Dear Editor,

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to spotlight the physical and mental well-being of men across the world.

Yet this month as I scrolled through social media, my heart sank. A recent tweet made by a young lady states, “30+ 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 32-year-old man living in Jamaica, I find this message not just disheartening, but devastating.

In Jamaica, like many places around the world, men are often measured by their material achievements and their ability to provide. The societal pressures to have a successful career, own property, and maintain a stable relationship by the age of 30 are immense. 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 8 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 buildup of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Suicide rates among men are particularly alarming. In Jamaica, 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.

As we observe Men’s Health Month, it’s crucial to foster understanding and empathy. It’s essential to recognise that every individual’s journey is unique, and 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 in which men feel encouraged and understood. This includes promoting mental health awareness, providing accessible resources for those in need, and creating an environment in which men can express their struggles without fear of judgement.

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.

To the young lady who tweeted that hurtful message, I urge you to 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 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.

As we continue through Men’s Health Month, let’s commit to being kinder to ourselves and each other. Let’s recognise the unique challenges that men face and strive to be part of the solution, not the problem. Together we can build a community in which every man feels valued and supported, regardless of the milestones he has or hasn’t reached.

Janiel McEwan

Youth advocate

janielmcewan17@gmail.com