Mental health struggles bring many challenges. Different moods, thoughts, and feelings that can prove difficult to deal with. We need to be able to talk about our feelings and get the proper help when we need it. Unfortunately, there are barriers that stand in the way. One is silence, and the other is stigma. Two words that are very closely connected concerning mental health.

The world is getting better at talking about mental health. More people are talking and the stigma surrounding mental illness is being reduced. But there is still far to go. Here in Canada we dedicate certain days to raise awareness surrounding mental health. On these days we see an outpouring of support. Outside of these special occasions, it seems that our dedication to raising awareness and helping each other fades into the background. We are becoming more accepting of illnesses like depression and anxiety. This is long overdue. So many of us have experienced one or both in our lifetime. But there is much less understanding and acceptance of other illnesses. Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse. These conditions are not “normal” enough; that is how it appears to me. Many people end up on the streets because they haven’t received the proper help to deal with their mental health challenges. Those with a mental illness are also twice as likely to have problems with substance use. We tend to look upon these people differently, often looking down on them. I have been blessed to be able to receive help from my friends and family, and mental health professionals. If not for this help, I might be on the streets without a home too.

Silence and Stigma:

Mental illness thrives on silence. Silence fuels stigma. Silence breeds isolation. Many of us struggle with sharing our feelings. This can lead us to feel alone when we are struggling. In reality, there are countless others going through similar things. When people are silent, stigma grows. People have trouble accepting something if nobody is talking about it. Without people sharing their stories and further education, mental ilness is a foreign concept. People will hold onto their misconceptions, archaic views, and opinions.

Voices end the silence. Words break down the stigma. People with mental health struggles feel accepted and believe that they matter. People feed off the strength of the other people that share their stories.

In a perfect world, we have no barriers. Conversations are happening between friends, family, and coworkers.

Men are willing to talk about mental illness. Men are willing to listen. Men are willing to help each other. Us guys have so much difficulty being vulnerable, most of us suffer in silence.

This is not a perfect world. But we need to keep talking. We really do.