When a baby is born, people rejoice when he cries, parents smile and proudly embrace him. So now when he’s all grown up why crying has become a shame? When did we forget that crying is a not a sign that you are weak. Since birth it has been a sign that you are alive. Men and women both go through enough bullshit in their life and studies actually state that women have twice the rate of depression but still suicide rates are higher in men. Ever thought why? Because men don’t talk.

When you are depressed or maybe sad, the best thing you could do is seek help, talk to someone about how you are feeling. Men during such times don’t know how to ask help, not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t how to. They have been taught their entire life to be “independent” and not bow down. They regard acknowledging a need for help as weakness and avoid it. While women are ready to seek help, they don’t shy from their feelings. It is considered gentlemanly to help a women, respect them and protect them. And… to help a man, respect him and protect him? Who cares?! They don’t have feelings anyways.

Society has always encouraged men to be “strong”. C’mon Real men don’t show they are hurt or are tired. Right from the childhood we teach them “No you are a boy, you are strong. Boys don’t cry.” And not just the emotion of sadness, but expression of any emotion has become a taboo. You can’t have fears because who will protect others then? Had an argument with your girlfriend, see gentlemen don’t get angry whosoever fault it is like a gentlemen say sorry. You are the “man” of the house, it is your responsibility of making everyone happy, you cannot be tired. Fathers can give the world to their kids but why is it that motherhood is considered to be pure and only form of unconditional love? Maybe fathers can’t express their love because we taught them what to do when someone hits you but couldn’t teach them how to show someone that they mean the world to you. When there are news of sexual assault, eve-teasing, ragging, all men are the same they say, but when a man gets harassed it’s his fault coz what kind of a man are you who couldn’t save himself.

We always blame the society, ya I know many times rightfully. But ever thought society is made up of people, people like us, who are tired of all these judgements and unrealistic expectations just like us. Wish you could change it? Well the Good News is you can!

First realize that expressing emotions only makes you a human being. Let the world know how you are feeling, cry to the fullest when you feel sad. Go hug and kiss your friends and let them know how much they mean to you. Lay on your mom’s lap, cry on your better half’s shoulder. Raise your voice against any sort of man-handling or forcement. Remember it is completely okay to not be the strongest person in the room, it is okay to seek help and be shielded by someone for once. Most importantly teach your son to cherish every emotion of your life.

Let us be more accepting so that men can talk and confide. And here are Things You Can Do If Your Loved One Is Going Through Depression