Man Up on World Mental Health Day
This is the Rainbow Bridge. It's located near Port Arthur, Texas. At the top point it's 177 feet high.
I came across this photo on Facebook about a month ago. The reason for the picture was that someone had committed suicide by jumping off the bridge. The reason the car is still in the photo is because the police officer who tried to talk the man down was distraught after the jump. Other officers and mental health professionals were tending to the officer on the side of the road, just off camera.
The Facebook comments were mostly what you would expect. Almost all were supportive of both the jumper and the officer. Lots of I'm saddened, I'm sorry and thoughts & prayers. Typical!
One comment was atypical and caught my eye: "Both needed to man up."
One person is dead, the officer who tried to save him is broken and someone feels the right response isn't sympathy and empathy but to act like a man. That's what this commentator would do because that's what real men do.
Today is World Mental Health Day. It's observed every year on October 10th to raise awareness of mental health issues.
More than 300 million people suffer from depression. More than 260 million people suffer from anxiety. Most likely you know someone suffering from a mental health issue. You may not know who that person is. In fact it's likely you don't because there is still a stigma to admitting you may need mental health help.
That's why you should always try to be supportive. That's why you should always try to be empathetic. That's why you should always try to be kind. It doesn't cost you anything, it's easy to do and that is what "real men" do.
So "man up" on World Mental Health Awareness Day.
Related Post: Beware of the darkness
Type your email address in the box and click the "create subscription" button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.