"Men are the Problem" - by 26 Shades Of Hue

Men are the Problem No this isn't clickbait, I said what I said. We are the problem. There was a trend on X where young men recounted their experiences of neglect and discrimination often in favour of their female counterparts, this is usually perpetrated by other men. You rarely see men help other men freely, they tend to favour women for no reason than soothing their own egos.Male friendships rarely go beyond the simple nod and camaraderie has to be born from a shared experience of overcoming challenges before first name basis is even formed.Men need to do better for other men. Men's Hidden Battles: Why We Need to TalkWe often talk about mental health, but what about the struggles men face? It's a tough topic, and it's time we understood why so many men suffer in silence. The Pressure to Be "Strong"From a young age, boys are taught to be tough. They learn to "man up," hide their feelings, and solve problems on their own. This idea that men must always be strong makes it incredibly hard for them to admit they're struggling.It's a big reason why suicide rates are much higher for men in many countries. Instead of talking about their sadness or anxiety, men might get angry, take risks, or use drugs and alcohol to cope.This pressure also leads to loneliness. Even when surrounded by friends, many men feel isolated. Male friendships often revolve around activities, not deep emotional talks, making it hard to share what's really going on inside. Men as Victims: The Overlooked TruthWhen we talk about violence, we often forget that men are also victims. Millions of men experience domestic abuse from their partners, but they're often not believed or don't get the help they need. The same goes for sexual violence against men and boys: it's far more common than people think, but it's rarely discussed due to shame and misunderstanding.Beyond personal harm, men face other tough situations. Most homeless people are men, often battling mental health issues and addiction without support. And men are more likely to be victims of violent crimes in public. Why Men Don't Ask for Help (or Give It)So, why the silence? It comes back to that idea of "being a man." Asking for help can feel like weakness. Men fear being judged or seen as "less than." Instead of therapy, many turn to unhealthy habits like drinking to cope.This also affects how men support each other. If a man expresses vulnerability, other men might feel uncomfortable or even discourage it, wanting to uphold the "tough guy" image. Many men simply don't know how to talk about emotions or offer deep support, because they haven't been taught to. It's Time for Real SupportWe need to change this. We must create a world where men can openly express their feelings, seek help without shame, and truly support each other. By recognizing men as victims, understanding their unique struggles, and letting go of outdated ideas of masculinity, we can build a healthier, more compassionate society for everyone. What do you think we can do to help men feel more comfortable asking for help?

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