"Man up." "Crying is for the weak." "Toughen up."
Let's face it. Society criticizes men for displaying any emotion besides happy, macho, or hungry. It seems like the world thinks that just giving a guy a beer will solve all of his problems when in all actuality men are human beings as well. Let's get real for a second. According to American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, men commit suicide 3.5x more than women. Maybe it's because men are told to bottle up their emotions and man up? And guess what, Arkansas? We have one of the highest suicide rates in the country.
Think about it. How many songs out there are about men feeling natural and beautiful? Yes, modern society is still over-coming ideal body images to both genders but compare a woman's magazine to a man's and I can assure you there will be something about self-love only on the woman's magazine.
What can you do to help?
1. Spread the word about help. Most college campuses have some type of free/discounted counseling center. Never feel ashamed about getting the help you or your loved one deserves. You will feel better getting it all out with a non-judgmental professional.
2. Stop the stereotype. Fellow ladies, talk to your guy friends and check up on them. Guys, don't be afraid to express how you feel to your friends. We are human beings and we all hurt. Never tell someone to just get over it. If a newsfeed/magazine is making you feel insecure, start looking at more positive things. You don't have to just focus on the negative all the time. Things that you look at all the time could be destroying you without you even realizing it.