Claudia Whaites

Why are you crying? Why are you in a mood? Why don’t you smile like you used to? Why did you just explode like that? Why can’t you control your anger? Why are you being so aggressive?

There is an obvious irony concerning men’s mental health in that the unknowingness surrounding it is known and yet remains untouched.

Let’s talk.

As a woman myself, I am fully aware of the derogatory and incorrect multitude of negative stereotypes we receive daily. However, our enhanced emotional sensitivity provides us with a sense of collectivism when it comes to opening up and supporting each other about darker subject matters. There is a taboo on this matter for men.

Let’s talk.

A supposed loss of masculinity and strength surrounds the address of these issues; hence a stigma has built up within society for the necessity for men to mask and internalise their emotions. Their connective network and access to support need to become more wildly available and accepted as part of the norm.

Let’s talk.

The ‘Movember’ charity addresses the restoration and strengthening of social connections between men. It is a prevalent topic of conversation among all genders during November. However, once those 30 days are up – that’s it. The conversation is brought to a stand-still.

Let’s talk.

This issue of suppression does not lie with the stereotypical stubbornness of boys and men who refrain from admitting they need help in fear of tarnishing their pride, but with society as a whole: condemning or frowning upon those seeking help. The idea of men suffering from mental health issues should be recognised for its normality. They should be able to engage with a safe environment (whether this is in an individual or group setting) at any time to express and engage with their hidden emotional and deepest thoughts.

Let’s talk.

The plague spreading through their minds needs to stop. It has already gone too far.

Why are you crying? Let’s talk. Why are you in a mood? Let’s talk. Why don’t you smile like you used to? Let’s talk. Why did you just explode like that? Let’s talk. Why can’t you control your anger? Let’s talk. Why are you being so aggressive? Let’s talk.