YOU GOOD, BRO?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
“Yeah man, all good.”
This typical response often conceals the truth. It reflects a
greater desire to avoid burdening others with what we honestly feel. But how can we possibly open up about our mental health and well-being in a serious way through such a superficial exchange –
You good, Bro? Broaching the subject of our mental health on other’s well-being is a real challenge when many men view it as
embarrassing, taboo, and a potential threat to defining their
masculinity. Fortunately, the topic of mental health has increasingly
become more socially acceptable and has gained more public attention. However, within the male community at large, it has yet
to make a significant impact. As a man in a fraternity, often surrounded by – what would be referred to as – “toxic masculinity,” I’d like to share the unspoken reality of men’s mental health. Be warned; there’s a lot more going on than you might think in those heads we use for smashing cans of beer.
Many college males experience mental health issues and
deal with their problems in silence. I currently live in what might be considered one of the “worst possible” environments for discussing
the topic of mental health: a fraternity. From a young age, men are
taught to be strong by repressing emotions; it’s the precedent we follow from those older than us. Unfortunately, this only contributes to greater emotional insecurity, and a recurring cycle of perpetuated anxiety experienced further down the road. This
emotional repression operates at a subconscious level, often surfacing in more casual conversations.
A strong example of this is when talking about romantic
interests. Many college men still struggle to address appropriately
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