Everything in balance

                                                                                Phot by RA ImageZ on Unsplash Real masculinity isn’t measured in how many wings you can down at a party. It is not how many trips to a buffet you can make. It is not that you can finish your partners meal even after eating yours!  Studies show some men overeat in social settings to appear more masculine or dominant—but their is a cost?  Social pressure, performance, and trained behaviors and expectations of manhood can lead to unhealthy habits which can lead to,  Obesity, Beer Belly, Low self esteem, sleep disturbance,  high blood pressure,  disordered eating,  diabetes,  ED and many other physical and mental health issues.    L...

  "Depression in men often looks different than what we expect. ? It might show up as: Anger or Irritability Instead of Sadness Many men have never been taught how to express sadness, grief, or fear. As a result, these feelings often emerge as anger or irritability. For some, it's the only emotion they feel permitted—or even safe—to show. What looks like frustration on the surface may actually be sorrow or anxiety trying to find a way out. Working Excessively For many men, work becomes a form of escape. The structure, clear expectations, and familiar routines offer a sense of control that emotional life often does not. Immersing themselves in their careers allows men to avoid confronting emotional confusion or vulnerability. Withdrawing from Friends and Family When faced with problems they can't solve or emotions they can't fix, many men instinctively retreat. The pressure to always have answers can be overwhelming, and in the absence of solutions, withdrawal may feel...

 In corporate environments, men often feel pressure to appear invulnerable.  However, the reality is: 1 in 8 men experience depression, and workplace stress is often a significant factor. As leaders and colleagues, we can:  ✓ Normalize mental health conversations and encourage seeking support. ✓ Offer flexible work arrangements so people can see therapist as they need too.   ✓ Lead by example in seeking help and share support.  ✓ Create psychologically safe environments for all people in the work space.  Taking care of our mental health isn't just personal—it's professional.  When we're mentally healthy, we're more creative, productive, and better leaders. Let's change the narrative around men's mental health in the workplace. #Leadership #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellness #MensMentalHealth" I offer therapy and professional mental health training contact me at my website at  Lifeline Connections Therapy  

  Talking About Hard topics: Sharing personal and sensitive topics, such as our trauma history or mental health needs, can understandably bring about several challenges. One significant concern can be the fear of rejection. When we open up and share deep aspects of ourselves, there's a natural worry that the other person might not accept or understand us. Another layer of difficulty involves the anxiety associated with trust. Expressing traumatic experiences requires us to be vulnerable and place our trust in another individual, which can be daunting. Additionally, it's common to experience a feeling of weakness when expressing our own needs. We might have a misconception that sharing our vulnerabilities or requirements could be perceived as a sign of weakness. Preparing for a Difficult Conversation Talking about trauma or other personal topics can be difficult. Here are few steps to help you prepare: Preparing Internally Practice what you want to say into a mirr...

  (CBT) Worksheet for Anxiety related issues in relationship communications: Overview This worksheet is designed for individuals dealing with high Anxiety who are experiencing relationship communication issues. The goal is to help develop improved communication skills through cognitive-behavioral techniques, specifically using thought challenging. Goals Identify and challenge anxious thoughts related to communication in relationships. Improve communication skills by practicing effective dialogue techniques. Develop actionable steps to implement in daily interactions. Section 1: Recognizing Anxious Thoughts Exercise 1: Thought Record In the space below, write down any anxious thoughts you have related to your communication in relationships. Consider the situations that trigger these thoughts. Date:___________ Who were you communicating to: _______________________________________________________ Describe Situation:______________________________________...

  What is a Trauma event(s) A traumatic event is an incident that causes physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological harm. It is an event that leave a person feeling threatened, frightened, or overwhelmed. Examples include accidents, natural disasters, violence, abuse, or witnessing a distressing event. It is triggers the human Fight or Flight which response to the maximum that often leaves a person stuck int fight, flight or freeze mode, this can trigger the trauma response system (TRS). What is a Trauma Response? Trauma responses refer to the psychological, emotional, and physical reactions individuals may experience after encountering a traumatic event. This is a human defense system! The trauma response system (TRS) allows humans to survive horrible event(s) including accidents, abuse, violence, loss, natural disasters and long term trauma exposure. Once your trauma response system is activated it can fail to stop protecting you long after the trauma event(s) are...

What is Male Trauma? Male trauma refers to the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. This can include, but is not limited to, childhood abuse, domestic violence, toxic relationship's, divorce, bullying, vehicle accidents, military combat experiences, and loss or grief.  It is crucial to recognize that men may experience trauma differently than women, often leading to under-reporting and a lack of support. Common Symptoms of Trauma in Men  Emotional Symptoms:  Anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, emotional numbness. Traumatized men tend to become emotionless or extremely emotional. like in all humans trauma redefines our emotions and how we experience them as a child and into adulthood.  Physical Symptoms : Insomnia, fatigue, headaches, chronic pain Trauma in men often comes out in the physical because the emotional damage projects through the body.  Behavioral Symptoms:  Substance abuse, withdra...

  IF YOU READ THIS BLOG, DO NOT FEEL BAD FOR ME - ALL INFORMATION HAS BEEN WRITTEN AFTER I HAVE WORKED THROUGH IT AND/OR AM FULLY AWARE OF IT AND MAINTAINED SUPPORT FOR IT.                                                              Photo by  Susan Wilkinson  on  Unsplash PLEASE READ THIS TO UNDERSTAND HOW OTHERS ARE FEELING!    As someone who has experienced the cancer journey and works as a counselor, I have seen firsthand the significant mental effects cancer has from diagnosis to recovery.  People often share stories of battling cancer, whether they win or lose. While this connection is important, the mental process of dealing with cancer is still far less discussed. Many people don't realize that the mental impact of non-terminal cancer can be more severe than the ...

  Understanding ADHD and Trauma Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Adults with ADHD may struggle with time management, organization, maintaining focus, hyper-awareness, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Trauma can stem from various experiences such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse in childhood, being the victim or witnessing violence, sudden loss, or even long-term exposure to chronic stressors such as poverty. Trauma can significantly impact how an individual manages their ADHD symptoms. For individuals navigating ADHD while experiencing the effects of past trauma, it can complicate daily life. Trauma can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, leading to increased unstable emotional responses to simple daily interactions.  Trauma and ADHD can trigger anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation challenges. Conversely, ADHD can worsen trauma triggers by ...

  Balancing Political Fear and Emotions What is Political Fear? Political fear is a psychological response to perceived threats related to political systems, leaders, or events.  It can manifest as anxiety, stress, or a sense of helplessness, often intensified during election seasons, post-election political upheavals, or societal changes. Many people in the USA right now are particularly sensitive to the changing political dynamics as they navigate their roles in family, work, and civic life. No matter what your political viewpoint is, there are a lot of changes happening, and this can cause fear and mental disruption.   Use this simple guide to help bring your mind into balance and bring positive mental health focus.  1. Identify Your Triggers Self-awareness :  Recognize what “specific” political issues or events trigger feelings of fear or anxiety. This might include reading headlines or watching news coverage,  scrolling  social ...