This reluctance to get help kills people. The societal norm that says it’s weak for men to seek professional help, that we should be strong and stoic in the face of every situation, kills men.Â
We have done a good job of removing the stigma of getting help for things like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and multiple other symptoms of mental health issues. We haven’t done enough to make it acceptable for people to talk about the trauma they’ve suffered. Until we do that, and until we recognize that we all have experienced various levels of trauma, we’re going to continue to have a growing mental health crisis on our hands.Â
The reality is that we know what kinds of societal change will positively impact mental health. We know that poverty, pollution, discrimination, violence, etc., are environmental factors that harm mental health. We know that medication, exercise, touching grass, etc. won’t make the slightest difference for those factors. (They may help some of the things that factor into mental health issues, but when you’re unhoused or being discriminated against, a walk in the park won’t change that.)Â
We also know what it will take to correct some of those environmental factors, lift people out of poverty, invest in local resources to support each other, eradicate discrimination by creating inclusive programs aimed at the needs of different groups, etc.Â
The only question is whether we care enough to do those things, and the overwhelming answer we’ve gotten in recent months is no.Â
 The truth is that abuse victims can be resilient, but generally not on their own. We also know that it doesn’t end there.Â
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about mental health from online sources. I’ve also seen a lot of false information being shared as well. Some of it is from misunderstanding evidence, but most comes from someone with something to sell. There have been far too many people sharing quick “cures” and lifehacks that will treat depression and anxiety and heal us from trauma that have gone viral, and far fewer honest voices telling the truth about the solutions that are available to support mental health across society, and how complicated it can be when what the media says will work doesn’t work for an individual, because they are, in fact, an individual.Â
Life is complicated and uncertain. Our mental state is impacted by that every single day. It is no longer a choice to do the things that support our mental health. I would add that it’s not just an obligation we have to ourselves but an obligation we owe each other. Take care of yourself, and support other people when you can. That’s the only way forward.Â
