At some point in your life, you are likely to face depression, anxiety, or some other mental health issue. Whether it is a diagnosed problem or just an ongoing theme running in the background for you, these struggles are powerful.
They can prevent you from becoming who you’re meant to be and fully embracing all the wonderful things about this human experience.
The worst part is that our own mental battles tend to be things we fight alone and don’t openly discuss with anyone. We don’t want to burden our friends and family.
Often times, we think no one else could possibly relate to how we’re feeling, so we’re too afraid to share the truth.
What I’ve learned on my own journey is the exact opposite.
When you begin talking, the real healing happens.
Expressing yourself is the simplest, but perhaps the most effective, strategy to get rid of the swarming, irrational thoughts that can take over. After all, this is why therapy is generally helpful for most people.
Sometimes, just hearing your thoughts aloud allows you to evaluate them. Further, getting reassurance from another human that your feelings are valid and that you have permission to acknowledge them is, in my eyes, invaluable.
Easier said than done, right?
Especially for men in a world that continues to perpetuate an antiquated view of masculinity, talking is incredibly taboo.
I say it’s time we forget about all that. Like Brené Brown (one of my favourite thought leaders in this space) says, vulnerability is the ultimate strength.
I’m here to do my part in making vulnerability mainstream, because I believe so strongly in the value of opening up.
