While it's great to see the Gay Pride event going on again, why do we never see anything for Mens Mental Health month?
Pride has been heavily advocated for over the decades by both members of the LGBT community and our allies. For whatever reason, this same level of advocacy and visibility has not occurred for men's struggles with mental health. For example, the only time I ever see people mention it is when it's compared to Pride month (in particular when certain people are suggesting it is more "important" than Pride month). I don't personally like pitting the two against each other, especially when LGBT people's existence is severely under attack in many prominent countries currently. Also worth noting that many men who struggle with their mental health are also part of the LGBT community.
@Muschi I don't want to seem like I'm pitting them together, but again it seems like mens mental means nothing compared to pride month. Never any mention of it, and to some it's more of a joke than an issue. It's always been that men are told to "man up and get over it" while expected to carry the weight of the world without even a hint of trouble. I don't want to see one overshadow the other, but both need to have attention when it's the chosen time to bring light to the issues. Guess I'm just tired of seeing pride month always massively overshadow mental awareness, especially when I've had a friend end their life because of the burdens they felt from society, and them feeling like they could never measure up to those expectations
I wouldn’t say that Pride overshadows Men’s Mental Health. They’re not comparable things at all…and you might have not intended to, but it does sound like you’re saying one is not shown because the other is. There’s definitely more than enough space for education and celebration of both in their own right. I think I’d rather see an overall event about Mental Health Awareness since all people on game should be educated or encouraged to take care of themselves in that regard.
I'm not. Society does by putting mental health to the sidelines. I'm just trying to bring the issue to light. Do you think pride is more important to mental health after admitting yourself that many men, gay or straight, suffer with their mental health?
One is not more important than the other. That is the point I am trying to make. By comparing them like you are, you are insinuating one is more important than the other... and that is not the case. Additionally, Pride is to address the needs of LGBT people, including mental health needs, so you making that comment tells me you actually have no idea what Pride is (or you do not care). What have you done for Men's Mental Health Month besides making this post to complain about no one doing anything for it? Sometimes it starts with you.
Insults and putting words in my mouth. Well met! When did I say one was more important. All I said is that mens mental health deserves some time as well. Accusing me of not knowing, or caring, about pride us such a deflection tactic. You ask what I've done, but so far you've only included mental health as long as gay men are specifically included where I'm just saying mens mental health. Don't care if your straight, gay, bi, nonbinary, or other. This is the month people are supposed to be aware of ALL men's mental health. To understand the unspoken troubles we hold inside while keeping a happy facade on the outside. So what have I personally done? Always asked the question why it gets skipped over. Is it much? Maybe maybe not, but its still SOMEthing and that in and of itself brings the topic back to the table. Pride has nothing to do with mental health directly, but is marked as a time when no one should feel any kind of shame for who they are inside or out. It's literally in the name.. Pride month. Be proud of who you are. Be proud to express yourself. Be proud of the choices that lead you to this point of self acceptance.
I am not insulting you intentionally. I'm simply making my deductions based on what you're saying. Your intent may not be to debase, but that is absolutely your impact. Perhaps you should work on better phrasing your thoughts so there is no miscommunication in your beliefs. Why are you making comparisons in the first place if your intent is not to suggest one is significantly less important? Yes, Pride month also involves that, but it is more than that. Pride started as protest marches and still involves protest marches in many parts of the world. It isn't just parades and shit. Also, acceptance and lack of shame are intrisically tied to mental health, so that isn't the rebuttal you think it is. I think it isn't really in your best interest to lecture an LGBT person on what Pride month is or isn't, respectfully.
I opened this thread expecting to read up about something involving mens mental health specifically within gay communities and your experiences in that. Instead you're brining it up as a comparative topic. This is unfortunatly the majority of the time I see men's mental health mentioned - as rebuttal to a conversation that has a different root to it. The effect of that is that you sound like you're trying to invade a community that you're not a part of in an attempt to diminish the importance of the topic at hand. People tend not to take too kindly to that. If you want to raise awareness about something you have to open the discussion on it. You can't just sit around waiting for other people to do so.
I agree. Men's mental health awareness is important and shouldn't be reduced to what is quite obviously a pawn in a larger anti-LGBT ploy. I rarely see it brought up where it isn't juxtaposed to Pride Month, and always allegedly by stark prononents of men's mental health awareness. I can give OP the benefit of the doubt that this is not intentional, but it cannot be disregarded how this comparison still contributes to a larger overarching problem. Anyway. What's this thread missing? How about some resources for men dealing with mental health issues? Here is a great starting post masterlist by NAMI, and here is another by the NIH. Head's Up Guys is also a good starting point. Men Who Talk is a UK-based option. And since I mentioned specifically gay men who struggle with mental health, here is a very informative article on the types of sexuality-related mental health issues that affect LGBT men.