Why don’t men cry? Yes, Men don’t cry because they grow up hearing things like “Don’t cry like a girl”, “Big boys like you don’t cry” and “Stop crying and be a man!”

I would like to address a topic that is often overlooked - men and their mental health. We often hear about the phrase, "Be a man," which implies that men should be strong, stoic and unemotional. Men, like anyone else, experience stress, anxiety, and depression. They too need support, understanding, and a safe space to express their feelings.

Just because they aren’t crying while watching Coco or sobbing after a break-up doesn’t mean men don’t have feelings. It doesn’t mean something’s wrong with them. But it definitely means that a lot is wrong with the society and the standards that it sets for men. One significant aspect of men's mental health is the stigma associated with seeking help. Men are less likely to seek professional assistance when facing mental health challenges. This reluctance may be due to fear of being perceived as weak or vulnerable. As a result, many suffer in silence, which can lead to more severe mental health issues.

It's essential for us to break down these barriers and create an environment where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. Being strong no longer means suppressing emotions, but rather, it involves acknowledging them and seeking help when needed. It's a sign of courage to confront one's mental health challenges head-on.

To all the men listening today, I want to emphasize that seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness. So cry. Cry when you are in physical pain. Cry when you lose someone you loved dearly. Cry if something breaks your heart. Cry if someone’s pain hurts you too. Cry if talking about something makes you feel too much. Cry even if your brain (and the society) tells you not to. Cry, grieve, sob and heal. Do whatever it takes to get those emotions out of your heart but at no cost swallow them in.