A couple of weeks before Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey announced in May 2024 that they were expecting a baby, the pop icon posted a selfie of he looks tearful and desperate.

While media attention quickly focused on the pregnancy, little attention was paid to the significance of the male star and the future father publicly shares his sensitivity.

But Bieber’s social media post is noteworthy since it highlights his internal conflict.

Emotional pain is linked to serious health problems. Yet the public’s response to male displays of emotion and vulnerability is commonly minimized, if not dismissed. In response to Bieber’s tearful post, for instance, Hailey described it as “pretty crybaby.”

A yr ago, Canadian rapper Dax released the song “Being a person.” He said at the time: “This is a song that I put my heart into. I pray that it reaches everyone who needs it.”

The message of this song remains to be relevant today. Contains song lyrics:

How researchers Who study fatherhood and the roles that men play their familieswe recognize the loneliness and pain in these lyrics. We heard fathers describe the cost of attempting to keep their feelings in check.

IN the last study we conducted for 75 latest and expectant black fathers, they spoke of the need to deal with individual and collective trauma. This, they said, will ultimately help support their families. But they said resources to assist men with mental health are sometimes unavailable or very limited. They said they often feel invisible to health care providers.

“Being a father and a man,” one participant said, “you have to keep the peace and be strong on the outside. But on the inside, you know, you’re falling apart.”

Dax’s writing and our research reflect a perennial societal health concern—the deafening silence that typically surrounds men’s mental health issues.

The impact of isolation on men

In May 2023, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a warning highlighting what he described as the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the country. Our research confirms this plague.

Because men’s social support networks—colleagues, family, close childhood friends—are sometimes weaker than women’s, the epidemic disproportionately affects men. The resulting loneliness has very real health consequences.

In Murthy’s report, loneliness is related to negative health outcomes, including “a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia in older adults. In addition, a lack of social connections increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%.”

Although Murthy’s report focuses on each men and girls, research shows that it’s men are less likely than women to hunt mental health helpFurthermore, men have a more negative attitude towards searching for help and usually tend to discontinue treatment prematurely than women.

With these consequences in mind, a caring society might ask itself: Why do men bear the brunt of this health threat, and what will be done about it?

Redefining the value of men beyond just making a living

Many aspects can contribute to men feeling isolated and disconnected.

In “To Be A Man,” Dax points out one vital factor:

Traditional definitions of masculinity emphasize the importance of the man’s role as the family breadwinner.

Uncertain economy AND increasingly more expensive apartments and food prices make it unaffordable for a lot of men to offer financially for his or her families. These aspects also undermine men’s self-esteem and contribute to loneliness and feelings of alienation.

As partners and fathers, men are still often seen as inadequate in the event that they are unable to offer financially. And social norms emphasize that they are usually not valued for his or her abilities as caregivers, whilst they’re more involved in raising children than ever before.

This is detached from reality.

Men play a crucial role as caregivers of their children’s lives, in keeping with our research, and have a powerful influence on their children’s health and well-being. Men also find meaning of their role as fathers.

As Dax says:

The Cost of Suppressed Vulnerability

In addition to the pressure to offer for themselves, men must also overcome stereotypes that suggest they ought to be stoic and conceal their fears and sadness.

Here too, gender norms should be updated. Boys and men have to feel comfortable presenting their true, authentic selves to the world. When they suppress their vulnerability, it creates a barrier to searching for help. It also perpetuates stigma and the epidemic of loneliness.

There is a fancy relationship between society’s assumptions and beliefs about men and fatherhood.

As a result, men are less likely than women to hunt mental health services. As a result, health care providers are they usually tend to underdiagnose and misdiagnose menFurthermore, when health resources are made available, they are sometimes not tailored to the needs of men.

Societal expectations can create unbearable pressure on men. And the most marginalized groups, as low-income black fathersbear a disproportionate burden, research shows. This has turn into more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Black fathers working in high-risk and essential jobs have prioritized supporting their children and families over their very own risks of infection and mental health.

As men proceed to redefine their roles inside families and communities, it is necessary for society to create an area that recognizes and accepts their vulnerability and full humanity in all social roles.

Men need an outlet for his or her pain. They would profit from relationships – with partners, family and friends – who support and nurture them in moments of joy and emotional challenges. Their loneliness will proceed to be disproportionate without the obligatory connection to services.

Men may consider participating in low-stakes discussion groups of their communities, online groups, and at their churches. They may additionally hunt down therapists in person or online for introductory sessions test the therapeutic interaction before establishing a more consistent pattern of therapeutic services.

In the song “To Be a Man” Dax sings:

As the Biebers adjust to life as parents, Justin can find people to talk over with about his experiences and emotions, individuals who see and appreciate him fully. And we hope that is the same for each man and father, living out of the highlight and doing the best they’ll for themselves and their family.

Remember when Rihanna he said that her reign just won’t let up? Well, neither will Parfums de Marly — especially with their recent purple reign.

I had been anticipating the release for weeks (like many of us), and after I finally got to smell it, I used to be absolutely blown away—in the very best way. You’d think I’d expect nothing less from one of my favorite area of interest perfume houses, but this scent was truly something special.

You know that feeling when a perfume is only for you? It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s magical. It’s shiny, floral, and absolutely charming — housed in a classy mauve bottle that is as stunning as the scent itself (but let’s be honest, all Parfums de Marly perfumes are masterpieces).

What stands out is the balance of fruit, florals, and a touch of powdery softness. It opens with mandarin and pear (two of my favorite notes) which are immediately uplifting. But once that violet petal shows up? Game over. It’s fresh without being too sweet, and I really like the way it dries all the way down to a smooth, creamy sandalwood finish. It’s a scent that feels each fun and complicated—perfect for a daytime brunch or an evening out.

