Raising Awareness of Men's Mental Health - Video By HeadsUpGuys Supporter
Video produced by HeadsUpGuys supporter and film maker at SAE Institute Byron Bay, Australia, raising awareness of men's mental health.
"There is always hope. There is always someone to talk to."
About:
This video highlights the difficulty men face when reaching out to get support for mental health issues, like depression. Unfortunately, many men see reaching out as a sign of weakness – though this couldn’t be further from the truth. It takes strength to reach out and is one of the most important steps you can take in fighting depression.
We interviewed Mansi Khurana, a film maker currently studying at SAE Byron Bay, Australia, who created the film, about her motivations and the message she wants to share.
Why Men’s Mental Health?
WHY IS DEPRESSION IN MEN AN IMPORTANT CAUSE FOR YOU?
I lost my friend last year to suicide. He seemed happy and content. After my return from a holiday, I discovered he had died by suicide. It was a shock to me, as I could not comprehend it. I could not believe that such a calm, composed, mature, wise, intelligent human could possibly end his life.
From then on I have been seeking answers and observing men around me. I have a lot more compassion and understanding, and I have stopped making assumptions about reactions coming from men. I do not judge the book by its cover – literally.
WHAT DO YOU WANT GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION TO KNOW AND TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR VIDEO?
- I want to say to men that it is completely OK to feel your emotions. It is completely OK to be vulnerable. There should be no shame or guilt involved. It is purely human to do so, regardless of gender. And yes, being a man is enough. More than enough. It is time we go beyond these constructs and be equals in every aspect. No one needs to prove anything to be worthy. Men are worthy in every way.
- The past does not define anyone. ANYONE. A divorce does not define you, failures don’t define you, lack of money doesn’t define you. At any given point, we are not stuck. We are free to choose a different thought and change our perceptions. It may seem never ending sometimes, but life never remains the same.
- There is always hope. There is always someone to talk to. All we need to do is in that darkest moment when we feel like giving up on life, we need to remember and ask ourselves, ‘Do I have a better choice in this moment, to change how I feel?’.
I also want to thank Joshua Schroeder who has channelled his darkness into becoming an actor. I am grateful for his insights and contribution. It wouldn’t have been possible without him.
A huge thanks from HeadsUpGuys to Mansi Khurana and Joshua Schroeder for creating this video to raise awareness of men’s mental health, sharing her motivation, and allowing us to share it with you.
