If there’s one thread that goes through every discussion at the monthly Men’s Mental Health Meet-up, it’s “You are something to someone.” It doesn’t matter the topic nor who attends, the men spend that hour and a half uplifting each other, listening to their stories, and providing a level of support they say they can’t find elsewhere.
On the fourth Monday of every month, anywhere from one to two dozen men of varying ages, careers, situations, and background gather at Serenity Entertainment Complex (427 Poplar Street) from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The next meet-up will take place on Monday, February 23. They are hosted by the Macon Violence Prevention and Macon Mental Health Matters programs, and discussions are facilitated by Stacey Phillips with Clasped Hands Counseling, LLC.
The foundation for these meetings and the support begins with the idea that “You need to have that grace for yourself.”, and you must “Secure your mask first.”
“Health is our biggest flex, and we are trying to help every man live their healthiest life,” says Anthony Howard, owner of Serenity. “We want to be a sanctuary for men to come and engage, fellowship, and network.”
“You get worn down. Everybody gets tired.” Another common feeling that is heard a lot because the men feel as if they have to keep going, as if they have no way to rest with all of their responsibilities and all the people who rely on them. Despite that, each gets up every day and tries to overcome those challenges.
“Feet hit the floor; let’s go.” They have said…they have to keep tackling the day, no matter how they feel.
“True, meaningful connections have been made, and we’ve heard some amazing stories about how each has overcome challenges,” says MVP Coordinator Jeremy Grissom.
Each month, the meetings end late because of the depth of the discussion…and the deeper they get, the more the men want to talk. When it’s all over, men who have started as strangers (in January nearly a quarter of the group were first time participants) are saying goodbye with a hug and encouraging words. They’ve all realized – despite their differences – that “We are more similar than not.”
“The reception to these meetups has been great with the numbers of guys that show up, but it’s been even more successful because of the support and assistance they receive while there,” adds Grissom.
From the men who attend on what the meetings mean to them?