Men handle loss and sharing differently from women. Some don't share at all; some don't believe in sharing publicly. Our cultures (both eastern and western) expect men to be strong, figure things out by themselves, "be a rock" as some would say.
Truth is, as human beings (irrespective of gender), we have a tremendous need to have someone to talk to, rather, someone to listen to our story, interspersed with times when we want to be left alone. Depending on the "season of life" that you're in at any given moment, those times and needs vary.
The most important thing is to become aware of your needs, then accept them with kindness to yourself, and finally maybe do something about it.
When you do something for someone else (vs asking what's in it for me), you feel "wealthy"/"rich"; life becomes bigger than your own scarcities & problems; it becomes meaningful.
Mike Caldwell of Alzheimers Association hosts a Male Caregiver Experience Support Group at WakeMed Cary Hospital on the second Friday of each month. He's a veteran, has been a Caregiver for his mother, has experienced loss, and now enjoys being there for others who have and are walking the path of loss.
Remember, loss is not only about death; it can be slowly losing someone you love to Alzherimers or another form of dementia, other sicknesses, losing a spouse through divorce, losing a job, being diagnosed with a major illness yourself, and so on.
Reach out to Mike to learn more, visit one of his sessions, and experience how meaningful it can be to support someone else: 314.304.1635.
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