In honor of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we're posting these comments from one of our new Facilitators, Tom Verm, MD Anderson Oncology Social Worker who recently participated in our Texas and Utah Retreats:
"I'm not one to post often, but I had some reflections this month I thought to share as we recognize Men's Mental Health Awareness Month this June.
I’ve been facilitating the Men’s Cancer Support Group at MD Anderson, and recently was able to participate in some retreats through an awesome program in the community called Reel Recovery.
I have a lot of respect for men who have taken the leap to experience something unfamiliar in the interest of finding strength from new sources in their lives. It's a difficult step to take for many, but the results can be staggering to see.
I’ve seen men this year bravely share their fears, worries, failures, challenges, and triumphs which has been amazing to witness. Although, with every guy that opens up, I’m touched most by the support from other men that comes through every time. Guys will find they aren’t alone in this process, and there are men all over who want to offer them support. A mutual bond of goodwill is formed and it creates something special.
I don't know that it's ever been easy for guys to share those difficult feelings with friends/family. It takes some significant work to be vulnerable and humble in that. Unfortunately, there are too few resources to help men deal with the turmoil within. I’ve seen many men attempt to carry this and other burdens alone throughout their cancer journey.
I wanted to make a special post to recognize all the guys out there who take that step to be vulnerable, seek out the resources, and participate in that process. You are what makes these experiences special, and it's your witness that offers so much strength and comfort to others. To the guys waiting to make that step for change, I invite you to take the leap and let that weight off your shoulders.
I also want to shout out to all the guys who work to make those programs and resources available. Especially so for all the folks at Reel Recovery who have developed a program helping men for the last 20+ years navigate this journey of cancer (and catch a few fish in the process). You can find them at ReelRecovery.org if you want to check them out.
It's always a pleasure and honor to hear these stories, and the gifts of this work continue to humble and honor me. I’m so very grateful for that, and for the opportunity to do my small piece with these incredible guys both in group and on these retreats.