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In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff to discuss his long battle with mental health challenges. Jeff shares how his depression stems from childhood, living in a chaotic home environment, and how it revisited him regularly throughout his life. He describes how, after many years of struggle, he found solace in both medication and exercise, specifically running and cycling. Jeff talks about how his depression was also linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how discovering the positive impact of exercise, especially in the winter months, helped him manage his symptoms.
A key part of Jeff's journey has been setting what he calls "big, hairy-ass, audacious goals." He explains how one such goal, learning to play the slide guitar and performing in a blues band, and another, cycling across the U.S. from Florida to California, were transformational experiences that gave him a new sense of purpose and control over his mental health.
However, in his sixties, Jeff was completely caught unawares when he suffered a stroke, and the impact it had on him mentally and physically, plunged him back into depression. Jeff then shares how he has adapted to live after the stroke up until today. He also discusses techniques he uses to help manage his mental health, for example, journalling daily has helped him reflect and manage his emotions. This episode is an inspiring look into how audacious personal goals and self-care can help manage mental health, especially in middle age.
Jeff referenced the Stroke Association in the UK (https://www.stroke.org.uk) or in the US, thereâs the American Stroke Association (https://www.stroke.org).
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, then general advice is to contact your doctor. -
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Shawn Bergeth, a former corporate executive who radically transformed his life after 17 years in supply chain management. Shawn opens up about his unexpected job loss, which he saw as a gift, and how it catalysed his journey toward mental health advocacy. From battling anxiety and depression to becoming a psychotherapist, Shawn shares how he embraced vulnerability and deep self-reflection.
Shawn takes us on a fascinating exploration of alternative healing practices, particularly psychedelic-assisted therapy. He recounts his transformative experiences with psilocybin at a retreat in Jamaica and ayahuasca in the Peruvian jungle. These encounters not only helped Shawn confront his inner struggles but also deepened his connection to nature and spirituality, offering insights into how these ancient therapies can unlock new paths to mental health.
Tune in for a candid discussion on how losing his corporate job led Shawn to a more fulfilling career, his perspective on the healing power of psychedelics, and why reconnecting with nature is essential for personal growth and mental well-being. Shawnâs journey will inspire anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life, whether personally or professionally.
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In this episode of the Midlife Men Podcast, host Philip Briscoe sits down with Brian Murphy, a 52-year-old father, husband, and former sports journalist, to discuss his deeply personal battle with depression. Brian opens up about how his career in journalism, particularly his passion for covering hockey, began to lose its luster around 2017, leading him into a spiral of low-level depression. Despite having a seemingly perfect life, Brian found himself increasingly withdrawn, unable to enjoy social interactions, and eventually hospitalized twice due to his condition. He discusses the challenges of confronting his mental health, the stigma surrounding depression, especially among men, and how he slowly began to manage his "dark passenger" through therapy, support groups, and a shift in priorities.
Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's identity beyond professional achievements, sharing how he eventually redefined his life by focusing on his family and personal well-being. He highlights the power of community, particularly his involvement with the Face It Foundation, a support group for men dealing with depression, which became a crucial tool in his recovery. Brian's story is a candid exploration of the struggles many men face with mental health, offering hope and practical advice for those who may be suffering in silence. Tune in for an honest and enlightening discussion that sheds light on the ongoing journey of managing depression and finding fulfillment beyond the workplace.
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Dan Flanagan is a father and founder of Dad La Soul, an award-winning social impact organisation that focuses on tackling social isolation for dads. He shares his experience of struggling with being a dad and feeling like an outsider at mother and baby classes. He also reflects on his struggles with juggling his career, his father's illness, and how he found himself spending too much time on his phone at work and not experiencing fatherhood as he wanted to.
After a bout of illness, Dan decided to stop missing out on his sonâs life, reprioritised his work to do so but he still found that he felt isolated, and parenthood was not set for fathers. Dan believed that if the support wasnât out there, he needed to build it himself.
He realised that other men felt the same and so he started running playdates with other dads that were fun and based on his love of music. Dad la Soul was founded, and Dan has gone on to grow the organisation and provide a valuable and sometimes life-saving community for other dads in the same situation.To find out more about Dad La Soul and Danâs work, visit the website https://www.dadlasoul.com/.
