One of my specialisms is in helping men with their mental health, particularly:
- Understanding and managing stress and anxiety
Anxiety, panic attacks and depression can prevent us from leading a full life.
Anger-management issues can damage jobs and relationships.
- Supporting men suffering with depression
Men are three times as likely to take their own lives than women. It’s OK to not be OK and to talk about it.
- Developing self-awareness to heal from past trauma and frustrations
Unresolved issues such as loss, abuse or a difficult childhood (or just the way we were raised) can also push us towards coping strategies, such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex and other addictions.
- Improving communication skills to navigate relationships more confidently
This is an area where we can make change. By improving self-awareness of how things affect us, how we tend to respond (and sometimes where that came from), we can become more successful in relationships. We can share our feelings and communicate our needs more effectively.
Some men are accused of being controlling and narcissistic but may actually benefit from developing their own self-esteem and finding better ways to get their needs met – or dealing with not getting them met.
Not having to be perfect with others can bring much freedom and growth; being imperfect can show a strength that builds trust in relationships. It takes balls to be vulnerable!
I work with both men and women on these issues but particularly help men to feel safe enough to be vulnerable and open.
Often we can’t change our circumstances, and we can’t change the past, but we can change how things affect us.