By Lauren Rabin
Football Season kicks off this time of year for the NFL and the Greenwich Youth Football League (GYFL). I always smile when I pass our fields in town and see these young boys learning to play football and be part of a team. I also think back fondly to witnessing my son’s experiences playing football and the lessons they learned from some incredible coaches.
My sons are older, and now I have grandsons. I continue to worry about our boys and young men today. According to experts, boys can struggle more than girls because they have fewer tools to cope with emotions and stressors and are less likely to get the help they need. Without the means to effectively process emotions, boys are more prone to lash out in unhealthy ways or alienate themselves.
Male depression is perhaps the most common among men’s mental health issues. According to CDC statistics on men’s mental health, 5.5 percent of young adult males suffer from depression. That’s about half the number of women of the same age.
While there isn’t a different sort of ‘male depression,’ some symptoms are more common in men than women. These include irritability, sudden anger, increased loss of control, risk-taking, and aggression.
I support common-sense gun laws and am grateful CT has some of the strongest, yet I struggle with the fact that Since 1982, an astonishing 144 mass shootings have been carried out in the United States by male shooters. In contrast, only four mass shootings have been carried out by women.
Our boys need us now more than ever. You can make a difference if you are a father, grandfather, uncle, brother, caregiver, coach, teacher, scout leader, mentor, clergy member, law, or public official.
Positive male role models can have a significant impact on a boy’s life, helping him develop in many ways:
• Self-esteem and mental health: Positive male role models can help boys develop better self-esteem and mental health.
Values and ethics: Male role models can help boys develop a moral compass by teaching them the importance of honesty, integrity, and empathy.
• Violence prevention: Male role models can help prevent violence by teaching boys to respect women and others.
• Personal growth: Male role models can help boys develop a sense of independence and autonomy.
• Interpersonal relationships: Male role models can help boys build trusting relationships.
• Confidence: Male role models can help boys improve their confidence.
And, of course, this doesn’t come at any expense to what girls need towards their development; it’s not an either-or focus… it’s a both. Thank you to all our male role models in town; your effort is worth it!
Interestingly, I did a quick Google search on whether the Father’s Forum in Greenwich is still active. I’m not sure; maybe it’s a good time to re-establish?
Lauren Rabin
Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Selectwoman
