Isa Riaño, Advertisement Manager
In light of National Men’s Health Awareness Month in November, mental health for men is something we should focus on moving forward into December. Continue reading to learn more about how we can encourage men to open up about their emotions.
It is very important to support men when they are struggling. Saint Leo University students agree that men deserve a safe space to be vulnerable and talk about how they feel.
“Men should not hide their tears or repress their emotions because, at the end of the day, they are humans,” said Jose Lopez, a freshman majoring in criminal justice. “Just because we are men does not mean we have to act like robots.”
Making it possible for men to express their emotions also benefits them in their relationships.
“If we normalize men being open about their mental health, ultimately they become better partners,” said Tim Rutherford, the accounting assistant of Sunrise of Pasco County. “By being able to express themselves, they avoid having anger attacks and blocking out their partner.”
Some men, however, struggle with the stigma that they must “man up” and refrain from speaking up.
“The phrase ‘be a man’ was said to me as a child when I cried because society expects men to be strong,” said Gavin Roberts, a freshman majoring in environmental studies. “Being raised this way taught me that I did not deserve to express myself properly.”
There are ways for us as a community to support men and provide a safe space for them to express themselves. Faculty at Saint Leo support this effort.
“It is important for us to listen without judgment and to be that person who a student knows will accept and care for them,” said Michael Bailey, the director of Career Services and Accessibility.
It is also important for men to be open about their feelings and show other men that it is acceptable for them to do the same.
“I have experienced depression, and I try to set an example that it is okay for men to talk about their struggles,” said Rutherford.
Men’s Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder for men to express their emotions openly and for those around them to make them feel at ease while doing so. Let us move forward to 2023 with the goal of supporting men with their mental health.
