India-West Staff Reporter

VENICE, CA – JiVA Mental Health, an initiative that aims to strengthen mental wellbeing in the South Asian community and provides support services will be holding an event, “Boldly Brown: Defining Our Paths” on June 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Anima Mundi Apothecary, here. This event, during Men’s Health Month, is designed to engage men from South Asian and Middle Eastern communities in meaningful dialogue about masculinity and emotional expression, a statement from the organization said.

Despite increasing celebrity endorsements from figures like The Rock, David Chang, Ryan Reynolds, Zayn Malik, and Kevin Love, JiVa said discussions about mental health remain rare among many men, especially within the South Asian American community, due to cultural constraints and limited access to mental healthcare.

According to statistics, approximately 6 million men in the United States suffer from depression annually, yet men are less likely to seek help compared to women. Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, accounting for 79% of all suicides in the U.S. in 2020. Only about 36% of men with mental health issues seek treatment, often due to cultural norms and stigmas that discourage emotional vulnerability. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to serious consequences, including substance abuse and decreased life expectancy, as men are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors and less likely to receive professional mental health support.

The event will feature expert-led discussions and workshops aimed at fostering a supportive network that encourages mental wellness and communal understanding. For more information: www.jivamentalhealth.com or www.instagram.com/jivamentalhealth/