I’m Not Okay – A Conversation with Men, About Men’s Mental Health

I’m Not Okay – A Conversation with Men, About Men’s Mental Health

Published On: June 10, 2021

How do you know if you’re NOT OKAY?

Join us for a powerful conversation on men’s mental health with CTV Sports Anchor Joe Tilley and TSN Host and creator of #sicknotweak Michael Landsberg along with Executive Director of Bayridge Counselling Centres, Kim Christink.

In the video segment, “I’m Not Okay,” they explore why when it comes to men’s mental health, it can be difficult for men to acknowledge they are not okay and need help.

The panel discusses additional signs to recognize when we are not okay. The group shares their experience of how they sought help and the importance of building a community of support. We would like to thank all the participants for sharing their stories and journeys.

Why Don’t Men Ask for Help? 

Most men will not ask for help because it goes back to how they were raised. They will put on a façade on the outside and tell others they are okay, even though internally we are not. Asking for help is a sign of weakness. Men do not want to appear weak.

Fear also plays a role in preventing men from asking for help. They are afraid to admit they’re not okay. They do not want to have to be dependent on someone else. Not to mention, most men are not even sure how to ask for help or say they are struggling.

How Can Sharing Help? 

When a man hears another man opening up and sharing about his personal experiences, whether it a mental health problem, emotional problem, or addiction, it can give them the confidence to want to share their story too.

But, getting to the point where they can share is challenging. By opening up, one must admit they had a problem they were not in control of and ask for help. Yet, once they can reach that point, they often find that the more they share, the more it helps others. That, in itself, does not make men weak.

The good news is help is there for men, if they can reach out, trust someone, and take the first step by admitting they’re not okay. The important thing to remember is you are not alone. There are a lot of us going through exactly what you are going through, who have gone through what you are feeling or experiencing and can help.

To find out more about how to tell when you’re not okay and how to ask for help, Bayridge Counselling Centres invites you to watch the video, “I’m Not Okay.” By doing so, hopefully, we have been helpful to somebody out there.