Ali Arshad

The Weight of Expectations – Why I Ride for Men’s Mental Health

Thursday 15th May 2025

As a son, a brother, a husband, a father — and a member of a community — many men are raised to believe their value lies in being the rock. The steady one. The unshakable one. They are told, explicitly or implicitly, that vulnerability is weakness. That expressing fear, sadness, or anxiety means they’re failing in their role. So they stay silent. They carry the weight. They internalize the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations, often at the cost of their own mental well-being.

This is why I’m riding in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride — to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.

Too many men suffer in silence, trying to live up to impossible standards. Whether it’s the pressure to fulfill the dreams of their parents, be the ideal sibling, support and lead their spouse, raise perfect children, or represent themselves honorably in the community — the list is long, and the expectations are heavy.

And yet, when a man breaks under that weight, the world often doesn’t see it coming. Because we’ve been conditioned not to see it. Not to talk about it. Not to feel it.

That needs to change.

By supporting this ride, you’re helping fund initiatives that give men a safe space to talk, seek help, and know they’re not alone. You’re helping break the stigma that keeps so many from getting the support they need. And most importantly, you’re sending a message: that strength isn’t about staying silent — it’s about having the courage to speak up.

I ride not just for myself, but for every man who’s been told to “man up” when he needed to be heard. For every father, son, brother, and friend who’s been quietly battling depression, anxiety, or isolation. For every man who’s felt he had no choice but to keep going with a brave face — when inside, he was falling apart.

Help me raise awareness. Help me raise funds. Help me raise hope.

Support the ride. Support men’s mental health.

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

Saturday 10th May 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.