Men Cry Too: The Grief Toolkit for Men

A local guide to understanding, navigating, and supporting male grief in Trinidad and Tobago

Why This Toolkit Matters

Grief doesn’t always look like tears. In our communities across Trinidad and Tobago, men are often expected to be strong, silent, and unshakeable. But beneath the surface, many are quietly navigating deep emotional pain.

Belgroves has created this toolkit in recognition of National Men in Grief Day. Whether you are grieving yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand what grief looks like in men, this guide is a meaningful starting point.

🔍Signs of Grief in Men (That May Surprise You)

Emotional withdrawal or seeming “numb”

Irritability or unexpected anger

Overworking or excessive busyness

Changes in sleep or appetite

Reluctance to talk about the loss

Note: Grief doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. Being aware is the first step to offering real support.

✍️ Reflect and Reconnect Take a quiet moment to consider these:

What do I miss the most about my loved one?

What do I wish I could say to them?

What emotion have I been avoiding?

Who can I talk to safely about what I’m feeling?

Tip: Write your responses in a journal, or speak them aloud in a private space. Let yourself feel.

🎥 Watch the Feature: “Men Cry Too”

In recognition of National Men in Grief Day, this feature brings to light the often-unspoken reality of male grief.
Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh Historian, Senior Lecturer, and Global Advocate for Men’s Issues and Ms. Ceirid Sampson Counseling Psychologist and Bereavement Counsellor, come together in a meaningful conversation that explores what grief truly looks like for men in our society.

In a world that often teaches men to suppress their pain in the name of strength, this event creates space to pause, reflect, and begin to unlearn the silence surrounding grief.

Together, they discuss how cultural expectations, emotional barriers, and a lack of supportive spaces have shaped the way men experience and express loss—and how healing truly begins when men are given the freedom to feel, to speak, and to be supported without judgment.

This initiative not only honours those who grieve quietly but challenges all of us to become more aware, more compassionate, and more intentional in how we support the men around us.