Imagine a man silently struggling with his mental health, feeling the weight of societal expectations on his shoulders. He sees the awareness campaigns in June and feels a glimmer of hope. But as the month ends, the conversations fade, and he’s left wondering if anyone truly understands.

Men's mental health isn't a seasonal topic; it demands our attention every single day.

When June arrives, its safe to say we see a surge in discussions about men’s mental health. The focus during this month, raising awareness and encouraging men to seek help. However, the poignant statistics underscore why the conversation should not be confined to June alone. Men’s mental health requires ongoing attention and support throughout the year.

Studies consistently show that men face mental health challenges at rates similar to women, yet societal expectations and norms frequently deter men from seeking help or discussing their emotional struggles openly. This reluctance often originates from deep-seated beliefs that seeking assistance is synonymous with weakness or a lack of masculinity. Consequently, many men internalize their issues, which can exacerbate mental health conditions and delay necessary treatment.

Traditional notions of masculinity underscore characteristics such as stoicism, self-reliance, and emotional restraint, profoundly influencing how men perceive and manage their mental well-being. From early childhood, boys are often taught to suppress their emotions, endure difficulties silently, and avoid displaying vulnerability or weakness. Consequently, when confronted with mental health challenges, men may feel compelled to manage their problems independently, fearing that seeking help could signify personal failure or inadequacy.

Men constitute a substantial majority of suicides worldwide, a deeply concerning trend that persists across numerous countries and demographics. This tragic reality is starkly illustrated by the fact that suicide continues to be a leading cause of death among men under the age of 50 in many regions.

Today on our blog, we are honoured to feature guest speaker Shalen Fox, a motivational speaker and recovery enthusiast who has embarked on his sobriety journey and battled mental health struggles. Shalen’s experiences and insights offer a profound perspective on why men's mental health needs continuous attention and support throughout the year and were so honoured to feature some words from him today.

My name is Shalen. I am a motivational speaker with a passion for recovery and healing, and recently celebrated 8 years of sobriety.

It's important for me to start with this:

EVERY DAY IS MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH DAY FOR ME.

For a long time I would  say “I’m fine” or I would put on a fake smile no matter how I was feeling because I didn’t want any extra attention.

The reason why I didn't want to admit it was because I feared being perceived as "weak" or incapable of handling my own issues. Asking for help felt like surrendering to vulnerability, and I was too proud to show that I wasn't okay.

Today I am here to share:

1. We need courage to be vulnerable.We need the courage to be vulnerable. In a world that often equates vulnerability with weakness, it takes immense bravery to open up and share our true selves. Being vulnerable means admitting we don't have all the answers, acknowledging our fears and insecurities, and allowing others to see our imperfections. It is through this openness that we create deeper connections, foster understanding, and build genuine relationships. Embracing vulnerability is a powerful act of self-acceptance and authenticity, paving the way for healing, growth, and true resilience.

2. It’s okay to be not okay.In a society that often pressures us to maintain a facade of constant happiness and success, admitting that we’re struggling can feel daunting. Yet, it's essential to recognize that experiencing difficulties, sadness, or anxiety is a natural part of being human. Acknowledging that it's okay to be not okay allows us to be honest with ourselves and others, opening the door to seeking support and understanding. It's through this acceptance that we can begin the journey towards healing and finding the help we need. Remember, it's perfectly normal to have ups and downs, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness

3. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. In a culture that often glorifies self-reliance and independence, reaching out for support can sometimes be perceived as a vulnerability. However, it takes immense courage to acknowledge when we need assistance and to seek it out. Recognizing that we cannot and should not navigate life's challenges alone demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to our well-being. It shows a deep understanding of our limits and a willingness to grow and heal. By asking for help, we not only open ourselves up to receiving the care and support we deserve, but we also set an example for others, encouraging them to do the same.

4. We need to feel our emotions in order to heal.Emotions are an integral part of our human experience, and trying to ignore or suppress them can lead to greater distress in the long run. By allowing ourselves to fully experience and acknowledge our feelings, we create space for healing and self-discovery. Feeling our emotions helps us understand the root causes of our pain, grief, or anxiety, and provides valuable insights into our inner world. This process of emotional acceptance is crucial for personal growth and recovery. It's important to remember that it's okay to feel a wide range of emotions—joy, sadness, anger, fear—and that each one serves a purpose. Embracing our emotions with compassion and openness is a powerful step towards healing and achieving emotional well-being.

5. We don't need to suffer in silence.We don’t need to suffer in silence. I remind myself that I am loved, I am safe, and I am protected. In moments of struggle or uncertainty, it's essential to break the cycle of isolation and reach out for support. Reminding myself of these affirmations—knowing that I am cherished, that I am in a secure environment, and that there are safeguards in place—helps me find comfort and strength. It reinforces my belief in my own worthiness of care and compassion, both from myself and from others. By affirming these truths, I empower myself to seek help when needed, to share my burdens with trusted individuals, and to embrace the support that surrounds me. This practice of self-affirmation and reaching out builds resilience and nurtures a sense of belonging and security, paving the way for healing and growth.

Today I speak up to all the boys and men out there who are struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone.

- Shalen Fox

Despite the proliferation of awareness campaigns aimed at mental health, there persists a critical need for continuous education specifically targeting men's mental health issues. While these campaigns have made strides in reducing stigma and increasing general awareness, many men still face significant barriers when it comes to acknowledging and addressing their mental health concerns.

One of the primary challenges lies in dispelling entrenched stereotypes and societal expectations surrounding masculinity. Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage men from showing vulnerability or seeking help, leading them to downplay or ignore symptoms of mental distress. These attitudes can prevent men from seeking timely support, resulting in untreated mental health conditions that may worsen over time.

Cultural and socioeconomic factors can further complicate men's access to mental health care. Men from diverse backgrounds may encounter language barriers, financial constraints, or lack of culturally competent services that hinder their ability to seek and receive appropriate treatment.

To bridge these gaps, ongoing education initiatives are crucial. These efforts should emphasize the importance of mental health literacy among men, teaching them to recognize symptoms of mental illness and understand the value of early intervention. Education can also empower men to challenge harmful stereotypes, redefine masculinity to include emotional openness and help-seeking behaviors, and cultivate supportive networks where seeking help is encouraged and normalized.

Furthermore, strategies for overcoming barriers to mental health care should be integrated into educational programs. This includes promoting accessible and affordable mental health services, training healthcare providers in culturally sensitive practices, and advocating for policies that prioritize mental health parity and equity.

By investing in continuous education and targeted interventions, we can create a society where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being, seek help when needed, and ultimately achieve better mental health outcomes.

To reiterate what Shalen said,

MEN, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Trauma, addiction and mental health struggles can hit hard, and it's okay to feel the weight of it all. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Whether it's talking to a friend, seeking therapy, or finding a support group, there are people who want to help you navigate this journey. You deserve to feel heard, understood, and supported.

Take small steps each day, even if they feel insignificant. Whether it's going for a walk, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply, these actions can make a difference.

You are valued and worthy of love and care.

Keep going.

The team @ Recovery Revival