Edward Ma

Riding for a Cause: Breaking the Silence on Men's Mental Health

Thursday 27th Mar 2025

 

Okay, let’s get real.

This ride, this cause, is deeply personal to me. I’ve fought my own battles with mental health. There were times when the darkness felt overwhelming, when the weight of my thoughts became too much to bear. Even with a strong support system, I was afraid. Afraid of my mind. Fearful of where those thoughts might take me.

And I know I’m not alone.

Too many men suffer in silence, trapped by the stigma that seeking help makes them weak. But let me be clear: not once has anyone ever called me weak or pathetic for admitting that I see a therapist. Not once has anyone looked down on me for struggling with my mental health.

We need to change the narrative.

Men’s mental health isn’t just about men, it affects everyone. Here in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we’ve seen a rise in intimate partner violence. And I can’t help but wonder: how many of these tragedies could have been prevented if those men had felt safe seeking help? Were they taught that vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a strength?

Mental health is just as crucial as physical health. If you break your leg, you go to a doctor. It’s not your fault, but you get it treated. So why should it be any different for your mind? Ignoring it, trying to “tough it out”? It only makes things worse. I’ve seen the consequences firsthand. Almost a decade as a medical first responder and years of advocating for mental health have taught me that untreated mental illness can destroy lives.

That’s why I’m asking for your support.

Join me in raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health. Every dollar donated, every conversation started, and every post shared all make a difference. This is about helping the men we love lead happier, healthier lives. And in doing so, we save women’s lives, too.

I believe that with everything in me.

Let’s make a difference. Let’s ride for change.

Are you with me?

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Monday 24th Mar 2025 On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.