By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
As the cold breeze of November sets in, so does a powerful reminder: men’s health matters.
Often recognized through the “Movember” movement, the month encourages conversations and fundraising for issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
“I think all mental health is important,” physical education major Kyle Scott, a freshman, said. “I think it’s especially important for men because it’s a common belief that men aren’t supposed to cry.”
For many men, opening up about their emotions can feel like a forbidden act, due to society’s view on masculinity.
Scott said that belief is often instilled in young boys, as at an early age they are taught to hide and suppress their emotions.
For Scott, who has played football since he was 9 years old, he said his upbringing and experiences both on and off the field shaped his idea of what is considered to be tough.
“My dad instilled in me that it’s a cold world, and if you let your feelings get hurt, you ain’t gon’ last long,” Scott said.
Over time, Scott began to realize that being strong did not require him to be silent.
“We got to be tough as a man, but it’s okay to cry,” Scott said.
Similar to Scott, other young men are beginning to unlearn what they were taught about hiding emotions.
For sociology major Ryan Phillips, a junior, that understanding came after facing some of the darkest moments of his life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Phillips struggled with isolation and loss.
“I was locked away in my room. My favorite aunt passed away, and I was just suffering by myself because everyone was suffering. And I wasn’t able to do anything about it,” Phillips said.
Phillips said the weight of his emotions took a toll on him, both mentally and physically, feeling like an anchor.
“It feels like you’re laying down, and you’re sinking into your mattress,” Phillips said.
Phillip said that even though his journey to find peace was an uphill battle, he learned that healing was possible. Through honesty, vulnerability and connection, he learned to open up to loved ones and focus on what brought him comfort.
“I go on drives. I have a goddaughter and godson that I love to hang out with, and I go to my grandma’s house when I get a chance,” Phillips said.
For this reason, Phillips hopes other men who are struggling know that there is always someone willing to listen.
“Your mental health does matter, and it’s important to find someone to talk to,” Phillips said. “It can make you realize that you’re not really okay, even when you think you are.”
Phillips’s openness about his mental health journey reflects a change that more young men are beginning to embrace.
Increased conversation around mental health, can help to foster a movement towards breaking the silence that has surrounded men’s mental health for generations.
For computer science major Quincy Atkins, a freshman, that understanding was instilled in him early on by the people who raised him.
“Growing up, both my grandmas and mom always checked in with me to see how I was doing,” Atkins said.
Atkins said that their open communication taught him that strength can be shown through compassion and that listening can make a lasting impact on those who need it.
Atkins recognizes that society does not always approach mental health with the same level of understanding.
He said many people still overlook mental battles or avoid discussing them, as showing vulnerability is widely viewed as a weakness.
“Sometimes it may not be taken as serious as it should be,” Atkins said.
Through it all, Atkins said that what matters most is learning to rise again. “It’s okay to have low moments,” Atkins said. “Just never stay there.”
