Today is International Men’s Day.
Swimming against the tide is exhausting. Every force pushes against you, whispering that you are heading the wrong way, telling you to turn back. The struggle makes you weary; fear grips you, doubts flood in, and you question your very path. Yet this is precisely the journey many men face when daring to share their vulnerability, to seek support in a world that has given them few spaces to do so.
When a man steps beyond his comfort zone, the resistance is intense. It comes not only from the inner critic but from the very fabric of a society that has told him, often from childhood, to be strong, silent, and stoic. Even loved ones, friends, and family may express confusion or discomfort, wondering why he needs to share or why he seeks healing. It takes extraordinary courage to keep moving forward through this storm of judgment, doubt & fear.
With these barriers, it is no wonder so many men hesitate to ask for help. It is no wonder that some feel so trapped and isolated, with nowhere to turn and no options left. The harsh reality is that suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. The sadness of this is immeasurable. The loss of potential, of lives cut short, cannot be overstated.
Yet, those men who manage to press on against the tide, who find spaces that are safe, compassionate and genuinely supportive, achieve something profoundly brave and transformative. In these therapeutic environments, fear begins to loosen its grip. They learn. They grow. They discover a sense of belonging, a way to connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them. These men are the ones who redefine what strength truly means, proving that vulnerability & courage walk hand-in-hand.
Let us recognise the gravity of this struggle and the strength it takes to move forward. And let us work toward a world where more men feel invited to seek the support they so desperately deserve—where more can move through fear, not as outliers, but as a community breaking through the tide together.
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Our Papas Groups – ‘Finding Fatherhood’ meet monthly on Monday evenings.
Find out more and book your place – here.
About Joel Lawton:
Joel Lawton co-facilitates our groups for fathers .
@_in_your_corner
📷 ‘Spinning Plates’ Lara Di Virgilio
