As old as time, communities helped raise boys into men. Fathers, uncles, elders, and mentors formed a village that nurtured character and a sense of belonging. That got lost along the way. Men have been expected to be self-reliant and silent in the midst of life’s challenges.
In June, Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, there is renewed attention to the emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing of men and boys.
Inner child therapist and co-founder of Men of Fire Africa Ricqesh Parmar says that support systems for men are necessary. Since October last year, Men of Fire Africa has been hosting monthly Fire Circle events where men come together to realise their full potential and support one another.
Ricqesh says that men need support systems for them to stop living isolated lives rather than bond with other men. This helps them to build trust and to share their life burdens together. When other men can challenge each other constructively, it can help them to be the best versions of themselves. When such spaces are lacking, men face loneliness and overwhelming stress around family, finances, work and relationships.
“When they face these challenges alone, it can lead them to seeking external vices in the form of unhealthy romantic relationships, drugs, alcohol and pornography, to name a few. This in turn can lead to addictions and treacherous paths which are very difficult to come out from,” Ricqesh notes.
