By Jadyn Jones
June is for Fighting Against Stigmas
During Men’s Mental Health month, our goal is to remind others that mental health does not discriminate and affects everyone. Society has produced countless stigmas surrounding men’s mental health and we are here to provide resources that offer support, information and assistance to those in need and also for those who want to help a loved one.
The following is a list of resources that are most convenient; just a call, text or click away.
A Call Away: The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis hotline that is reachable at 988 (also available through text)). This lifeline allows access to trained personnel who are available to listen, provide emotional support, and connect individuals to local resources regardless of whether you are the one in crisis or someone you know is.
A Text Away: For those who prefer text-based communication, the Crisis Text Line is a valuable resource. By texting “HOME” to 741741, individuals can access a network of trained crisis counselors who offer help and support via text messages. This service is available 24/7, providing immediate assistance to those in crisis.
A Click Away: Man Therapy is committed to raising awareness on various mental health topics and how they impact men. Their website offers a great deal of information and resources, in order to break the stigmas surrounding therapy and mental health for men. Man Therapy also provides resources for helping a loved one. https://mantherapy.org/
For so long men were told expressing their emotions and asking for help made them weak and diminished their masculinity. Men were often told they can’t experience depression and that their feelings were invalid. Well the truth is, over 6 million men a year suffer from depression, but many are undiagnosed. Not only do they often go undiagnosed, but men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide each year than women. Why? Society has placed harsh stigmas on men’s mental health which has made seeking help and expressing emotions go against the norm.
June is Men’s Mental Health Month which means it is a month of fighting against stigmas and creating a new norm. A Pathway to Joy is here to share the resources and help needed to support individuals who need it most, especially those society tried to count out. Our mission is to create a world where every individual feels valued, understood and encouraged to seek help and live a life filled with hope and purpose. Please continue to join us on our journey to help others on their own Pathway to JOY.
Your emotions are valid.