Choose to Change Guide for Men

Person wearing a knitted sweater carrying a child on their shoulders, walking on a forest path surrounded by green foliage.

There are times when the world feels uncertain, scary, and beyond anyone’s control. Feeling afraid, worried, and depressed are common responses to difficult situations. Worries about health, security, and our children’s future are normal. It’s okay to feel like this sometimes. Being worried and feeling uncertain can be harder when you’ve been told that, as a man, you need to be strong, unafraid, in control of the situation, and responsible for the family.

What is not okay is lashing out or controlling your loved ones, abusing substances, or hurting yourself. Being a man, being strong, and caring for the safety and well-being of your loved ones does not justify violence. You can choose how to behave in response to difficult feelings, and families stay healthier without violence and abuse.

There are times when everyone needs help and support, and it’s okay to ask for help. If you are worried about your behavior toward the people you care about, you can decide to stop. You can get help by calling a local helpline, or you might choose to call people you trust to be supportive. The Choose to Change Guide assists you in creating a network of people who can help you when you are worried about your behavior toward the people you care about.