International Men’s Day – Celebrating Health and Sobriety
International Men’s Day (IMD) is celebrated every year on November 19th. The primary focus of the day is physical and mental health for men around the world. It also aims to improve gender relations between men and women, support gender equality, and highlight the positive male role models we have in our lives. It is an extremely empowering and positive holiday.
International Men’s Day draws attention to one particular gender for a day and focus’ on the specific problems that the gender faces. This is done not through an exclusionary model or one that marginalizes women, rather it seeks to better the wellness of men worldwide by getting everyone involved.
Improving Men’s Wellness Through Sobriety
One large component to IMD is focused on improving men’s mental wellness and there is no better way to do that than to support sobriety. Alcoholism and drug addiction are one of the issues that plague men around the world. The disease of addiction is devastating to the addict and the families that love them.
It’s Ok To Admit You Have A Problem
One core facet to empowering men through IMD is to say to every man worldwide, “it is ok to admit you have a problem”. There is absolutely no shame in addressing a substance abuse problem and seeking out the necessary help to break the pattern.
Supporting a Brother in Need
Substance abuse doesn’t always show itself to the person afflicted by it. Often times it takes an outside perspective to highlight the issue. Another key component to empowering men on IMD is attaining the courage to help out a brother in need. If you know of a friend or family member suffering from substance abuse, don’t be afraid to gently reach out to that person and offer a helping hand. Let them know that you are there to support them in getting the help they so desperately need.
Celebrate By Hosting a Sober Event
There is no better way to celebrate IMD than by celebrating sobriety. There are so many ways that men can get together and have fun, without the use of drugs or alcohol. International Men’s day is about self-improvement and empowering each other toward better lifestyle choices.
Suicide Prevention
International Men’s Day also focuses heavily on suicide prevention. Around the globe suicide rates among men continue to climb higher, as the pressures of modern society continue to pile on. Men can feel particularly vulnerable to these pressures. Part of IMD is to raise awareness of male suicide and to seek ways to dramatically reduce suicide rates through different mental wellness assessment and awareness initiatives.
No One is Immune to Depression or Suicidal Thoughts
It doesn’t matter how successful or strong a man is, no one is immune to feeling depressed, lonely, stressed, or otherwise mentally unwell. Suicide affects everyone and does not discriminate. If you know someone that seems to be struggling with stress, depression, or any other mental wellness crisis, then always act quickly.
Get Involved
There are many charity initiatives launched to support men’s health and a great thing to do is to support a different charity every year on IMD. Whether it be volunteering your free time, or donating a few dollars, be proactive in offering support.
Charities to check out.
Movember – The Movember Foundation is the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round. We have one goal: to stop men dying too young.
Prostate Cancer Foundation – The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world’s leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer research.
Zero – How do we end prostate cancer? TOGETHER!
Healthier Men Can Contribute to a Healthier World
So get out there and make IMD count. It’s only one day per year, so challenge yourself to make a positive difference. If everyone joins together to empower men’s wellness on this day, it is unimaginable to think of how plentiful the benefits could be. One day a year we can all join together to try and make the world a better place for everyone of all genders.
Check out the International Men’s Day Website for more ways to get involved.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
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