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In this compelling episode, we dive deep into Paul's candid journey through depression and suicidal thoughts. For years, Paul excelled in his career, leading finances for a construction company. But beneath the surface, he felt disconnected, living a life that wasn't truly his. The facade began to crumble when he took voluntary redundancy, leading to a severe depressive spiral.
Paul opens up about the pressure to conform to societal expectations, the gnawing doubts about his career, and the harrowing mornings where he didn't want to face the day. He vulnerably shares the dark moments of contemplating suicide and the overwhelming sense of isolation, even amidst his family. His story sheds light on the silent struggles many face, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-discovery.
A turning point came when Paul sought the help of a psychotherapist, finding invaluable support in navigating his emotions and rediscovering his passions. This episode is a powerful testament to the necessity of mental health support, the courage to live authentically, and the profound impact of professional guidance in the journey to recovery. Join us to hear Paul's inspiring story of resilience and hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide there are organisations you can call now for example, in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, and if you are in the US, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.There are also organisations to help men who are battling depression and thoughts of suicide. In the UK, visit the Tough to Talk website, and in the US the Face It Foundation website.
Paul referenced two books by Eckhart Tolle, âThe Power of Nowâ and âA New Earthâ which are available to buy at all major retailers.
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In this episode, my guest is Mark Meier, the executive director at Face It, an organisation set up to help men understand and overcome depression and reduce the rate of male suicide. Mark shares his personal struggle with depression. In 2002, he faced severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, leading to hospitalisation. His journey of recovery highlights the importance of seeking help and sharing struggles, even when feeling ashamed or burdened.
Mark emphasises the significance of talking to someone, reaching out for support, and finding resources to navigate mental health challenges. The stigma surrounding men's mental health is real, but Mark advocates for open conversations, providing care and encouraging men to seek help, irrespective of societal expectations or perceived weakness.
Through Face It, Mark offers a safe space for men to share, connect, and receive support without judgment or financial barriers. The podcast delves into strategies for supporting individuals dealing with overwhelming feelings, emphasizing the importance of taking small steps and seeking professional help or reaching out to support groups for guidance. Mark's insights underscore the transformative power of vulnerability, honesty, and the willingness to take that crucial step towards healing and coping with mental health struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression the Face It Foundation website is: https://www.faceitfoundation.org/ or you can email Mark directly at: [email protected].
There are also organisations you can call right now, for example, in the UK, the Samaritans on 116 123, and if you are in the US, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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In this episode, my guest is Mark Bradshaw, who shares his personal journey with gambling addiction. Mark recalls his early exposure to gambling as a child through seaside holidays, and how his love for playing sports later led him to place bets on rugby matches. His introduction to casinos at 18 only exacerbated his addiction, eventually leading him to spend hours daily in high street betting shops.
Mark highlights the manipulative strategies of bookmakers and online gambling platforms that exploit addictive personalities. He details the severe impact gambling had on his life, including job losses and financial ruin, noting how the accessibility of online gambling accelerated his downward spiral. Mark also discusses the industry's lack of accountability and the predatory nature of their practices, which often lead to severe consequences like increased suicide rates among addicts.
Finding himself at rock bottom, Mark eventually sought to change his life, starting by isolating himself from gambling opportunities and reevaluating his priorities. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, reaching out for help, and the need for independent support systems. Now, Mark is actively involved in lobbying for stricter gambling regulations and raising awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction through collaborations with various organizations, including the World Health Organization and political figures. He concludes by stressing the significance of genuine apologies and living an honest life to rebuild trust and purpose.
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In this episode of Midlife Men, Dave Cohen, comedian, novelist, and comedy writing teacher, discusses his relationship with his parents. His upbringing in a close-knit Jewish community in Leeds, shaped by the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel, lays the groundwork for a complicated familial dynamic.
As he navigates adolescent rebellion, moves to London to pursue a comedy career, and challenges his father's firm pro-Israel stance, underlying concerns of family, identity, and mental health surface. Comedy becomes his release, with self-deprecating humour and Jewish-themed jokes defining his acts. Dave's path sheds light on parental acceptance, the struggle for belonging, and how generational gaps and undiagnosed conditions affect relationships.
Despite never truly connecting with his father, the gradual understanding of his father's autism brings understanding and insight into their past interactions. Through introspection and empathy, Dave shares the importance of seeing things from his parents' perspective and the significance of unresolved family dynamics in shaping his personal and professional life.Dave also discusses the potential connection between autism, mental health, and comedy, suggesting that individuals with autism might find solace in forms of self-expression like stand-up comedy. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Dave emphasises the importance of self-awareness, understanding others' perspectives, and resolving familial conflicts before it's too late.
