On Sunday, December 1st at 5 PM CST on Instagram Live, SAAPRI is proud to have continued its tradition by hosting its third annual panel discussion to discuss men’s health.
Movember is an annual campaign each November where individuals grow moustaches to spark conversations and raise awareness about men’s health issues, including mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. The Movember Foundation highlights a sobering fact: every minute, one man dies by suicide globally, underscoring the urgent need to address mental health challenges faced by men.
In our community, men’s mental health is often overlooked due to deep-rooted cultural stigmas, societal expectations of masculinity, and a lack of open dialogue. South Asian men are frequently expected to suppress their emotions and embody strength, leaving little space to address vulnerabilities or seek help. This silence perpetuates harmful cycles of untreated mental health issues and leads to isolation. As a community, we must do better in fostering a culture of acceptance and support, where our men feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being without fear of judgment or shame.
This year’s event focused on South Asian men’s mental health and the societal challenges that prevent open conversations and effective action. Moderators Karan Gowda and Aakash Ray from SAAPRI led an engaging and meaningful discussion with Zaneb Mansha, a South Asian American licensed therapist. Together, they explored breaking mental health stigmas, navigating cultural barriers, and fostering open, honest conversations.
- Access the Facebook event page here