MANUP by Tough to Talk is a no-nonsense look into the silent war that countless men across the globe are fighting with their mental health. These are their stories in their own words.
Society sits back while men are grappling silently with their biological, emotional, psychological, past trauma, current life events and gendered issues. And these men do not get the help they need because to them they do not have a mental health problem, they have financial problems, an addiction, relationship problems, health problems, and past traumas. And it's just not worth it.
Is it any wonder then that these factors combined turn out to be the main causes of suicide behaviours?
Every 40 seconds, another life is lost to suicide: 75% of these are men. This isn't just a statistic; it's a call to action, a demand for change. Men are being either ignored or emasculated by both society and the narrative around toxic masculinity.
Traditionally men have been told to man up, not to cry or show emotions, and to be the tough guy. Stoicism has masked severe mental health issues, and the consensus has been one of defining masculinity as something that is toxic in its very being. These men are our fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, friends, colleagues, and peers.
With the rise of toxic feminism, more women in the workplace, and a greater awareness of gender inequality, men are constantly having to re-define and re-discover who they are allowed to be, have to be and should be, whilst also coping with the raging fire within them called testosterone. They try to keep their emotions locked-up, but when the trigger is pulled, they explode leaving carnage everywhere.
Men's mental health is fast becoming the most prevalent social issue of our time, and in this raw and real, engaging and provocative new book, men of various ages, nation cultures, ethnicities and socio-economic groups share their own struggles with masculinity. Each chapter covers a range of challenging, sometimes uncomfortable topics including strength and vulnerability of mind and body, romantic and workplace relationships, body image, abuse and narcissism, racial and gender equality, and fatherhood.
Curated by Steve Whittle, Founder of the Tough to Talk Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Charity, this book intends to help break the stigma, challenge the negative narratives and raise much needed funds for suicide awareness and prevention.
The men within this book share bravely and vulnerably, with sensitivity and strength, encouraging men to get the help they need, to dig deep within themselves, whilst being a call to arms to both men and women to rethink the stories we've allowed ourselves to believe.
This is a wake-up call.
If you're a man, understand this: you're not alone in this fight. Your masculinity isn't toxic by default; it's your superpower. You can let down your guard and talk about it. If you're a woman, you'll understand how society fails to give men the space they need to live fully, and truly thrive. Reading this book will make you a better woman, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and colleague.
It has never been acceptable to leave a man down, or a man behind, and now it is time for society to celebrate men in all 4 billion ways there are to be a man, own the words Man Up because when we own the insults, they can no longer hurt us.
By purchasing this book you're choosing to help fuel men's projects to raise awareness of suicide causes in men and save lives. You are choosing to be in the trenches, shattering stigmas, boosting men's courage, helping them to rise, to roar and to resist. Before the bell tolls.
TOUGH TO TALK is a relentless force, sparking courageous conversations about male mental health and suicide prevention while actively collaborating with communities and organisations to dismantle stigma, inspire action, and ignite change.