His story concludes with the realisation that while some bonds and understandings may never materialise, the journey towards comprehension and acceptance is an ongoing process echoing the complexities and nuances of family dynamics and mental health.
To find out more about Dave, and his work as a comedian, broadcaster, comedy writer, teacher, and author, visit his website: https://www.davecohen.org.uk/. -
In this episode of Midlife Men, Nico Morales shares his story of resilience and personal growth, reflecting on his upbringing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He discusses how rejection shaped his early life, particularly when his sister faced a life-threatening situation, leading to feelings of rejection and fear of missing out. As a child, he shuttled between New Mexico and Arizona, highlighting his root issues of rejection and fear.
Morales reflects on how early childhood experiences can significantly impact one's adult life, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection. He delves into his journey of self-discovery, tracing back his behaviors and decisions to the need for acceptance. His narrative unfolds to include substance use, gang associations, and eventually an incident involving armed robbery, which shook his sense of identity and choices.
Through a spiritual path, Morales found solace and transformation at the age of 27. He turned towards religion for guidance and acceptance, marking a pivotal shift in his life. His commitment to faith brought him peace and a sense of purpose, allowing him to break free from the cycle of substance abuse and risky behaviors.
Ultimately, Morales views his past challenges and experiences as lessons to impart wisdom and hope to others facing similar struggles. His journey underscores the power of self-reflection, acceptance, and seeking a higher purpose beyond external validations. By sharing his story, he offers a beacon of hope for those navigating their own paths towards healing and personal growth, embracing the transformative power of faith and introspection.
At a practical level, Nico explains how he transformed his life by mastering his thoughts, emotions, and actions. By capturing and altering his thoughts, he changed his emotions and consequently his behaviors. Nico emphasizes the importance of mentorship and sharing wisdom. His book, "Five Things to Know Before You Get Sober," addresses a pre-recovery gap. Despite being part of the 1%, Nico sees his transformation as a daily commitment to honor those who struggle. He advocates for setting high standards for men and believes in the cyclical nature of strength and adversity. Nico encourages individuals to lead by example and urges friends and family to uphold virtuous conduct to inspire positive change in others.
To find out more about Nico, visit his website: https://nohalonm.com/ -
Welcome to this episode of Midlife Men with Philip Briscoe, featuring guest James Davis, one half of the Midlife Mentors podcast. James shares insights into navigating midlife challenges, drawing from his personal experiences, including living abroad, going through divorce, and addressing the andropause, sometimes known as the âmale menopauseâ.
James discusses the origins of Midlife Mentors, stemming from his background in psychology and passion for magazine journalism. He reflects on his journey of moving to Ibiza with his then-wife to run a health retreat, but after a sudden separation, he was left to run the business alone and began to struggle with his confidence and low self-esteem.
Acknowledging the societal stigma around men seeking help, James emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support when people feel vulnerable, lost, and alone. He highlights the need for men to break free from the cultural norms of suppressing emotions and encourages them to prioritize their mental health and seek professional help when needed.
The conversation delves into the andropause, or age-related testosterone decline, and its various impacts on physical and mental health, including muscle mass loss, mood changes, and decreased libido. James emphasizes the significance of lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, and mindset in managing andropause symptoms.
Reflecting on personal growth and relationship dynamics, James shares how he rebuilt his life after divorce, eventually finding love again. He emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, pursuing passions, and embracing change, even amidst life's challenges.
The discussion concludes with insights into the Midlife Mentors podcast, where James, and his partner Claire, aim to empower individuals in their midlife journey by sharing valuable advice and experiences. Through their platform, they strive to foster a supportive community and inspire positive transformations in midlife individuals.
For more information visit: https://themidlifementors.com/. -
In this episode, Steve introduces F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith), a global movement that originated in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2011. F3 comprises men who meet for outdoor workouts, focusing on camaraderie, fitness, and a sense of purpose beyond oneself. The workouts include boot camp-style exercises and running or rucking sessions, emphasizing pushing each other to improve physically while fostering bonds of fellowship.
