Challenging the narrative for even just one person in your life could indeed save theirs. Men can and do cry, feel anxious, and need someone to listen sometimes. They deserve support and space to feel. If you’re struggling, remember: you’re not broken, and you’re not weak, and you’re not alone. 💙

So how do we fight the myth? If someone says "therapy is for weak people," or "men shouldn't do x, that's weak," remind them that facing your struggles, being honest, and trying something new takes a lot of real courage. Seeking support IS a sign of strength, despite what culture tells us.

Instead, they're more likely to turn to misled or even dangerous coping stategies, such as substance use and high-risk behaviors. They're also often diagnosed later, as they may wait until symptoms are worse, which puts their lives at risk.

When we internalize these ideas, men might fear social rejection from others and resist getting help when they need it most due to shame and stigma. Others in their lives may force these gender-based standards onto them as well. Because of all of this, men are less likely to seek help in general.

From a young age, boys are told to "man up," and that "boy's don't cry." Masculinity = Emotional control. These messages stick with us, regardless of gender. Sadness, fear, anxiety, and the need for support get mislabeled as weakness, even though these are just human feelings that we all experience.

We’re looking forward to using this new series to fight mental health stigma and share knowledge in the coming weeks! We would also love to hear any ideas from the community on subjects to research. In the meantime, stay curious and compassionate 😊💚

When you encounter information about mental health, you can never ask too many questions. Look for credible resources, and do your own research before accepting any mental health information or advice. You might learn something new!

Misinformation about mental health can stop people from getting help, promote harmful or unhelpful ideas, spread stigma and shame, and lead to misunderstandings and judgments on others’ experiences.

Mental health misinformation is false or misleading info about mental health. It can be about symptoms, treatments, causes, or those who experience mental illness. It can show up in memes, “inspirational” quotes, or even well-meaning advice, both online and in everyday interactions.

It's easy to fall into auto-pilot, especially when we're busy. Taking time to check-in and care for yourself every day (not just on the bad days) can help you build awareness, notice patterns early, and care for your mind more thoughtfully. 💚

(3/3)

First, take 3 deep breaths to ground yourself. Then, ask yourself:

1. How am I feeling, and why?
2. What does my body need right now?
3. What do I feel like I can handle today?
4. What can I do to care for myself today?

(2/3)