It’s Not Weak to Speak

A few days ago, I saw this slogan on the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) website, and I love it. It’s their slogan for Men’s Health Month, encouraging men to speak up about their mental health and emotional needs.

I’d like to expand it even more, and say that it’s not weak to speak about just your mental health needs, but also:

• Your physical health needs
• Your relationship health needs
• Your financial health needs
• Your planning health needs
• Your friendship health needs

You get the idea…it’s not weak to talk abut any of your needs.

This is true not just for men, but for everybody. We’re all taught not to whine and to hold it together with a stiff upper lip.  That is so bogus! If any human being needs something, it is fine to ask. In fact, it’s the right thing to do.

If we’re going through a rough time, and others who care about us can see it, not talking about it or asking for help hurts both us and them.

First, we don’t stand a chance at getting what we need.    ☹

Second, it basically says to the other person “I don’t trust you to still care about me if I show weakness” (a really hurtful message).

Finally, if we don’t talk about what we need we are sending the message that it is wrong to talk about needs…and the other person feels like they have to keep things bottled up too. No one gets their needs met, and we all feel worse.

What are you needing today?  Pick something (something small if you’re more comfortable with that) and find a trusted person and talk with them about it. It will make both you and the other person feel better. We all have needs, and it is definitely not weak to speak. In fact, it’s essential to thriving!

If you want some more information on Men’s Health Month, try this page from the NAMI website or look at the resources at the Men’s Health Network.