Men’s Mental Health Awareness | Remember to Ask – a Poem In Memory of Andy Bishop
Introduction
This feels so important to me, and I hope my analysis helps understand the internal struggles men face when their mental health suffers. Perhaps it will highlight a path forward.
In my thought-provoking poem “Remember to Ask,” I address the crucial issue of men’s mental health. As a Celebrant, I urge readers to break the silence and check in with friends who may be quietly struggling. I dedicate this poem to Andy Bishop, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding in tackling mental health challenges.
The poem begins with a poignant call to “remember to ask and listen with care,” highlighting the difficulty of sharing common struggles. Therefore by vividly portray the internal battles faced by many men, where emotions are deeply buried and often overlooked. I challenge the pride that can prevent men from seeking help, illustrating it as a destructive force that amplifies their burdens.
The Poem
“Remember to ask and listen with care
For the most common of troubles are the hardest to share
They hide deep within us;
They never will showYet these are the feelings we need to let go
But we let foolish pride colour our eyes
And run from our burden til there’s nowhere to hide
We give them a home; yet they eat us away
We think they’re the answer; they’re just there to betray
You cannot imagine or begin to dare
How these are the feelings that every man shares
Yet all that it takes is for someone to ask
And the love of a friend can pierce through the mask
So remember to ask, for the silence may break
And may just be the lifeline they needed to take”
Conclusion
Through vivid imagery, I try to illustrate how unresolved emotions can silently consume individuals, despite outward appearances. I stress that a simple act of asking a friend how they truly feel can break the silence and potentially be a lifeline during their darkest moments.
Therefore, by promoting dialogue and raising awareness, we hope to dismantle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health struggles.
#MensMentalHealth #RememberToAsk #MentalHealthAwareness #InMemory #BreakTheSilence #SupportEachOther #YouAreNotAlone #Compassion #Friendship #Poetry #MarcLemezma #AndysManClub #EndTheStigma #CommunitySupport #Wellbeing
This blog post honors Andy’s memory and promotes increased awareness and support for men’s mental health. By sharing my powerful words, it aims to inspire meaningful conversations and foster a supportive community where individuals feel empowered to seek help and support. For more information or assistance, visit andysmanclub.co.uk.
Thank you
All the poems I share on my website or social media are often found in the public domain and are sometimes used at funerals.
Wherever known, I do give credit and thanks to the author.
If you know the author of any I have marked as ‘unknown’, then let me know, and I will amend the page.
If you chose to share or use the poetry at a funeral or memorial service, please give the author credit.