It was hopefully a joyous and blissful Father’s day for all fathers and men in general. However, many seem to forget that June is also Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Here is what you need to know about the month of June with regards to men.
June Is A Month To Redefine and Honor Patriarchy
As the term ‘patriarchy’ may spark bitter conversations, it is important to note that, it does not always have to be associated with negativity. Patriarchy comes in different structures that vary across cultures and societal settings. Nonetheless, it is the 21st Century and patriarchy needs to have a new font. In light of Men’s Mental Health Awareness, men have always and will always thrive best in positions where their leadership is respected.
Honoring the patriarchy, in 2023, cuts across male dominance. On the contrary, it has everything to do with acknowledging and appreciating the role of the man as the head of the family unit. It also creates a learning platform for young boys, to embrace their position in society and to empower themselves. In a society where radical feminism threatens to kill patriarchy and glorify matriarchy, in the name of equality. It would do the world a whole lot good, if the attention was shifted towards deconstructing the retrogressive nature and laws of patriarchy.
Instead of forming movements that largely focus on the negative effects of patriarchy and ways of ending it. Let us form movements that advocate for an improved form of patriarchy. A structure of patriarchy that allows men, women and children equal rights in a family setting. One that allows for social stability through establishing fair, clear and social roles for members of a family. This in turn provides a sense of order, as well as set lines of authority and responsibility.
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June Is A Month To Be Vocal About Men’s Health
In the past recent years, most people have been very vocal about men prioritizing their mental health. Albeit, a deeper look into matters reveal that most men rarely prioritize their physical health, let alone mental health. Maybe, the focus should be put on encouraging men to visit hospitals more often. June should be a month that purely makes more than enough noise on matters cancer. This is because, Prostate Cancer is just one of the six cancers that mostly affects men.
Other cancers that most men are likely to get include; Testicular, Lung, Colorectal, Bladder and Melanoma Cancer. 5 Most Common Cancers in Men. Hence, men should be encouraged to familiarize themselves with hospitals by visiting them often for cancer screening. Aside from that, they should also be encouraged to form and join support groups that will help them demystify the myths around cancer in men. In turn, this will make it easier for men to seek professional help when it comes to their mental health.
With regards to mental health awareness, the society should also be sensitized on the common sign of depression in men. Studies reveal that, men are four times more likely to commit suicide compared to women. This evidently also indicates that, the number of men silently suffering from depression is higher than that of women. Subsequently, the month of June should also be about enlightening publics on common signs of depression in men. These signs include, loss of interest in work and hobbies and changes in mood. Keeping out an eye for the men in society will help reduce death tolls caused by suicide and encourage more men to speak out on anxiety and depression.
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June Is A Month To Remind Men About Selfcare
It is quite unfortunate that only 1% of men’s population believe in self care. Nonetheless, it is a step in the right direction. Truly, more and more men should be encouraged to engage in other forms of self care aside from exercising regularly. Hence, June should be a month that aims to remind men on the importance of engaging in activities that bring them relaxation. It should be known that activities such as full body massages, manicures, pedicures and picnics are not only limited to women and children.
Equally important, for the purposes of sensitizing masses on the relevance of the month of June to men. Men should be encouraged to dress in blue and trouble our timelines. After all, the highest form of self care is in engaging in activities that not only bring about joy, but also ease and peace of mind. Besides, the best way for the rest of the world to inculcate joy and mindfulness in men is by being mindful of their needs. Consequently, men will feel themselves to be in an environment that encourages them to love themselves loudly and unapologetically.
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With this in mind, the onus is upon both men and women, to make the entire month of June very essential for all men and boys and not just fathers.
