You may or may not know this, but I am a man. A supposedly fully grown, mature one at that, although my family may beg to differ. Yet, for years, I neglected my mental health to the point where it was having a detrimental effect not only on myself but also those around me. It was only when I hit rock bottom that I was forced to confront my inner demons. Head on. It wasn’t a pretty process but it got me to where I am today.
Where’s that? A better place, thankfully, on more solid ground. It was only when I recognised I had problems and was prepared to discuss them with others that the situation improved. A weight was lifted off my shoulders and I started to make forward progress. You are not an island, you cannot muddle through on your own. If times are hard, talk to someone about it. Doing so is a sign of courage and strength, not weakness.
Black Thoughts 
Bravo, sir. Thank you for sharing. Another courageous step for mental health awareness.
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❤️
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Thank you 😊
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🙌Amen!
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Well done! 😊
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Nicely stated. Congratulations on your journey and thank you for sharing it.
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Thank you, as ever, Denny 🙂
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I love this, man.
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Thank you Sandra 🙂
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Thank you for sharing. I am glad you were able to find someone to talk things through with, what a difference it makes right? And yet somehow I feel as though men get much criticism for doing so. As I was reading your post it made me think of a friend of mine suffering in silence because of legalist views. I commend you on your bravery to share this
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You’re very welcome. Thank you Sharon 🙂
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100% agree! Time to drop the mask of “I’m okay.”
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Yes indeed, Mark.
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I think at least talking about feelings and perspectives is important; otherwise, i literally assume my husband doesn’t experience emotions.
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I’m the opposite. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve.
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Isn’t that where your FitBit is?
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Amen. I have had a similar experience. It took a nervous breakdown in order for me to commit to therapy. But, the healing is well worth going to therapy for a year. I have become a much better version of myself. I have learned how to manage stress and communicate better. I am so grateful for an experience that I thought was the worst time of my life but turned out to be the best thing for my wellbeing.
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I’m so very pleased to read this, Mary 😊
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Man, isn’t the truth. Sometimes talking about what’s inside is the best thing in the world. I know it was for me.
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Glad to hear it, William. Thank you 😊
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I used to keep stuff bottled up but not so much anymore, especially since I found a good counselor to open up to once in a while. I highly recommend it. Just like finding a good mechanic can do wonders for your vehicle, working with a pro counselor/therapist can really help diagnose and work out issues of the heart.
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I’m glad you are in a better place now.
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Congratulations! Facing your demons is one more piece of evidence that you are a “real” man!
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Thank you Susan.
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Lovely! Very well said! 😊
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Thank you 😊
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Indeed.
Before someone can find his roots and really be GROUNDED as a Man, he’ll need to fall many times. It’s all part of the process, you got this.
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Thank you very much 🙂
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Talking things out always helps when you have sane people around you. Haha. Well, heck. Even sometimes crazy people can help if they just listen. As a man, I don’t want to be pictured as blubbering wimp, sure, but that’s a far cry from talking about what’s bothering you. Talk is out and get it out and move on. I agree. It makes for a happier life.
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Thank you very much 🙂
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I used to be cold, emotionless. I had little to no empathy and I was completely unfeeling. I didn’t even realize how terrible I was until it nearly cost me my marriage. Now I seem to have every feeling in the world. I don’t know what to do with those feelings, but I am a much better person now and it’s helping me to salvage and repair what I unknowingly destroy for so long.
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Glad to hear you are moving on, Brad 🙂
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