Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

June is used as a month to help recognize and bring awareness to men’s mental health and the stigma surrounding it. The stigma and general thinking around men’s mental health has been that men don’t struggle with mental and emotional hardships the same way they might struggle with physical illness. So, it can easily be overlooked in a doctor’s office, group of friends or even with family, if efforts toward opening a safe space for conversation, sharing resources and normalizing seeking help and guidance aren’t being made.

June helps to dedicate time to these issues and shine a spotlight on what most people will look away from or ignore. Normalizing mental health and emotional wellbeing isn't always as cut and dry as it seems. It requires stepping out of comfort zones, placing boundaries and staying consistent in ways that you may not have fully explored yet. Try not to let all of that scare you away from taking those hard first steps. Starting a conversation is a great segway into opening up and an amazing way to give attention where it's due. But... that doesn't mean it's easy. The three tips listed below can help you build structure for a conversation and help you feel in control of your own wellness.

• It's important to start a conversation with someone you trust, who will listen and be understanding and patient with your process.

• You won't figure out all the answers right away. The first time opening up will probably be messy, won't make a lot of sense and everything might come out in randomly scattered pieces. That's okay!

• Sometimes the hardest emotions to express can actually be really simple to say. "I'm not well" "I need guidance" "I'm struggling." are all phrases that can help spark a conversation that digs deeper.

Communities and organizations work hard to host events, bring resources together for those who are in need and make progress towards raising awareness more and more every year. Options for connection and events are not overflowing, but they are out there and available in Gratiot County! From support, community focused groups and event gatherings, there is plenty of opportunity for you to get involved with other like-minded people. Listed below are a few support resources and upcoming events available for you to reach out, connect with friends and family, and maybe find some healing!

• Man Therapy Michigan - Virtual mental health support

• Gratiot Integrated Health Network Peer Support - In person, connect with mentors

• ZENlightenment's Dad's Day Out Event - Morning fitness and yoga for men + vision board workshop

• Adult Pickleball - Wednesday nights 7pm - Holiday Park, Park Dr Alma Mi 48801

Reach out. Don't stay silent. You deserve care and connection. You are valued and loved.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988 if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis and get connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis counselors listen empathetically and without judgment. Your crisis counselor will work to ensure that you feel safe and help identify options and information about mental health services in your area.