June is 'Men's Mental Health Awareness Month' and a local mental health expert is glad to see the stigma around men seeking help starting to deteriorate. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Tony Kirkman, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, told the Hart Media Group that while societal stigmas have historically slowed outreach, local advocates note the community is experiencing a steady cultural shift.

According to Kirkman, entering therapy or seeking external guidance should never be viewed as a sign of personal weakness, but rather as a true demonstration of character and strength. For many men, the most challenging part of the process is simply acknowledging that they do not possess the immediate resources or tools to navigate an issue alone. 

Kirkman advises men, rather than navigating an unfamiliar clinical path blindly, to seek recommendations from friends, coworkers, or social circles to find a counselor whose approach fits their personality.

We'll have more with Kirkman in the days and weeks ahead, with encouragement for men struggling. In the meantime, learn more about the Piatt County Mental Health Center at piattmhc.org or find them on Facebook.