Breaking the Silence: Launch of a Mental Health Group for Men in Ponca City, Oklahoma

Intriguingly, 77% of men have experienced symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, or depression. However, a staggering 40% of these men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, with 29% feeling embarrassed and 20% fearing the negative stigma surrounding the issue. It is no secret that society expects men to be strong, silent, and independent, which makes it challenging for them to acknowledge their struggles.

To tackle this issue head-on, Grand Mental Health is launching a new mental health group specifically for men. This group will focus on topics such as fatherhood, marriage, and overall well-being for both physical and mental health. Members will be able to bring up any issues that are on their minds during scheduled topics or an open forum setting. The group is not limited to current clients of Grand Mental Health but is open to any man in the community who wants to participate. While there will be occasional guest speakers or projects, most sessions will have a loose structure.

The primary goal of this group is to create a supportive environment where men can learn to trust each other, grow personally, believe in themselves and ultimately start the healing process. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 14 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City located at 2101 North Ash. Meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month; however, due to the Pioneer Tech Center graduation ceremony in May, the meeting has been moved up early. For more information about the group or upcoming meetings contact Jeff Shelton at Grand Mental Health at (918) -629-4374.