In our society, men frequently walk a solitary path. Despite being surrounded by friends and acquaintances, many of them struggle with their emotions in solitude. Life Coach and Reverend Myk Ogutu addresses this issue amidst the observance of Men’s Mental Health Month
“In the spirit of Men’s Mental Health Month, I am reminded of the profound importance of this moment. It is a time for reflection, for solidarity and most importantly, for action.
In our society, men often find themselves navigating a lonely path. Despite being surrounded by friends and acquaintances, many of us carry the weight of our emotions in silence. We’ve been conditioned to believe that vulnerability is synonymous with weakness, that expressing our fears and struggles is somehow unmanly.
But I challenge this notion and state that a man's worth is not determined by the strength of his silence, but by the courage of his vulnerability. We must create spaces where men feel safe to share their innermost thoughts, where they are valued not for what they can do, but for who they are.
I am reminded of the words of Michael Phelps, who spoke of the freedom he found in opening up about his emotions. “Since that day,” he said, “life has become so much easier, so much more enjoyable.” And so, I urge each and every one of you to follow in his footsteps. Do not apologize for being vulnerable. Do not shy away from seeking help when you need it.
The statistics on men’s mental health are sad, but they need not define our future. We have the power to change the narrative, to break free from the chains of silence and stigma. Let us stand together, united in our search for emotional well-being.
As a Life Coach and Reverend, I extend my hand to those in need. But it is not enough for me to offer guidance; we must all do our part. We must create a culture of compassion, empathy, and understanding.
So let us speak out. Let us not hide behind masks of strength. Let us embrace our vulnerabilities and, in doing so, discover the true strength that lies within each and every one of us.”
- Life Coach and Reverend, Deliverance Church Umoja - Myk Ogutu