Himanshi Yadav
Lt. Atul Katarya Memorial School, Gurugram
Good greetings, readers!!
Before starting, I, Himanshi, would like to say that this very blog is a special one;
it’s something I’d always be happy to talk about. Dedicating it whole-heartedly to
the fathers, brothers and sons in our lives, let me welcome you all to the space
where we get real, raw, and totally unfiltered about something super important:
Men’s mental health.
We all know that June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. With the stigma
surrounding men’s mental health issues, this month is key for visibility and
spreading awareness; it’s for ditching the “man up” myth and getting down to what
really matters—our minds.
“Strength is not just in the body; it’s in the mind.”
First off, let’s squash this outdated idea that guys have to be tough all the time
because guess what? It’s okay not to be okay. Society might say that showing is a
“sign of weakness,” but that’s total bananas. Emotions are humane and we’re all
humans! And having an XY chromosome instead of an XX totally does NOT make any difference in this fact.So, as we observe mental health awareness being widely spread across the world, we must also acknowledge the crucial need of it in the lives of countless men who find it difficult to talk about it due to societal norms.
We must understand that talking about mental health doesn’t make you less of a
man. In fact, it takes real guts to open up. Statistics show that men are less likely to
seek help when they are facing mental health issues. Often due to societal
expectations and cultural norms. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a therapist,
talking is the first step to healing. Remember, vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness;
it’s a sign of strength.
Self-Care Isn’t Just for Women
Self-care isn’t gender-specific; it’s a human necessity. For guys, self-care can be
anything that helps them unwind and feel good about themselves. It could be
hitting the gym, gaming with their buddies, or diving into a good book. Even taking
care of your skin, cooking a nutritious meal, or practicing mindfulness can make a
huge difference. The key is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of
your routine. Remember, taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Prioritizing your wellbeing enables you to handle life’s challenges better and
supports overall mental health.
Let’s Normalise Mental Health
Talking about mental health openly can break down the stigma and make seeking
help as normal as going to the doctor for a physical illness. I have seen men in my
life struggling to cry in the lowest phases of their lives that made me think deeply of
how toxic being ‘tough’ can be for them. Seeing boys who cried in school being
called ‘girly’ for simply letting their feelings out is just one example out of tons that
depict how men are expected to not be emotional.
It is time we make a change. Let us share our own experiences and encourage others
to do the same. When we talk about our struggles and how we overcome them, we
create a supportive community where everyone feels understood and less alone.
Let’s make it clear: mental health matters and asking for help is a sign of strength,
not weakness. Together, we can change the conversation around mental health and
support each other in leading healthier, happier lives.
This whole “man up” and “boys don’t cry” thing is outdated and harmful. It’s 2025,
and bottling up feelings only leads to more stress and mental health issues.
We need to end this toxic cycle and start embracing our emotions. Showing
vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. Let’s break men free
from these old-school norms and create a culture where expressing how they feel is
not just okay, but celebrated. It’s time to be real, be honest, and take care of their
mental health like the kings that they are.
Believe me, you’re not alone in this journey. Let’s be the generation that breaks
down these barriers and supports one another. We got this!
Stay strong, stay real