There is something about Parfums de Marly that keeps them at the top of the area of interest fragrance game they usually prove it once more. Their scents aren’t just well-made; they evoke a mood, a sense, a vibration. They know the best way to create luxury without being over the top, and every of their scents looks like a piece of art. Whether it’s sensual, flirty or opulent, you realize you’re in for something special.

Why I find it irresistible: is a robust fragrance centered around a contemporary floral bouquet with fresh fruity and powdery notes. I really like the way it revolves around the violet petal, enhanced by the unique masculine-turned-feminine lavender. This lightness gives it an unsettling twist unlike the rest in my collection. In addition, the base notes of musk, patchouli and vanilla give a warm, velvety hug that lasts all day. At $375, it’s an investment, but well value it for its luxurious composition and longevity.

It’s not only me who can’t get enough of this scent — beauty lovers and scent connoisseurs all over the place are raving about it . In fact, #FragranceTok OGs like Zoe, Princess of PerfumeAND Karolina Stern have singled it out as a standout addition to Parfums de Marly’s already excellent offering, with some loving how the violet and sandalwood give it an unconventional twist. The purple bottle can be successful, attracting fans who appreciate the combination of elegance and playfulness.

But what really sets them apart is their ability to mix beautifully with other scents. , with a creamy sandalwood base, it begs to be mixed and matched. Which brings me to…

Perfect mixtures: If you like experimenting with scents like I do, you’ll have plenty of room to play with . For extra warmth, try layering it on yourself so as to add a comfortable, woodsy vibe. It enhances the sandalwood and adds extra depth. It’s also an awesome layering partner for floral days. Peony adds a soft, romantic touch to violets.

It’s a flexible fragrance that will be worn day or night. It has presence without being overpowering, and leaves a mark that’s each sophisticated and playful. As at all times, Parfums de Marly offers something special and is solely the latest example of their mastery of fragrance. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?

The Pacific Islands may conjure up images of vast coastlines and picturesque landscapes. But while this a part of the world may seem like paradise, many locals face a serious public health problem.

By Pacific Nationsalmost half one million people they live in informal urban settlements that lack adequate sanitation, which can result in limited access to functioning toilets.

This has an impact on health, well-being, education and livelihoods, especially for girlschildren, elderly people and disabled people.

Our recent study published in the journal Nature Pure water NPJWe examined the state of sanitation in several informal urban settlements in two Pacific countries – Fiji and Vanuatu. Our findings show that this is an issue that requires urgent attention.

Field research

We worked with researchers from the University of the South Pacific to survey households and examine sanitation infrastructure. Our team surveyed 393 households in nine informal urban settlements in the capitals of Fiji (Suva) and Vanuatu (Port Vila).

These housing estates are developing when people decide on uninhabited land that has not been planned for development, often due to a scarcity of reasonably priced housing options. Informal urban settlements often lack access to basic services and infrastructure, corresponding to sewage systems, electricity, paved roads and waste collection.

We found that although piped water is available, the majority of households (between 56% and 100% of households in each settlement) still depend on unsafe sanitation to manage human waste. Many use poorly constructed dry pits – for instance, a plinth over a hole in the ground – or cesspools. These toilets have no plumbing and do not use running water for flushing. All are positioned on-site (in or near the home), meaning that waste, treated or untreated, stays in the settlement.

In addition to on a regular basis challenges, we found that one in three households loses access to functioning toilets during heavy rains, cyclones or floods. Dry well systems are 4 to eight times more likely to be damaged during climate events than water systems in the same settlements.

We also found that secure waste management, particularly from septic tanks and pits, poses significant challenges for residents. Even when toilets can be found and functioning properly, there is often no secure and sustainable way to manage waste that accumulates in pits and tanks.

In many cases, sediment is dumped into open areas in the settlement, into local rivers, or seeps into the ground. This can contaminate water sources and create serious environmental and public health hazards.

In addition, we found that cyclones and heavy rains destroy sanitation systems, causing sewage to overflow and contaminating water resources.

Communities in danger

Melanesian countries, including Vanuatu and Fiji, are particularly vulnerable to serious climatic hazardswhich makes it crucial that the sanitation infrastructure in informal urban settlements is able to withstand these environmental hazards.

Poor sanitary conditions in these areas leads to the spread diseases corresponding to diarrheaintestinal worms and trachoma. Studies show that improving water and sanitation systems significantly reduce the risk child deaths and deaths attributable to diarrhea.

Estimates from the World Health Organization and UNICEF indicate that lower than 3% urban population in Fiji and Vanuatu use unimproved or unsafe sanitation facilities – that is, facilities that do not allow for the secure collection, treatment and disposal of human waste.

This figure contrasts sharply with our finding that the majority of households in informal urban settlements depend on unsafe sanitation conditions. It highlights the need for improved monitoring strategies that distinguish informal settlements from formally planned areas.

How can we solve this problem?

Toilets alone won’t solve the problem. Communities need a comprehensive approach that addresses sanitation management at every stage. This will include creating a whole service chain that ensures reliable waste removal, treatment and disposal, and is resilient to disasters.

This means constructing local expertise, supporting local service providers, ensuring systems are well maintained and promoting community ownership of those systems to ensure long-term sustainability.

In informal settlements, the provision of those services is rather more difficult than in formal urban areas, mainly due to the uncertain land tenure situation and limited access to adequate infrastructure, which makes the work of service providers difficult.

However, a significant slice of the urban population of the Pacific living in informal settlementsfinding effective ways to safely manage sanitation conditions in these communities is essential.

This sixth sustainable development goal goals to provide clean water and sanitation for all. Addressing the sanitation crisis in the Pacific Islands is about protecting health, restoring dignity, supporting livelihoods and constructing resilience at the household and community level, that are at the frontline of an increasingly uncertain future.