MENTAL HEALTH MONTH ESPECIALLY FOR MEN

The month of June has been designated as a time to focus on the mental wellness of the male population. The experts have concluded that historically men have displayed an unwillingness to accept our weaknesses and to seek help for physical and other ailments.

It has been suggested that due to the established role of man as the strength of the family, we have been embarrassed when feelings of weakness confront us and in response we try to “tough it out” by pretending that all is well.

Psalm 130, while not being only for men, encourages us to cry out to the Lord for help unashamedly.   “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. “ This is a complete and contrite plea for help from the Almighty.  But let us immediately recognize that the cry for help can be also communicated to each other.  We, as a people, are the representation of the Lord and we have a duty to uphold each other continuously.

The key to being mentally strong is to realize that our strength does not come from within us; it comes from God. “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength in whom I will trust…” (Ps. 18:2).  No matter what happens, put your faith in God and trust that He will take care of you.

The conclusions of mental health experts, known as psychiatrists and psychologists, are very much in keeping with Biblical advice. In the case of us men, most of us have been socialized to pretend to be well, even when we need urgent assistance. Turning inward is not the way.

Rather, that is when we need each other.  The principle of neighbourliness extends beyond the material and may be even more urgent in mental circumstances. And so, our reference material, our Holy Bible, and our technical experts say to us as men, not to be embarrassed in our times of weakness.  It is okay to experience challenges.  In fact, the real show of strength is when we recognize our weaknesses.  It is in these moments that we need to “let go and let God.”  This is the recognition that we are not alone as we confront the challenges thrown up by life.

The greater willingness of our female partners to seek help must be a lesson to us men. This is the indication that we are interdependent beings and in shoring each other up we are carrying out one of the

most fundamental duties as designated by the Almighty.  Let us encourage each other and serve each other as the greatest service to God.

Denzil Wilks

St. Philip’s Church