While there is a lot of change happening in modern times when it comes to gender equality, many people may not know that there are still many men out there who are suffering in silence due to mental health issues. For example, when someone thinks about an eating disorder they will commonly believe that a woman has this disorder. They may not know that there are plenty of men out there who are struggling with this kind of condition as well and will also need help and support. Furthermore, many boys out there are still raised to believe that they are weak if they show any kind of emotion except for happiness or anger. Many boys are told that it is not okay to cry and that they cannot talk to their peers about their feelings. This is certainly not the case and it is so important that more awareness is raised about this topic. The truth is that men can suffer from hard times just as much as women can. Furthermore, men can feel just as much emotion as women can in all sorts of different ways. Men can have the ability tap into their feminine side when appropriate such as when they are spending time with their children but can still embrace their masculine side when they are enjoying their hobbies such as sports or are in the workplace. More men need to know that it is okay to open up to people, especially when they are experiencing a hard time and that there is nothing wrong with them by doing so.
There is always help out there to be found in all sorts of ways.
While times can seem very dark and down for someone who is experiencing depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder, there is always help out there that can be found. There are many Psychologists, counsellors, and health coaches out there who are more than happy to sit down with a man and to help them with their problems in an unbiased and non-judgemental way. There are plenty of support groups out there and nowadays more men can catch up with their mates for a coffee to enjoy a good chat together. For those who are struggling to reach out to someone in person as they feel embarrassed, scared, or ashamed, there are plenty of online resources and groups out there that can help. For example, there are online chat options on websites such as Beyond Blue which can help people and point them in the right direction of where to help. There are thousands of books and e-books out there that focus on this exact topic. There are meditation apps, gratitude apps, and so much more that can be explored by anyone who is looking to make a change. At the end of the day, it is very important for people to know that it is okay to have down times and that it is okay to ask for help.
David Smith was born and raised in Calgary Alberta and loves to share his passion for health and fitness with others. Apart from running his own podcast, which uploads weekly shows that covers current health trends, he spends his time canoeing and backpacking. David recently spent a summer working at the CFIA as a health supplement reviewer. In regards to academics, David studied kinesiology at Guelph University.
