‘Strength doesn’t mean silence’: Men talk mental health at Jacksonville field day

June 8, 2026 - 04:56

On the surface, it looked like a day of friendly competition, laughter, and games. But organizers say a Men's Mental Health Awareness Field Day held in Jacksonville was built around a much deeper mission: breaking the silence surrounding men's mental health.

The event brought together men of all ages for activities like tug-of-war, relay races, and basketball. But between the games, there were open conversations about anxiety, depression, and the pressure to appear tough. One organizer said the goal was to show that strength does not mean silence. He explained that many men grow up hearing they should not cry or show weakness, and that this field day was a chance to challenge that idea in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Participants shared personal stories about struggling with stress at work, family expectations, and loneliness. Several men said they had never talked about these issues before, even with close friends. The event also featured local counselors who offered advice on how to start difficult conversations and where to find help.

Organizers hope the field day becomes an annual tradition. They want men in Jacksonville to know that asking for help is not a sign of failure. As one attendee put it, "We are all in this together. Talking about it is the first step."