In May, I attended a Project Mental Wellness (SCF Fund) event, “From the Barstool.”
This was and evening of men’s mental health, the stories were true, and they were very impactful.
Men need help; men need to be open to talk and share their feelings; men need to be more confident and be vulnerable.
I certainly was able to relate to the talks that were given at this event held by Project Mental Wellness. For some GenX men, our dads worked, up early and out the door, when work was done, they came home and did not connect with family; moms were the ones to look after kids, cook and take care of the kids in the family.
I can certainly relate to this as this was the case in my house while growing up.
Now, this may not be the case in everyone’s life; however, it is more common. I am not writing this to scare anyone or make you feel sad or go off and try to make up with your dad. There is a real societal problem with men’s mental health, men are increasing social isolated, suffer from boredom, and ignorance. I found this to be very profound and read this article by Scott Gallaway; called “Misdirects.”
“Many boys grow up with nearly no male role models,” he wrote. “Absence of a male role model can result in loneliness, depression, suicide, and an increased susceptibility to radicalization and belief in conspiracies.”
There are supports in our community, they include, Bluewater Health, professional counselling, EAP programs as well as the new provincial 9-8-8.
If you would like more information on Project Mental Wellness Fund or any other Fund at the Foundation, please call and set up a meeting (519) 332-2588.
Mike Barron is the executive director of the Sarnia Community Foundation