The campaign Movember encourages men to be more open about mental health issues. To challenge the negative aspects of masculinity and the impact this can have on mental health. One in eight men are diagnosed with a mental health problem every year.
The stigma around men's mental health can be a barrier to seeking treatment, particularly among men who may feel pressured to conform to the ‘strong and silent’ masculine ideal. The fear that mental health problems are a sign of weakness may prevent men from addressing their issues before they reach crisis point.
We need to teach boys and men now that having some feminine traits doesn’t take away from being a man. A lot of men in life unknowingly promote the idea of toxic masculinity.
The world is changing and evolving but a lot of boys are learning from their fathers what the ideal “man” looks like.