June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

I may consider myself to be raising strong women, but it is never lost upon me how important men's mental health is. I hate the stigma that is still attached to the brave men that come out and share vulnerably about their struggles. There are way too many male suicides being reported these days- young and talented athletes, successful business men...I am not a professional but I stand on saying a man's mental illness is NOT a weakness. In fact, admitting they have one or are struggling and ask for help, I believe the TRUE strength of a man. Sure buddy can lift a lot, but can he lift his voice and say he's not doing ok? In a world where popping steroids is somehow more acceptable and admirable to a lot of men, compared to mental health medication, I believe is a growingly sad tragedy.

I am not a man, but I have had male students and have brothers. One of my brothers has shared with me his struggles, which truthfully, makes me respect him the most; he probably won't read or know this (I have told him but he's a humble dude) - I admire him more than he will ever know. Despite, his struggles, he has pushed through, and vulnerably shared. I hope I get the honour to forever be one of the first people he calls when he isn't feeling is best.

So to any of you other men reading this, if you don't feel like you have someone that would answer that call without judgment- find a way to reach out to me. If you don't want to talk about it, that is also totally ok, we can talk about something else so you don't have to spiral down in your thoughts. If it's ok with you- I will likely offer to pray with you (but if that would make you uncomfortable I understand and would just add you to my own private prayers later).

Much love to all the men struggling. It must feel daunting to share these things in a shallow world, but don't be afraid to speak up. You never know who will pray or be inspired by you too.

I love this picture that I found on google images, from what looks to be an old mental health campaign (need a membership to log into it) so all the credit goes to them from: https://www.akwesasne.ca/mens-mental-health-awareness-month-2022/