Men’s Mental Health: A Little Wisdom for Those Battling in Silence
Way too many men are either A) taking their lives or B) living in silent misery. And so, as someone who's been there, I thought I’d put pen to pad and ink a few words for anyone who needs them.
Take what you need, ignore all else. Here goes:
On any given day, you can wake up, and your life can change for the better, forever…
However, if, like most, you presume this not to be true, you significantly reduce the likelihood of it happening.
Remember, something could happen tomorrow that makes you long for the problems you have today.
Practicing gratitude actually works.
The only good that comes from resentment is learning to let it go to re-channel your energy.
Ice baths don’t build resilience and character; tough times do.
The longer someone goes through life unscathed, the more likely turbulence is to floor them, so embrace the challenges you have to face.
Acceptance is key.
The more you try to deny reality, the more reality will sink its teeth into you.
It’s your life; you’re the one who has to live with your pain, and only you know the impact it has on you…
Do whatever you need to feel better and ignore what anyone with an overzealous opinion might think.
Take up a sport, any sport, with a social aspect.
Join a run club, train jiu-jitsu, or play padel; doesn’t matter…
The benefits are too plentiful to list.
Stop putting your life on hold until your problems are resolved…
Decades will pass, and you’ll be no better off.
Conversely, sometimes you need to reprioritise and take a time-out.
But remember, you will always have problems, and part of getting better is getting on with life.
Consider your journey one of “growth,” not “healing.”
The self-help industry has convinced a generation they’re broken and in need of healing.
It’s clearly not working.
You’re not broken.
You’re simply going through life, and sometimes life is shit.
Frame it as growth, not healing — it’s more empowering.
Often, little perception shifts are all you need.
Speaking of self-help and personal development, proceed with extreme caution…
While it’s not all bad, too much self-help will play you for a fool if you allow it.
It relies on your fear and misery to thrive, and many SUCCESSFUL INFLUENCERS are more than happy to exploit every fear, insecurity and vulnerability you have for their own benefit.
Too often, the solution they offer to your problem is presented and sold as perfection in disguise.
It’s a slippery slope that helps an industry thrive but, unfortunately, sees many individuals crash and burn.
Remove social media apps from your phone, and you’ll likely find your happiness rise and stress levels fall.
Fake enthusiasm when you’re down because it might just lift you up.
Don’t compare your life to a life you see on a screen.
Be careful who you share your struggles with…
While everyone has an opinion, not everyone cares, listens or knows what they’re talking about.
You don’t need to take on another man’s insecurities, fears, worries, values and beliefs.
At the end of the day, you’re an individual with your own insecurities, fears, worries, values and beliefs.
Focus on them.
The better you understand who you are, the better you’re poised to work towards living the life you want — not the life some stranger who profits from your attention wants you to live.
And finally, it’s NEVER too late to change course.
Much love,
Nicky