Steve shares his personal journey into F3, prompted by a friend's persistent invitation. Despite initial skepticism, Steve embraced F3 and found fulfillment in the supportive community, eventually becoming a committed member for over a decade. He emphasizes the diverse backgrounds of F3 participants, including CEOs, teachers, and professionals from all walks of life.
Moreover, Steve discusses F3's role in addressing men's mental health challenges, offering a supportive environment for discussing emotions and overcoming loneliness. He highlights the transformative impact of F3, including weight loss, improved mental health, and enhanced leadership skills. Steve encourages men of all ages and fitness levels to join F3, emphasizing its accessibility, free of charge, and its focus on building community and fostering personal growth.
I then talk to Ridge, who was in the midst of significant life changes, including passing the bar exam, closing on a house, getting married, and starting his career as an attorney, Rich found himself facing unexpected challenges and stressors. Despite these being positive milestones, Ridge discovered that the reality of adulthood, marriage, and career brought complexities he hadn't anticipated. However, amidst these trials, Ridge found solace in F3.
Attending his first F3 workout in the early stages of his career, Ridge quickly realized the profound impact of community and authenticity within F3. He learned that struggles and challenges are universal, and F3 provided a supportive environment where men could openly address their internal battles. Through F3's commitment to personal growth and accountability, Ridge found the companionship and guidance he needed during a challenging time in his life. Reflecting on his journey, Ridge emphasizes the importance of community and outward-focused support in overcoming personal obstacles, offering valuable insights for those seeking connection and resilience amidst life's trials.
To find out more about F3, visit: https://f3nation.com/. -
In this compelling episode, I am privileged to be joined by Tim and Sue Iorio, who bravely recount the poignant yet ultimately inspiring tale of their son, Nick. Nick was the eldest of three brothers hailing from a Midwestern town in Ohio, a top-class student and athlete, Nick struggled with a mental health disorder, and the only peace he was able to find was through suicide. He died at age twenty.
Tim and Sue describe their poignant journey, from the initial signs of Nick's mental health challenges to his devastating suicide. Tim, Sue, and their loved ones were left shattered by the profound loss and overwhelming grief. However, amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope emerged when their youngest son accepted an opportunity to play football at Penn State University as a walk-on.
Through their unwavering resilience and determination to honor Nick's memory, Tim and Sue decided to immortalize their experience in the form of a book, aptly titled "The Penn State Walk-On". Their story serves as a testament to the power of familial bonds and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a beacon of hope for others navigating similar challenges, demonstrating that even in the depths of despair, there lies the potential for healing and renewal.
Tim and Sueâs book: The Penn State Walk-On: Overcoming the Pain and Legacy of Suicide through Football, Faith, and Family, is available to buy online.
If you would like to reach out to Tim and Sue, then you can contact Tim via LinkedIn.com, and search for Timâs profile: Dr Timothy Iorio.
If you are experiencing any of the issues raised in this podcast, general advice is to talk to your doctor. There are also organizations you can call now for example, in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, and if you are in the US, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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Shay Doran, a men's coach specialising in helping men overcome sexual performance issues, shares insights into the challenges he faced and how he transformed his life. Initially, on the surface, his life seemed great, but he struggled with a bad relationship with porn and sex, thinking it was normal for every guy. It took years for him to realise the destructive impact on his life.
Discussing the escalation of porn usage, Shay highlights how it affects the mind differently from real-life sex. The hyperstimulating nature of porn, instant gratification, and constant exposure lead to a chase for a dopamine high, affecting real-life sexual experiences.
Shay emphasizes that men often face performance challenges in the bedroom due to various factors beyond porn, such as external pressures, stress, and anxiety. He points out that addressing these issues requires understanding the context of the situation and seeking help through coaching or therapy.
He encourages men not to accept performance challenges as permanent and stresses the importance of having open conversations about them. He acknowledges the vulnerability and fear associated with these conversations but emphasises the potential for transformation and a fulfilling sex life. Finally, Shay underscores the negative impact of prolonged performance challenges, leading to self-doubt, shame, and potential mental health issues.
Shay also addresses the problem of young men and boys having easy access to pornography and the negative impact this can have on their perceptions of sex and suggests a useful website Fight the new drug 'How to discuss porn when talking to your kids about sex': https://fightthenewdrug.org/
To contact Shay visit his website: https://shay-doran.com/ or his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shay-doran. -
In this episode, I am joined by Andrea Newton, who is on a mission to provide men with a better understanding of menopause. If, like me, your knowledge is slim and you feel out of your comfort zone anytime the word âmenopauseâ is mentioned, then this episode is for you.
