Toxic

As a woman in this pandemic I went through so much emotions, so much change, but as a woman I am used to everyone being worried about me and my emotions. I have never had a problem talking about my emotions because someone was always down to listen. I never realized that society was so different for men. I never realized that some considered it wrong for men to talk about their feelings. Men are put in a position where they have to either act like they don't have feelings or be labelled “sensitive” for having feelings. I never thought how guys could go through something and not have the support of their friends because of the fear of being judged, which would probably make them feel even more alone.

I want men to feel like they can be heard. It's okay to have feelings. It's normal; we all have feelings. In my research I have found that “77 percent of respondents said their stress levels increased during the pandemic, while 59 percent reported they felt isolated” but that “a large percentage of men typically avoid seeking treatment for their physical or mental health” (Healthline 2020). A high percentage of men feel isolated, are stressed with the world, but have no help to cope with it. Men avoid seeking treatment due to the fear of being judged. This is wrong because we all have emotions, no matter what your gender is. Men should get help when they need it. The pandemic has impacted us all; we all have emotions.

As I'm watching my little brother grow up, I want him to know it is okay to have feelings. I do not want my brother to hide his feelings so he can prove to society that he's “a man.” I get so furious when I hear that phrase because he is only seven — things happen, and I want him to feel comfortable telling me and my family his feelings. It does not matter our gender, our age, or our background, we all have emotions, and it's okay to show them. We all need to be supportive of each other and help each other out. This pandemic affected all of us, and if you need help, you should get it because we are all here to help. I hope you don't feel alone. I hope you feel loved because in this time, we all need it. You are appreciated and cared about in our BACS community. <3

Source:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-covid-19-is-impacting-mens-mental-health-differently