June is Men's Health Month!
As part of the fight against toxic masculinity and its effects, it is vital to have services that can assist men who may be unwilling or unable to seek help when dealing with their own illness or the diagnosis of a family member. Spaces such as palliative care centres are dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with the effects of a life-limiting diagnosis. They are an essential aspect of the fight against toxic masculinity and its harmful effects. It is important that we all work together to ensure men feel that they are able to seek out the assistance they need. Here are a few helpful resources to turn to that offer both physical and mental health services. The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation offers a directory of services available in Canada to assist men who may feel unable to seek out the help they need. These supports range from mental health resources to online medical consultations. In addition, the Government of Canada has a webpage devoted to men’s health issues that offers guidance on a wide range of issues relating to physical and mental health.
Caring for Men’s Health
A life-limiting diagnosis forces individuals to grapple with the idea of death, which can cause feelings of fear and shock that cannot be easily suppressed or ignored. Individuals coping with a life-limiting illness as well as their loved ones often need emotional support to work through the difficult feelings associated with the diagnosis. It is essential that individuals and their family members feel that they are able to seek out the assistance they need, which is not always the case for men dealing with harmful standards about the ways they should deal with sadness, fear or pain. Toxic masculinity is an unwritten code according to which men must suppress emotion or pain to maintain the appearance of stoicism. It can be harmful to men because it discourages them from seeking health care, emotional guidance or support when dealing with a difficult experience. This is particularly the case for men dealing with their own life-limiting illness or the diagnosis of a loved one. Imagine experiencing sadness, fear or pain but being told by someone close to you to “suck it up” or to “deal with it”. These phrases sound harsh as no one should be left alone to deal with pain or other difficult emotions. However, society has upheld these ideas when it comes to responding to men’s emotions. Historically, men have faced unrealistic and unhealthy standards that often discourage them from seeking help when they are experiencing difficulties. Many young men are told that “boys don’t cry” and to “man up”. While society has begun to reject these standards, they still affect many men today. June is officially recognized as Men’s Health Month to combat some of these harmful views that are part of what is known as toxic masculinity.
58% 38%
of men feel like they're expected to be "emotionally strong and to show no weakness".
of men have avoided talking to others about their feelings to avoid appearing "unmanly."
Sources: Global Ipsos Poll ,mindbodygreen.com
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