Mental health is a strong factor in our day to day lives. From internal and external practices and adjustments to processing experiences and allowing space for inner healing, it is a necessity to include when taking care of yourself.

For the month of June, I am observing the Awareness for the Male Gender. This time is a sectioned period to allow for a theme that is not as commonly discussed as others. The idea of health is not portioned to one group or category, it reaches all areas! Men face many challenges in life that require a certain presence and calling for self-initiated strength.

General Beliefs & Stigmas

A thought or idea that is prominent in this realm is that men are expected to be. Expected to be strong, resilient, unwaringly progressive in personal and professional fields, protectors, and excellent. From taking care of household members to stepping up in high roles, the guideline that is as traditional as it is potent is carefully crafted to shape what may be seen as: Whole. The matter may not assign identity roles as those layers can add curving elements to the mold.

What is important to remember is that mental health is a pillar of output that has no labels. In order to show up as -, we show up as people first. The construct of hidden emotional labor is neutralized in everything that we do. In the same matter, much of what is to be done must be nurtured in care. From personal experience, I have seen thoughts of femininity anchoring how male mental health is to be represented. This can cause a large concensus of sheltered thinking and expression in normal human reaction. Ultimately, contributing to the general stigma that shapes society and how we see men. This can cause a few questions to arise to the surface.

• What kind of experience does this cause for men?
• What quality of life does this create for how men show up in the world?
• What spaces allow for free-thinking and nonjudgement?
  

Encouragement, Normalizing, & Better Overall

Unprecedented pressures can be a heavy weight to carry in today's economy. When these endeavors begin to heighten, it calls for encouragement and support.

The ideal decency for one another would be to allow for open space in being. Well-being is a key factor in how the betterment of males can improve overtime. It may be introduced as an idea but strengthens itself into a societal normality. That may be how we can contribute to normalizing the idea of safeness in vulnerability without worry for role inheritance.

Learning to support in certain realms is a process as well. Sharing a common interest or providing a listening ear can assist in instilling a support wall that may be built in the inner and outer. These matters require systems as well, as changes or new acts may not happen in a rapid time period.

For us ladies, recognizing moments of how we can show up for support can look different! As signs of strain may be represented differently than women (Irritability, anger, resistance, etc.), instilling unbiased support can represent a small contribution with a vast impact.

Whether support is shown in families, with partners, or your closest pals, checking in on a male companion can serve to brighten the day of many! This June, Mental Health Awareness Month is observed for the men out there to include this concept of open spaces and better mental health outcomes. Enjoy the summer season and warm days ahead!