When one accepts that anxiety is a natural reaction of our bodies, a profound shift in perspective occurs. Rather than viewing anxiety as a flaw or something to be eradicated, it becomes understood as an inherent aspect of the human experience. This acceptance opens the door to self-compassion and understanding. Instead of fighting against anxiety,…
Introduction to Building Resilience Resilience is a crucial trait that empowers individuals to not only endure life’s challenges but also emerge stronger and more capable. It serves as a shield against the storms of adversity, providing inner strength and determination to navigate through tough times. For example, consider the story of Malala Yousafzai, who showed…
Welcome to part of 4 of our series on men’s mental health. This episode looks at the role a man’s partner plays in his mental health. Women play a crucial role in their husband’s mental health as their wife, often acting as pillars of support, understanding, and empathy. As partners in life, wives possess a…
It often reminds me of the story of the pharisee (a religious man, to be sure) who stood up and loudly proclaimed, “Lord, I thank you that I am not like other men, cheaters, sinners, adulterers….” Of course, the difference today is we would be more likely to hear a prayer about how we thank God that we are not like those poor fools who dress up in suits and miss the whole point of the gospel.
…What would bring his salvation to question? Well, the American Eagle on his shoulder, of course. We’re not all that far from there today, are we? How many people have their love of God questioned because they prefer to wear a suit and tie on Sunday morning?
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve deep into the often overlooked and stigmatized topic of men’s mental health, exploring the profound impact societal expectations, stereotypes, and norms have on the emotional well-being of men. Join us as we unravel the layers of cultural pressures, messages, and systemic barriers that contribute to the silent struggles men…
Don’t worry about how other people will perceive it. I recently talked with a woman about her current self-view and childhood. She related to me the story of her high school math class. It was the day she would find out if she had done enough to pass her class. She had worked as hard…
An obvious risk of our societal obsession with being a victim is that there is little room for optimism. There is a minimal cultural payoff to being optimistic. If our identity is rooted in our victimhood, in the traumas that have befallen us, changing the outcomes of those traumas would be counterintuitive. Optimism- the act of hoping and believing those outcomes could change would not only be counterintuitive but would actually prove to be a threat to collective societal conscience.
The mistreatment of men within society is an often overlooked but significant issue that can have profound effects on men’s mental health. Men are more than 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women. Societal expectations and stereotypes impose rigid standards on masculinity, discouraging vulnerability and emotional expression. Men may feel pressured to conform to notions of stoicism, suppressing their emotional struggles. This societal pressure to constantly appear invulnerable can lead to feelings of isolation and inadequacy, exacerbating mental health challenges. Additionally, issues such as the stigma surrounding men seeking help or discussing mental health openly further contribute to the silent suffering experienced by many men. Recognizing and addressing these harmful societal norms is crucial, fostering an environment that encourages emotional expression, empathy, and support for men to maintain their mental well-being.
Mike and Ashley came to see me because they wanted their relationship to improve. There were no affairs, and there was no abuse. They just didn’t feel connected. Married for almost 12 years, they had four kids, two dogs, and a lovely house. Their cars were paid off, and they had very little debt. He worked…
It seemed like such an easy answer, but the way he posed it, I knew something was up. He said good, not great.
What he was really asking was how will you measure your life? I love this question; it can terrify me depending on the day.
