Your mind matters too. In a world, where men are always supposed to be strong, silent, and keep moving at all times – such a world that usually refuses even to ask, “But how are you really doing?”
This is a true talk on men’s mental health. On loneliness that does not always have to manifest itself in being alone. On pressure, you don’t talk about anything. Concerning the silent hope for development and peace.If you ever felt like nobody understands what you are carrying, this space will be for you. And the questions in you? Some of the honest answers are lying not very far below.
In the fast and hyper connected world of the 21st century, men are too often expected to provide strength and stability – to “hold it all together”: be strong, independent and emotionally impenetrable. However, beneath the strong exterior, there are many men who are suffering in silence in terms of loneliness, mental health issues, and the pressure to live up to expectations of the society. It is something that talk should be more open about: men’s mental health is also important as anyone else’s and should be given the same attention, care and support.
What’s the Reason That So Many Men Are Suffering from Loneliness?
Loneliness is much more than being alone – it is the feeling of isolation, being misjudged or unheard even when not physically alone. In today’s digital-first world, loneliness has come to be an epidemic, and men are especially at risk. They are commonly conditioned to suppress their feelings, to “man-up” and keep moving, and this leaves so many fighting with emotions they cannot fight.
The social pariah status associated with vulnerability just makes the problem worse, with men finding it even harder to open up and receive the help that they need. Loneliness may have various manifestations but it is important to remember – it is normal to feel lonely, and that does not make you weak but human.
Is It Better to Be Scaled down Than in a poisonous connection with Another?
One of the greatest challenges that many men struggle with is the ‘fulltime job’ to remain in relationships or friendship that isn’t beneficial for them. However, sometimes, it is better to be alone than stay in a poisonous marriage. It’s good to have in mind that leaving relationships that suck all your emotional being is okay even if it means to have to deal with loneliness.
Technically, it’s not like avoiding other people; it’s about having peace over chaos. Doing your best to be comfortable on your own allows you to be more at peace with yourself and that is what makes room for healthier and more relevant relationship later on. Do not compromise just because one fears to be lonely. Because a person has no one to share his life with or someone to confide in.
can a man become his own best companion?
Yes, he can—and he should. Men are a taught oftentimes to be strong for other people, but not necessarily strong for themselves. To be your own best companion, it means you get to be your best friend, one whom you can call and be very comfortable upon meeting or spending time with. It is a process of training to be at ease with your self and experiencing the peace in yourself.
It is not the perfectness but the authenticity. Each man has his own troubles, but the tool to escape from them is rising above self-perception and self-soothing. Accepting yourself, warts and all, will make you your best friend. Do not be scared of spending time with yourself, feeding your growth, and accepting your path to healing.
What Are the Ways for Men to Support One Another Without “Fixing” Each Other?
Men are subject to such misconceptions as the necessity to “fix” each other when they are struggling. However, true support does not have to always be in the form of providing a solution; rather it is by listening, by being there, and by just showing up for your friends without any pre-convictions.
At times, the best thing you can do for another man is just be there for him without coming up with suggestions or trying to fix his life. It is an effort to make them feel seen, heard and understood and without any expectations. As men, we need to understand that there is no fixing the problem, but holding space for vulnerability and for connection.
What if you find yourself stuck, lost or as if you are failing?
There have been instances when all of us have wished we were out of a certain situation; work, relationship, or even in our mental health state. Easily, one feels like a failure when one is not where one wants to be. But do not forget that being stuck is not the end of the road – it’s a start of change.
Men are usually afraid of expressing their struggle but being vulnerable and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It makes you human. At other times, growing up means understanding that you don’t have all the answers and it is okay. It’s about taking the next small step like, when you are not sure of the whole plan.
What Is Mental Health Aspect of Embracing Discomfort?
It is easy to entertain the notion that mental health equals to being “okay” all the time; but in fact, mental health is about knowing how to accept the highs and the lows. Like physical fitness, the mental fitness also asks us to accept discomfort, fear, and doubt.
When men learn to deal with their emotional discomfort rather than shove it to the back or bury it, they start learning about themselves. These moments of weakness and struggle to deal with emotions are what sparks growth. Men need to understand that their mental health is also a journey just like their physical health that calls for efforts, patience and understanding.
How Do You Have the Strength of Mind Without Becoming a Bitter Person?
Sometimes life is not as we may want it to be and one is easily tempted to become bitter and resentful. However, bitterness won’t make your grow it will just make you stuck to negative emotions. Mental strength is through learning how to move through those feelings in grace, honor, and strength.
The true strength lies in the fact of allowing oneself to be open, vulnerable, and kind even when life is not easy. Men need to realize mental toughness is not turning the feelings off, it’s facing them and moving on.
You’re Not Broken—You’re Becoming
The route of mental health is not a straight line. There will be days when you smile and days when you cry, there will be days when you are happy and days when you are sad. However, every step that you take is a growth of yours. Loneliness doesn’t define you. Emotional pain doesn’t define you. These are elements of a stronger, more resilient man.
Do not forget that you are not broken instead you are becoming. And this journey of loving yourself, your feelings, and your mental health will be the one that will take you to a more balanced and fulfilled life.