Menopause is a natural process that affects 51% of the population.The symptoms of menopause can range from mild to severe and can affect a woman's physical and emotional health.Women are often not well-informed about menopause and their GPs may not be well-trained to treat it.The psychological impact of menopause can be significant, with some women experiencing suicidal thoughts.Men can play a supportive role during menopause by being understanding, encouraging women to seek help, and advocating for them with their doctors.Divorce rates are higher during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal years, and 62% of divorces are instigated by menopausal women.The symptoms of menopause can affect relationships, including sexual intimacy.Women are often at the peak of their careers during menopause, and the stress of managing both work and home life can exacerbate the symptoms.
With over 30 yearsâ of experience helping thousands of men and women have important conversations, Andreaâs approach is down-to-earth, and straightforward. This episode will be useful to any man who wants to offer support in a way that is helpful and appreciated. It examines the impact this life stage can have on relationships, careers, and life in general, helping you and the woman you care about move forward with knowledge and positivity.
Andrea shares her own experiences which highlight the more serious effect that menopause can have on mental health and discusses whatâs going on, why it matters, and how it can impact life as you know it. Most importantly, Andrea will help you have useful conversations that show that you care and that means your head isnât ripped off after a clumsy (but well-intended) question.
Andrea has written a book for men entitled: âCould it be Your HORMONES Love? (and other questions not to ask a menopausal woman)â which is available to buy online.
You can also visit her website for lots more resources and information: https://confidentconversations.co.uk.
Key information about menopause: -
In part II, of this episode, I continue my discussion with Paul Bayliss, who experienced job-related depression when undertaking a massive transformation project for a large public sector organisation. A combination of the demands and high-pressure nature of the role with a toxic working environment and culture proved to be unsustainable. Finally, Paul was diagnosed with depression and signed off work but that was the beginning of another battle to acknowledge the condition and deal with his perceptions of failure and the impact on his career. Paul explains the importance of separating work and personal identity and emphasises the need to develop your own interests outside of work, whether it be going to the gym. hiking or charity work. When work becomes your only point of validation and identification as a person, when work isnât there or something changes, everything comes tumbling down.
He shares his recovery process and how it involved therapy and lifestyle changes. He stresses the importance of being aware of the impact of external or environmental factors on your well-being and how maintaining a sense of self-awareness and being mindful is important to achieving a good work-life balance and is also crucial for mental and physical health and personal growth.
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In this two-part episode, I am joined by Paul (Drew) Bayliss, an accomplished professional with a long and successful career, who shares his experience of job-related depression when he was working for a large public sector organisation in a high-pressure and demanding transformation role.
Depression in the workplace is a common issue among professionals, often attributed to long hours, demanding targets, and volatile bosses. Often, it is an organisationâs culture and leadership that creates toxic working environments where employees can develop symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, problems with memory loss, and lack of concentration which in turn can contribute to depression. Like Paul, sometimes it is difficult to accept that you are suffering from depression feelings of failure, and embarrassment, and that your career is over all exacerbate the situation.
Paul discusses the importance of overcoming the stigma of mental ill health and how the role of friends, family, and therapy is critical to recovery and the provision of a positive support system. Unfortunately, surprisingly few men actively seek help acknowledging and tackling depression which can often lead to more severe consequences if left undiagnosed and unmanaged. -
In this episode, I welcome back Octavian Constantinescu who last time talked about how he was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. This time, he describes his experience of living with anxiety, which he initially mistook as a normal way of living. Octavian constantly felt a sense of dread and had difficulty sleeping due to worries about work and other aspects of life. He compared his anxious thoughts to a repetitive GIF, constantly playing in his mind. Octavian felt incompetent and unable to ask for help, which impacted his relationships and job performance.
He finally decided to seek support through therapy and learned techniques to manage his anxiety, such as the ACE method (Acknowledge, Connect, Engage) which uses simple methods to help him stay present and break the cycle of anxious thoughts.
Octavian recommends a book called 'The Happiness Trap' by Russ Harris, and you can also visit Russâs website thehappinesstrap.com where youâll find lots of useful information on techniques to combat anxiety as well as lots of other free resources.You can also contact Octavian directly, via LinkedIn.
