I’ve battled anxiety my entire life but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally really tried to do something about it. Getting a therapist was a huge game changer in helping me acknowledge and develop constructive coping skills and habits to help manage it.
Beyond the struggles of dealing with anxiety and the toll it took on my social life and physical well-being, I think the biggest challenge for me was acknowledging that I actually needed to take the steps to get help. Getting a therapist and having a supportive group of friends that I felt comfortable talking to was elemental in helping me cope and understand that my anxiety doesn’t define me. I’m so much more than it.
Men should talk more openly about what they are going through because it’s important to let other men know that they are not alone. It’s completely normal to have these feelings of anxiety and depression. We tend to assume that nobody is listening and fear we’ll appear weak in front of the people we love and want to protect. In reality, admitting weakness takes courage and strength, and sharing those feelings should never be frowned upon.
It is an honor getting to share my mental health experience and reminding other men that they’re not alone, they have a support system, and accepting professional help and identifying how your illness affects you is completely normal and healthy.
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