Each year on International Women’s Day, without fail, scores of men whine about having a day to call their own. Unbeknownst to some, they do have one.
International Men’s Day falls on Nov. 19, just like it does any other year.
November 19th https://t.co/ZRp0jKAOJR
— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) March 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/andizeisler/status/1196843166835462145
All jokes aside, International Men’s Day actually highlights some pretty important issues dealing with mental and physical health.
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For example, the day highlights that men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. They are also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol when suffering from mental issues and not seek out therapy or psychological help.
Toxic masculinity is a leading reason for this, according to mental health charity the Samaritans.
#InternationalMensDay
— MentalHealthMillion (@MentalHealthMil) November 19, 2019
Men (& boys) can be affected by:
Depression
Anxiety
Anorexia
(C)PTSD
Bipolar
Bulimia
Psychosis
OCD
BPD
Loneliness
& suicide which is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50
Fellas, you have to speak out, there is no shame in suffering, silence can kill
Today is #InternationalMensDay and a worthy reminder to reach out and check in on your mates – you never know what may be going on behind the scenes. 💭
— The King’s Trust (@KingsTrust) November 19, 2019
Even just a few messages of support could break a negative cycle, and remind us all that it’s ok not to be ok. 📱🗣 pic.twitter.com/EF6gZTjJpi
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DrdKaAY6x/
People are using International Men’s Day as an opportunity to push back against toxic masculinity.
“Remember boys: You don’t have to be over 6ft to be attractive, or have a six-figure salary to be successful,” Twitter user @nakanodrawing wrote. “It’s okay to talk about your problems–to cry, to ask for help. Being strong is being yourself.”
Remember boys:
— nakanoart (@nakanodrawing) November 19, 2019
You don’t have to be over 6ft to be attractive
Or have a six-figure salary to be successful
It’s okay to talk about your problems
To cry, to ask for help
Being strong is being yourself
Have a wonderful day!#InternationalMensDay pic.twitter.com/FheD6hZeeN
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DsRQMglM6/
https://twitter.com/charllandsberg/status/1196704747757146112
On #InternationalMensDay, a special shout-out to every boy/man trying to unlearn the ugly culture of toxic masculinity that we’ve been taught from the day we are born. I know its a tricky, uncomfortable and continuous journey but I hope that we’ll come out as better ppl my dudes.
— Hamza (@wingsforus) November 19, 2019
Others are urging men to indulge in some self-care.
“Today marks 45 weeks on T and it’s also #InternationalMensDay. I’ve got my first singing lesson in years and I’m gonna eat a burger and also do a face mask and then do push ups. Masculinity means whatever the fuck you want it to. Don’t be afraid of softness. Kiss a mountain,” Twitter user @Nowacking wrote.
HEY LADS!
— Tom Campbell (@TomCampbell) November 19, 2019
Take it from previous personal experience: having a Bubble Bath and listening to Enya after a day feeling inexplicably sad is the dog’s bollocks! Try it!
It’s okay to not be okay.
You’re more bloody loved than you could imagine! ❤️#InternationalMensDay
Today marks 45 weeks on T and it’s also #InternationalMensDay. I’ve got my first singing lesson in years and I’m gonna eat a burger and also do a face mask and then do push ups. Masculinity means whatever the fuck you want it to. Don’t be afraid of softness. Kiss a mountain.
— Jesse Nowack (@Nowacking) November 19, 2019
Men who have suffered from mental health problems are sharing their stories publicly to try and encourage other men who are suffering silently to do the same.
“I’ve previously sought help for my issues. Because of that, I know I’m bipolar, ADHD, and hypermetabolic. I’ve been suicidal, and had night terrors since four. More, too,” Twitter user @InsanityIsFree wrote. “It’s #InternationalMensDay. Know it’s okay to seek help, and be open. The more are open, the more we live.”
Never be afraid to speak about Mental Health. Many of us have been there too. #InternationalMensDay
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) November 19, 2019
Talking matter https://t.co/WRPiC23rva
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Drq5jg1or/?utm_source=ig_embed
I’ve previously sought help for my issues.
— Jeremiah Harding 🦔 (@InsanityIsFree) November 19, 2019
Because of that, I know I’m bipolar, ADHD, and hypermetabolic. I’ve been suicidal, and had night terrors since four. More, too.
It’s #InternationalMensDay. Know it’s okay to seek help, and be open.
The more are open, the more we live.
International Men’s Day is also here to highlight men’s physical health issues. Men are much less likely to go to the doctor than women, even when experiencing the same exact symptoms, according to the Guardian. A lot of men forgo having their testicles and prostates examined due to embarrassment or lack of awareness.
“I lost my father and my brother to #cancer. According to the CDC, the most common kinds among U.S. men: skin, prostate, lung and colorectal. Know the risks, get checked, stay healthy. #InternationalMensDay,” Twitter user @TomAckermanWx wrote.
Let’s open up about checking our balls this #InternationalMensDay 👊⚽🎾🏀
— OddBalls (@myoddballs) November 19, 2019
Tag mates & family to remind them to check themselves EVERY MONTH & keep spreading the word!📣🙌 pic.twitter.com/zusfYXdHwm
Happy International Men’s Day to the trans men in Ireland who are still fighting for access to gender affirming healthcare. Trans people belong in the fight for reproductive justice and bodily autonomy doesn’t stop at repeal #InternationalMensDay pic.twitter.com/mX0p3Ed3mC
— Abortion Rights IE (@freesafelegal) November 19, 2019
I lost my father and my brother to #cancer. According to the CDC, the most common kinds among U.S. men: skin, prostate, lung and colorectal. Know the risks, get checked, stay healthy. #InternationalMensDay
— Trackerman ⚡️ (@TomAckermanWx) November 19, 2019
One in eight men will get prostate cancer and specialist nurses working for @ProstateUK are crucial in helping support them following a diagnosis. This #InternationalMensDay we speak to one nurse about her crucial role. https://t.co/0Kfw0DoSJV
— The RCN (@theRCN) November 19, 2019
So, on this International Men’s Day–and all year round–remember that it’s OK to go to the doctor, therapist, or simply open up about your feelings to a loved one. And always, always practice self-care; a good bubble bath never hurt anyone.
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