Society has been conditioned to consider and prioritize one’s physical health only. Just think of the time when you were in school – if you got injured or contracted an illness, the school was quick to hand you a break. But, if you were found sulking or underperforming in the classroom, the most the teacher would’ve done is ask you to go refresh yourself or call your parents in for a meeting.
Mental health has been ridiculed and ignored for the longest time. Only now, in the recent few decades, has it gotten the attention that it deserves.
While the pandemic hardly deserves a tribute, it brought awareness towards the mental health cause as many people fell victim to anxiety and depression.
Mental Health and Masculinity
Unfortunately, mental health problems are seen as a weakness or dent in masculinity, which is why men are forced to deal with the short end of the stick. They are often told to “man up” or are told not to cry because it is “not manly”. This ideology has greatly damaged the current generation and will be even more damaging for the next one.
But not if Jimmy Butler, Corry Richards, Jon Batiste, and Zac Clarke’s can help it!
The Interview with Men’s Health
It was their own traumatic experiences that led the four men to open up about mental health. Richards, who had previously struggled with alcoholism, talked about the power of sharing, and it was the first time in years where he felt heard.
Butler talked about the damaging view that is set regarding men and how they are expected to be “superhuman”. He also agreed with Richards, stating that opening up is relieving.
Zac Clark shed light on something that is often overlooked: acceptance. Many people tend to ignore their mental health needs and try to suppress them.
Batiste opened up about knowing and learning the signs that your body is giving you. It is an indication that something is wrong and it requires attention.
After all, in the end, all you’ve got is you.
