of course, as a girl, my knowledge is very limited. Do you guys really constantly feel like you cannot express your emotions without there being some kind of repercussion? Please help me understand more about your experience as men!
Not so much on my part anymore. I think part of the reason for me is because I’m surrounded by plenty of men who feel just fine talking about their feelings. The trick is to not let them consume you.
Sometimes, yeah. There are places I can express myself, but for the most part, unless I’m very close with someone, it might be seen as weird. Some places are toxic enough to actively mock men for it, but if nothing else it’s at least unexpected.
The culture has been shifting to one of greater acceptance around sharing. When basketball player Kevin Love and US senator John Fetterman opened up about their mental health struggles, they received a lot of support.
One of the benefits of the furry fandom is it has provided a space for men to be vulnerable, sensitive, share about their struggles, and help them to not feel so alone. Both in terms of receiving support, and in learning they’re not the only ones going through something.
Hmm, imo its kinda hard to put into words. Growing up, at least for me, I didn’t feel common for guys to really ask and/or talk about how we’re feeling. It always just seemed like it was an awkward thing to talk about.
I definitely think there is a bunch of stigma around it. Things like “guys don’t cry”, or talking about how we feel is a sign of weakness. As well, I think their unspoken pressure to “not let it bother you” and just “deal with or get over it”. I think that coupled with guys needing to be a pillar of strength in the family, along with other things, makes it a challenge. This last thing is pretty subjective, but I think there can be times where men do try and express how they feel, and sometimes it’s throw back into their faces. That, or, imo a guy might feel people will look at or treat them “less of a man” or in general, treated differently.
This is all just my own opinion though, of course every guy is different. Just some things I’ve noticed from social media and irl when guys talk about trying to share their feelings or emotions.
That’s totally something that’s way too common… I really would love to see it change. I’ve had to ask my friends how they feel more recently considering the turmoil, and I think it’s a good habit to get into.
To anyone out there reading this: know that you are loved and valued and important and that help is available 24/7 if you need it. Just search for Lifeline or Beyond Blue or whatever the equivalent is in your country, or call 000/911/911/112. MY DMs are also always open.
