EDITORS NOTE - (Men)tal Health
 

Mental health affects individuals irrespective of age, gender, geographical location, and more. Mental illnesses must be taken just as seriously as any physical illness, requiring treatment. In many households, a common phrase used when referring to men's emotions is that men need to be 'strong.' They can not break down. They can not be scared. And most importantly, men can not cry. But it's time for these stigmas to be broken. 

June is Men's Health Month, focused on raising awareness for men's health care and encouraging boys and men to take control of their health, including their mental health. As such, the A.S.K. for Help Foundation aims to break down the existing assumptions and expectations of men and their mental health. 

Research published by Varnik in 2012 states that males die by suicide three to four times more often than women. Nevertheless, many other recent studies reveal that depression, or depressive symptoms, were reported more often by women than by men. The discrepancy between the statistics on suicide versus the reported depressive symptoms by gender demonstrates that despite women being more open to disclosing their symptoms of depression, men reportedly die by suicide at a higher rate than women. A significant reason for this could be due to the fact that women receive greater encouragement to speak out or open up about their mental health and emotions, as it is more accepted in society for women to express their feelings. As for men, there exists a preconceived notion that men need to suffer in silence because showing emotion for men is considered a sign of weakness. 

If you are battling any mental illness, we would like to share our warmest support and encourage you to seek help. It is okay not to be okay. It is okay to get help. It is okay to start or continue to take medication. You're no less of a man if you seek help; if anything, it takes a strong and brave individual to recognize that they need help and take the initiative to get that help. Always remember, you're never alone with A.S.K.

With Love & Understanding, 

Olivia Katamanin
President & Founder,
A.S.K. For Help Foundation

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This July, we present to you a guide for one of the best journeys to connect with yourself- through journaling. Journal your honest thoughts and emotions for the next 21 days (until it becomes a habit) and to get to know yourself better. We will be posting a 21-day journaling challenge on our social media pages, where you will find a unique journal prompt for you each day. Remember to follow and like our pages so that you don't miss out on the daily prompts. The only key in journaling is to be completely honest with yourself and put to paper all that you feel; it is just for your eyes. Remember, the journey matters as much as the destination itself! So cherish this journey of yours. Bon Voyage!