avatarWalter Pop Matthews IV

Summary

The article discusses the importance of mental health support for men, emphasizing the need for safe spaces to express emotions and prevent suicide, in light of the death of Stephen "tWitch" Boss.

Abstract

In response to the tragic passing of Stephen "tWitch" Boss, the author reflects on the silent struggles of men coping with life's pressures. The piece highlights the necessity for men to have outlets for their emotions, questioning the societal expectation for them to remain strong and silent. It underscores the value of active listening without judgment, professional therapy, and personal coping strategies such as walking, reading, and creating. The author expresses gratitude for the Medium platform as a means to share and illuminate these critical issues, advocating for more attention to men's mental health to combat the rising suicide rates.

Opinions

  • The author acknowledges the emotional support from female writers/readers but focuses on the male perspective regarding mental health challenges.
  • The death of Stephen "tWitch" Boss serves as a stark reminder of the high suicide rates among men and prompts a discussion on societal norms that suppress male vulnerability.
  • The author believes in the power of self-reflection and personal joy as tools for overcoming adversity, rather than relying solely on external validation or advice.
  • There is a call for improved listening skills in society, where individuals often receive unsolicited advice or judgment when attempting to share their feelings.
  • The article praises the benefits of therapy and encourages men to seek professional help instead of resorting to self-harm or suicide.
  • The author shares personal coping mechanisms, such as physical activity, creativity, and restful sleep, as effective ways to manage stress and anxiety.
  • A sense of purpose and healthy coping mechanisms are seen as crucial for men to lead long and fulfilling lives.
  • The author expresses gratitude for the Medium community, recognizing it as a beacon of hope and a platform for sharing light in a dark world.
  • The piece references other related articles on the topic, suggesting a broader conversation about men's mental health that needs to be amplified.

Does the Invisible Get Seen? Do the Voiceless Get Heard?

In light of a high-profile self-deletion, I've been wondering how other men cope with the constant stress of life. Does anyone hear us? Do you see us? Or are we supposed to be strong and deal with it? We need a safe place to express ourselves.

Photo by jurien hshowTwitch'ssplash

The first thing I want to say is I have so many brilliant women writers/ readers that support me, and I want you to know that I'm not excluding you. I wanted to shine some light on men on this topic.

After The Ellen show Twitch's untimely passing, I wanted to explore the things that helped me through adversity, and I thought about many other men who fell through the cracks. How does life get so bad that someone takes their own life? I've been very sad and hopeless, but I've never even been to the edge of that abyss to peek into the bottomless pit.

I pray I never visit that vacant place. I have reverence for the gift of life. I still empathize with men who feel this empty and lost to take themselves away from their loved ones. It's something that I can't even begin to comprehend. I'd like to know what we can all do to invest in preventing this epidemic.

I know every man isn't the same. Still, when I went through heartbreak, divorce, or the hopelessness of going to a job I dreaded, it wasn't necessarily someone listening to me that helped—canceling the noise outside of me so I could hear the sounds of new possibilities. I began focusing on things that gave me joy that lasted beyond temporary dopamine.

I love people. God bless you all. Most need better listening skills. When someone tries to open themselves up, they either get judged or get advice no one asked for, and the repeat offender is people inserting themselves in your vent. How did you even get into this? Again.

That’s why so many keep things deep inside. It feels like a waste of time and a burden. I salute everyone that invests in themselves by going to therapy. You can see a professional where you're not trading your war stories with each other.

What gets me through daily is walking, reading, dreaming, laughing, creating, writing, and being inspired by people who do the work. Knowing when to unplug, shut it down, and sleep helps me best when I'm stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.

Good sleep renews my mind, and then I have a refreshed outlook. I'm grateful I have productive outlets and healthy coping mechanisms to solve my problems. I pray more men will find their purpose, leading them to the path of a long life.

All of the writers here at medium are extremely fortunate to have this platform, this craft, and each other. Let's keep giving a dark world without some light from our world within.

I wanted to find some articles that went with this topic, and here they are.

Carmellita

Ginger Cook

Joe Valentino

Thank you, editors Sahil Patel Dr. Preeti Singh Yana Boscan'trl

* I can't tag Dr. Preeti for some reason

Reciprocal
Suicide Prevention
Suicide Awareness
Mens Mental Health
Mental Health
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