While it is the month of mental awareness, Anoushay Ashraf touched upon an often overlooked topic — mental health. The RJ shared some “horrific stories” of men who faced abuse as children and adults.
Issuing a trigger warning for mention of abuse and rape, Ashraf highlighted how the matter is usually swept under the rug and how parents need to educate their children on their bodies and respect others’ bodies.
“I usually talk about women’s issues but this May I finally decided to also highlight #mensmentalhealth which is key to a stable society,” wrote Ashraf. “Young boys are often bullied and abused in schools, at home, or by madrasahs which is why I insist there is NO need for clergy in religion.
“These posts have been shared by some very brave men,” she continued. “Ones I would like to appreciate by letting them know how much respect they have in my eyes. Despite their abuse and trauma, they are choosing to be better people. They are actively working on themselves to be okay,” the actor captioned the post.
Ashraf said men reaching out for help should not only be accepted but encouraged. She said the purpose of sharing these stories was “to shed light on what goes on with the vulnerable throughout the world”.
The RJ also wanted the reader to understand that just because they did not personally go through it, does not give them the right to dismiss someone else’s experience by saying it is in their head. She asked people to stop victim shaming, be supportive and listen instead.
Appropriately educating children
She went on to address parents so the issue can be targeted at the root, stressing the importance of teaching children the necessity of respecting their own bodies as well as those of other people.
“Also, teach your sons and daughters the rights they have over their own bodies and the lack of rights they have over others’ bodies,” she stressed. “Start young. It is an awful world and even though we like shoving all matters as such under the carpet, the carpet is wearing out with all that filth beneath.”
“Clean it up. Our children will shape this nations future, they cannot start their lives on such a footing while parents turn the other way.”
Ashraf said this was just a fraction of the stories that have accumulated in her inbox. She asked her followers to share their stories so more people can access them. She added the hashtags #mensmentalhealth and #mentalhealthawareness.
Read More: Everyone Should Play Their Part In Spreading Mental Health Awareness And Here Is Why
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