Let’s mark this point in history

In the coming years, we are going to see and hear an increase in men

feeling lonely,

suffering from depression,

experiencing stress symptoms,

having anxiety,

being emotionally distressed.

You might think: What is going to happen in the next years for this to be reality?

But it is already reality.

It’s just not talked about.

Thankfully, we’re slowly starting to.

It’s beginning to be mentioned in the news, people are talking about it online. 

And as it is talked about more, we are going to see these numbers go up.

Or rather, they real numbers are going to be revealed.

So let’s mark this. Because we have to remember that the numbers are high not because something has recently changed or happened, but because we are starting to unravel the truth about the effects of inequality on men.

Men seem to have the advantage in our culture and society, but scratch the surface just a bit, and the fragile system that benefits men will collapse:

Men commit more suicides than women.

Men commit more violence than women, and are more likely to be recipients of said violence.

Men die younger.

Men are less likely to seek medical help, often not before it’s too late.

Men are more likely to be involved in work-related accidents.

Men have fewer close intimate friendships, especially with other men.

Men suffer more from heart-related diseases.

I could go on.

And this is not recent. This has been going on for generations.

And it will probably take a few generations to turn around.

I myself struggled with much of the above. Until my late twenties, maybe even the beginning of my thirties, I had a hard time calling myself a man, because I just didn’t seem to fit into the stereotype.

Luckily, I was exposed to different perspectives on masculinity, and I found that what was needed from me to feel like I was a masculine man was not restricting my expression, but showing even more of myself.

And I believe that to be the path for all men.

And so we will see the numbers go up as men express their experiences more.

Let’s meet them with compassion and remind them and ourselves, that it means we are on the right path, though we have a long way to go.

Warmly,

Anders

Ps. if you are a man, og know a man, who resonates with the above and want to begin a path towards authenticity, integrity and healing; reach out to me. I have an offer that could possibly benefit.

Read about it here

📷 from a talk about Masculinity and Mental health at Ørsted (major danish energy company) that I had the privilege to facilitate on International Men’s Day.