Did you know June is Men’s Health Awareness month? As a parent of four sons (and a daughter), with one teenager still in the home, I know all too well the myriad of ways all my children have faced social pressures growing up; albeit to say, there were distinct ways in which the boys encountered peer pressure that was unique to them, particularly around mental health stigmas and taking care of their own emotional well-being. One can easily look around and see that societal messaging doesn’t always support men filling their emotional and spiritual wells. In fact, mental health in America today is in a crisis mode and those stigmas surrounding mental health, particularly with males is at an all-time low which can easily lead to making unhealthy choices such as substance use. I was telling my eldest son about writing this article for Men’s Health Awareness month and he said, “Tell men its ok to cry”. As a mom, I’m relieved to hear him say that and know that he has the confidence to talk openly about mental health with me and with others, that’s one way we can help break those stigmas.
Sadly, Oregon ranks as one of the lowest in the country right now for providing mental health supports to young people struggling with mental illness including access to care. (Source: Mental Health America based on self-reported rates of mental illness, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts). According to the report, one out of five Oregon youth have experienced a “major depressive episode” in this past year, the highest in the nation. We have got to continue investing in mental health and prevention as a community and here are just a few ways we can do that as individuals:
- Take action by writing to your local elected officials to seek support for legislation that addresses and promotes mental health needs in your State or even to Congress for national change.
- Mentor a youth in your neighborhood.
- Give your time, talent or donations to a local non-profit advocating for children’s mental well-being and breaking the cycle of generational poverty such as the Salem Dream Center Salem Dream Center
As we look forward to Father’s Day this coming Sunday on the 18th, my hope and prayer is that we’re also taking the time to support and encourage the men around us, the fathers, grandfathers, husbands, brothers and uncles who enrich our lives. Start a conversation about mental health and ask how they’re taking care of their emotional, physical and spiritual needs and offer support to help them in those efforts…(ie., getting enough sleep, eating healthy, being physically active, maintaining community connections & starting their day out with prayer and thanksgiving, etc).
In closing, Hayu Masi to the Community Health staff for hosting an event in honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, being held in the Health and Wellness atrium on Thursday, June 22nd from 1-4pm. Come to learn more about Men’s Health Awareness & Prevention and support the men in our community. For more information contact Alisha Parks Shell, Community/Public Health Manager at CTGR, 503-879-6542 [email protected]
Do #MoreForMentalHealth
800-273-TALK (8255)
Text “talk” to 741741
Be well.
Michael Cherry