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In this episode, we dive into the world of high-pressure careers, particularly in law enforcement, with Richard Podkowski, a seasoned law enforcement professional. He shares his experiences dealing with the constant stress that comes with protecting U.S. Presidents and major security assignments both domestically and abroad. Richard discusses the societal stigma surrounding seeking support for stress-related issues and the evolving landscape of employee assistance programs (EAPs) that have become valuable resources for law enforcement personnel. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about managing high-pressure jobs and the changing perceptions of seeking help in these demanding fields.
Recently, Richard pursued creative interests, involving writing, acting, and sharing law enforcement expertise with the entertainment industry, culminating in his debut novel, "The Walk-On," released in February 2023.
To find out more about Richard you can visit his website: https://richardpodkowski.com/ where you can also buy his debut novel âThe Walk-onâ which is also available from online retailers including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. -
In this episode, I am joined by Duncan Bhaskaran Brown, coach, speaker, and Morris dancer, who helps people with alcohol dependency issues. He is also an author. His first book âGet Over Indulgenceâ outlines a simple system to revolutionise your relationship with food, booze, and life. His new book âReal Men Quitâ is out in December.
Duncan shares his own experiences of battles with addiction, particularly, alcohol including what made him decide to stop and methods he used to lead a more rewarding life.
Allen Carr's Easy Way to Control Alcohol.This Naked Mind: The myth-busting cult hit for anyone who wants to cut down their alcohol consumption. By Annie Grace.
He explores how we live in a world full of illusions of truth, and there are many illusions of truth about alcohol if you look at the motivational triad weâre basically designed as humans to maximize pleasure, minimize pain, and minimize the expenditure of energy. And if you look at the delusions that are out there around alcohol, the world will tell you that alcohol increases your pleasure. It doesn't. It will tell you it reduces your pain. It doesn't. And it will tell you the best thing to do is sit on the sofa after a hard day's work and drink a glass of wine, which is, of course, minimizing energy expenditure.
He also discusses how to recognise if you or someone close to you is drinking too much, how to address the problem, and the support options available from self-help to cognitive therapy to Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you want to find out more about Duncan or to contact him directly visit his website: https://www.bhaskaranbrown.com/.
You can also buy his book Get Over Indulgence, or pre-order his new book Real Men Quit on Amazon:
Duncan also referenced a few self-help books:You can also visit Alcoholics Anonymous.
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In this episode, I am joined by Steve Whittle, founder of Tough to Talk, a charity committed to helping business and community leaders reduce male suicide rates by empowering men to speak openly about their struggles.
Steve shares his own experiences of suicide behaviours and how this led to him starting Tough to Talk. He addresses the critical issue of suicide prevention, particularly focusing on the alarming statistics related to men. Suicide is described as the number one preventable cause of death globally, claiming over 700,000 lives annually. Shockingly, two-thirds of these individuals are men, who are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
We explore the barriers men face in seeking help, emphasising that only 32% of men in the UK engage with psychological services. These challenges are attributed to stigma surrounding mental health and societal expectations of male strength (toxic masculinity). The suicide continuum is explored as a framework to understand the progression of suicidal thoughts and actions, highlighting that men often suffer in silence due to this disconnect.
Steve also discusses factors contributing to suicidal tendencies, including psychological, identity, biological, current life circumstances, and past trauma. He emphasises that men considering suicide may not necessarily want to die but just want to seek relief from their pain.
He talks about the difficulty of spotting signs of suicidal behaviour in men, as they often conceal their struggles and the importance of using direct language when discussing suicide, even if the words may be uncomfortable.
The speaker introduces "Tough to Talk," an initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around male mental health by engaging men in male-dominated industries and promoting open conversations. They believe that by encouraging men to discuss their challenges, it will filter into homes and eventually eradicate generational gender bias and stigma.
Despite increased conversations about mental health, suicide rates are still rising, underlining the need for proactive checking-in on friends and the importance of persistent and specific questions when someone says they are "fine."
In summary, this episode sheds light on the urgent need for suicide prevention efforts targeted at men, emphasizing the role of societal norms and the importance of open communication in addressing this critical issue in the workplace, in communities and in the home.
Tough to Talk vows to break down the stigma of menâs mental health and aims to train 2,400 âtough talkersâ over the next 18 months.
If you are experiencing any of the issues raised in this podcast, general advice is to talk to your doctor. There are also organisations you can call now for example, in the UK, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, and if you are in the US, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. - Mehr anzeigen
