"Your silence is not strength" - A campaign calls to talk about men's mental health; one in three in Latvia rates it as poor
A new social campaign in Latvia highlights poor mental health among men, revealing that one in three men aged 18 to 74 rate their mental health as poor or very poor.
The social campaign "Your silence is not strength" has unveiled troubling data regarding men's mental health in Latvia. According to a recent survey by Norstat Latvia, approximately one in three Latvian men aged 18 to 74 assess their mental wellbeing as poor or very poor. This alarming statistic underscores not just the prevalence of mental health issues, but also a significant stigma surrounding them, as almost half of the respondents believe that men should manage mental health challenges independently. Furthermore, 25% of those surveyed admitted to lacking knowledge on whom to approach for help in such circumstances.
In a bid to raise awareness about this crucial societal issue, a coalition of Latvian health producers, including "Olpha," "Centrālā laboratorija," and others, are undertaking this campaign from February 18 to March 16. The initiative aims to spotlight the importance of mental health, particularly among men, who often feel pressured to appear strong in the face of personal struggles. The campaign also features a scheduled expert discussion on February 25, where topics related to men's mental health will be explored, demonstrating the initiative's commitment to fostering a more informed and open dialogue around this often-taboo subject.
The campaign not only seeks to empower men to speak out about their mental health but also aims to inform the general public about available resources. On February 28, health resources will be accessible at specific locations in shopping centers, emphasizing the need for community-based support. By addressing these critical issues through public discussions and accessible resources, the campaign hopes to change perceptions and encourage conversations about mental health among men, ultimately aiming to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.