On The Docket 📖

The Wide World of Self-Betterment 📊Red in Black Podcast 🎙️The Burden of (Men)tal Health 🧍🏽‍♂️

Good morning! 🌤️

How’s your morning going? How are things? How are YOU doing? I usually share ways to bolster and develop your health and well-being, but I don’t often ask you about it. In the spirit of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, I welcome you to check in on the loved ones in your life. Ask people how they are doing! We’re not always willing to share the details of our mental state voluntarily, but being asked can welcome the opportunity with open arms. Most importantly, show love and grace to yourself. And enjoy this week’s content that prioritizes your wellbeing! 

I spent the last week linking up with other writers and creators across the net. I’ve compiled an aggregate of the best content I found as it relates to healthy living and self-betterment. It’s awesome to be able to share others’ good work and reinforce the ethos of my own newsletter in the process! I am certain that you will enjoy. 

Nothing Worse Than Nothing 🥀

I’m recommending Mind’s Odyssey, a poetry Subsack I’ve recently stumbled across. I was looking for newsletters similar to mine regarding self-improvement and fact-based writing rooted in health when I stumbled upon this writer’s poetry. It dawned on me that creative writing can embody these themes just as effectively.

I’ve included a piece I’ve interpreted as a call to seize the moment, discarding fears and doubts for the joy of what’s right in front of us, even if it may be unfamiliar.

Alive Yet Dying: What We Lose While We Live ⏳

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedThe greatest loss in lifeis not death itself.The greatest loss in lifeis what dies within us while we are still alive.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedIt’s the passions we never pursue,the dreams we abandon for practicality,and the parts of us that we silence for acceptancethat haunt our quiet moments.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedEvery day, little pieces of our potential and creativitywither quietly when we conform to expectationsinstead of embracing who we truly are.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedRemember, the essence of who you areshould not be a quiet casualty of existence.Nourishing your inner self,keeping your dreams and passions alive,and genuinely living your truthare perhaps the most vibrant ways to honorthis one, precious life we’re given.

Productivity for the Sane Human 💡

Late Stage Capitalism guilts us into working hard all the time, and now, working efficiently. That’s given rise to the world of incessant productivity content hacks, and bros. Hell, I’ve been guilty of peddling it. We all want to contribute to society, but unfortunately, we aren’t (yet) cyborgian entities that can churn out efficient work without rest. That means we need to learn how to balance work, play and recovery, being realistic about the whole process above all.

This newsletter wonderfully packages all of this together. Author Acne shares easy-to-read posts about working smarter, keeping in mind the most important aspect of all this — your health! My latest kick has been optimizing my sleep as much as I can, and the below post illustrates how to achieve that with a practical approach. 

Can’t We Just All Get Along? 👫

Men misunderstanding women and women becoming frustrated with men is a tale as old as time. This rift in communication is the root of so many issues domestically and societally. What if we learned about the other side, and tailored our behaviors to better suit easy communication?

Michael Owen’s work does just that, sharing tips for understanding the complexities of love, intimacy, and dating. It is geared primarily toward men, but I believe that anyone can benefit from his insights.

Check out his post on asking questions during dates. I found it to be a fun read with actionable advice that can apply to any conversation, romantic or not.

No one likes an interrogation. 

Red in Black Podcast 🎙️

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and I spoke with Dr. Natalie Muñoz of Rutgers University to commemorate it. We discuss healthy coping mechanisms, the reality of the mental health crisis, and the importance of having systems in place to support people of color, who suffer disproportionately from this. 

Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, such as depression and substance use, and may be more likely to bottle up their emotions. Men's Mental Health Awareness Month can be a time to start conversations about men's mental health, and to teach children about emotional needs and communication.

The full episode will be available next week, so for now, enjoy this preview!

The Problem of Men’s Mental Health ❓

Nobody wants to hear it, but the journey of life can be challenging and harsh for men. As we carve our individual paths, we endure hardships and hurdles that we may not have the skills or equipment for. When we inevitably stumble, there is hardly room for sympathy from those around us. Most people just don’t want to hear about it — there’s very much a “that’s their problem” mentality around it. We are expected to take the hit and double down on our objective. The problem is that we’re human, and these hits can take a grim toll on us if left unchecked.

This is where outbursts and self-destructive patterns can emerge, sabotaging progress toward achieving goals and disrupting the well-being of others. It can get ugly fast, with episodes having the potential to dismantle any sort of progress. It’s a lonely, burdensome feeling to go through this kind of stuff, and it appears to be increasing across generations. This underscores the importance of checking up on others, and stresses the necessity of emotional literacy. Let’s have a look at some of the statistics that illustrate the reality of men today, and what can be done to improve their state. After all, their benefit is ours, too. We’re all in this together. 

Stigma and Social Pressure 🤕

• Men often face societal pressure to appear strong and self-reliant, which can discourage them from seeking help for mental health issues.

• Stigma surrounding mental health in men can lead to feelings of shame and a reluctance to talk about their problems.

Higher Suicide Rates 💔

• Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. This is partly due to the tendency of men to choose more lethal means when attempting suicide.

• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for men under the age of 50.

Impact of Masculinity Norms 💪🏾

• Traditional masculine norms, such as the belief that men should be stoic and emotionally tough, can negatively impact men’s mental health.

• These norms can prevent men from expressing vulnerability or seeking support when needed.

Risk Factors 🎲

• Common risk factors for mental health issues in men include unemployment, relationship breakdowns, financial stress, and substance abuse.

• Men who have experienced trauma, such as abuse or military combat, are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems.

Symptoms in Men 🎭

• Men may exhibit different symptoms of depression compared to women. These can include anger, irritability, risk-taking behavior, and physical symptoms like headaches or digestive problems.

• Anxiety in men might present as muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Support and Resources 🏘️

• Encouraging open conversations about mental health and normalizing seeking help can significantly benefit men.

• Support groups, therapy, hotlines, and online resources are available to help men address their mental health concerns.

• Workplace programs and policies that promote mental health awareness and support can also make a positive impact.

Importance of Early Intervention 👆🏽

• Early recognition and intervention are crucial in preventing mental health issues from escalating. This includes encouraging men to talk about their feelings and seek help early.

• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers should include discussions about mental health.

Healthy Coping Mechanisms 😅

• Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, and social connections can help men manage stress and improve their mental well-being.

• Reducing reliance on harmful coping mechanisms like alcohol, drugs and co-dependency is important for long-term mental health.

Community Support 🫂

• Coming together in support of the men in your community is the most deliberate way to help those in need, bringing a sense of purpose and reliability to a much-needed cause.