Boys are Suffering Too: Here’s How We Miss That

Date: Sunday 19 May 2024

This article by Lisa Damour for the American Institute For Boys and Men, "Boys Are Suffering Too - Here's How We Miss That" sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked issue. The well-being of young males faces significant challenges in today's society. Many boys struggle in silence, their emotional needs frequently overshadowed by societal expectations and stereotypes.

It’s often said that children are our future, yet society continually overlooks a critical group within this demographic – boys. In the conversation about mental health and wellbeing, young males often fall through the cracks. At Brothers in Arms, we deeply understand the unique challenges boys face in managing their mental health. It's time to spotlight these issues and work towards real, tangible change.

Societal Expectations and Emotional Suppression

From a young age, boys are taught to be strong, stoic, and resilient. These expectations can stifle their ability to express emotions openly. Emotional suppression isn't just harmful; it's dangerous. Bottling up feelings can lead to severe mental health issues down the line. Society’s reluctance to allow boys vulnerability sets the stage for long-term consequences.

The Quiet Crisis of Boys

Boys face an insidious crisis of silence. In educational settings, they’re often disciplined rather than understood when displaying signs of distress. This lack of emotional education exacerbates feelings of isolation and frustration. Instead of receiving support, many boys learn early on that showing emotions will lead them into trouble.

The Role of Education in Shaping Mental Health

Schools must play an active role in changing these dynamics. Incorporating emotional intelligence into curriculums can create safe spaces where boys feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgement or repercussion. Teachers should be trained not only to recognize signs of emotional distress but also to respond with empathy and support.

The Unspoken Impact on Wellbeing

Mental health isn’t solely about dealing with crises; it’s also about everyday interactions and experiences shaping one’s sense of self-worth and identity. For boys, societal norms tying masculinity with being "tough" manifest in harmful ways—leading them down paths where they feel unable to seek help or discuss their struggles.

A Call for Empathetic Support Systems

Creating empathetic support systems is crucial for addressing these unseen struggles effectively. At Brothers in Arms, we champion an approach that involves listening deeply to what males need and tailoring responses that resonate with their lived experiences—whether through digital platforms like our Blethr technology or community initiatives promoting open dialogue.

Towards an Open Dialogue Culture

Nurturing environments where conversations about mental health are normalized will significantly reduce the stigma associated with seeking help among young males, especially before reaching crisis points which is our core mission—to foster an open dialogue culture enabling men across all ages to feel empowered to share thoughts without judgment.

Read the full article here: https://aibm.org/commentary/boys-are-suffering-too-heres-how-we-miss-that/