LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Studies show that men are less likely than women to seek mental health support due to social norms, reluctance to talk and downplaying symptoms. But this is not the case for all men.

Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t about looking strong, it’s about having the courage to admit your weaknesses. However, a group of men who took a sound meditation course for men at Park-Village in Lafayette don’t see it that way. The band had no problem leaving their toughness and emotional reserve at the door to focus on their mental well-being.

Jackie Arceneaux attended the course for the first time. He said it had been a while since he had “unloaded”. “It was funny to let myself go like that.”

Arceneaux said that with life and all of its responsibilities, taking care of your mental health is often last on the list. “I try to walk at least two or three days a week, but there’s always something going on.”

Arceneaux said the stigmatization of men and mental health does not give any man the space to prioritize his mental health without appearing weak or unable to provide and protect.

“Men don’t normally share anything that we’ve been taught to work, to provide and to take care of ourselves last. I think it’s good that men are starting to talk about it.