Many men will live their whole lives without being told they have a nice haircut. Or that their shirt looks nice.
For most men, the only time they will ever receive flowers is during their funeral.
Movember is the month that focuses on men’s mental health. From the struggles of opening up, to the burden of toxic masculinity.
It’s when the world focuses on talking about feelings, raising money and growing moustaches.
But when December 1 arrives, everyone thinks about Mariah Carey and how early shops have put up their Christmas decorations this year. Mental health issues and low self-esteem don’t just go away.
Things have changed but the independent, hypermasculine macho man image still burdens men around the world. And makes them feel isolated and even afraid.
Loneliness
As people become more aware of loneliness amongst the elderly, the focus on men’s loneliness is growing as well, but not always fast enough.
A third of men regularly feel lonely and 15 per cent of men do not have any close friends. This is five times the number in 1990.
Loneliness can develop into depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
The lack of a social safety net makes facing internal struggles more daunting. It’s often frowned upon to tell your friends you have been or are currently struggling. This is often seen as a thing “only women do”.
Women face mental health issues and loneliness as well, but it is harder for men to talk about it amongst themselves. Even as societies become more progressive, men often feel like they can’t open up with anyone, except maybe their partner.
It sounds ironic, but social media is one of the reasons people are lonely and isolated now. Comparing your life to others makes people anxious, which worsens loneliness. It’s like a never-ending cycle.
Building Up
We are a social species. Even introverts need to chat with a friend or hang out in a group.
It’s important to build people up, especially when they mean a lot to you. So tell your brother his outfit looks good or your best friend his new beard suits him.
Giving someone a compliment will not instantly solve any mental health issues. But it can remind someone that they are loved, appreciated and cared for, which could help someone see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Remember how good it feels to receive a compliment, so give that good feeling to others too. Over the whole year.
Feature Image Credit: Pexels
Third year journalism student. 2025/2026 Lifestyle and Comment Editor at Brig. Published in The Yucatán Times, Mi Campeche and The Mourning Paper. Host of From the 40s with Air3Radio.
