Letter of the Day | Men have it rough, shouldn’t be chastised
Published:Wednesday | June 12, 2024 | 12:05 AM
THE EDITOR Madam:
June is Men’s Health Month, yet, as I scroll through social media, my heart sinks. A young lady recently tweeted: “30 plus as a man. No serious relationship. No business ventures. No property. And only own a car? (Maybe not even that). Just go bury yourself, please.” As a young man I find this message disheartening and devastating.
In Jamaica, like many places around the world, men are often measured by their material achievements and their ability to provide. These expectations can be crippling, especially in a country where economic opportunities are limited and the cost of living is high.
The reality for many Jamaican men is stark. According to the World Bank, Jamaica’s unemployment rate hovers around eight per cent, with youth unemployment significantly higher. The struggle to secure stable, well-paying jobs is a common battle. Starting a business or buying property often feels like a distant dream, reserved for a privileged few.
The tweet’s casual dismissal of those who haven’t met these milestones by 30 overlooks a painful truth: many men are silently suffering. Mental-health issues among men are a serious concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men are less likely to seek help for mental-health problems due to societal norms that prize stoicism and self-reliance. This often leads to a dangerous build-up of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Suicide rates among men are particularly alarming. Data from the Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network reveals that men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. The global pattern is similarly distressing, with WHO statistics showing that nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year, and men consistently represent a significant majority of these deaths.
The tweet, albeit perhaps meant as a jest or a critique, lands like a dagger in the hearts of those already struggling to find their footing. It reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that a man’s worth is solely tied to his financial and relational achievements.
It is crucial to foster understanding and empathy and recognise that every individual’s journey is unique. Success cannot be solely defined by societal benchmarks. Men deserve to feel valued for who they are, not just for what they have accomplished.
Instead of tearing each other down, we need to build a supportive community where men feel encouraged and understood. This includes promoting mental-health awareness, providing accessible resources for those in need, and creating an environment where men can express their struggles without fear of judgment.
We must challenge harmful narratives and work towards a society that values compassion over criticism. Only then can we hope to reduce the stigma around mental health and lower the distressing suicide rates among men.
The young lady who tweeted that hurtful message should consider the impact of your words. Understand that behind every screen is a person fighting battles you may never see. Let’s use our platforms to uplift and support each other rather than to condemn.
For those who read that tweet and felt the sting of its message, know that you are not alone. Your worth is not defined by your possessions or your relationship status. There is hope, and there is help. Reach out, speak up, and let’s work together to create a more understanding and supportive world for all men.
JANIEL MCEWAN