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Showing posts from January, 2025

Men's mental health and why its a good idea to seek help.

  Introduction Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many men struggle to seek the help they need. Despite increasing awareness, societal norms, stigma, and personal fears often prevent men from opening up about their struggles. This reluctance can lead to severe consequences, including deteriorating mental health, substance abuse, and even suicide. Although modern society has made strides in addressing mental health, the gap remains wide for men. Cultural expectations, workplace pressures, and personal pride often contribute to this issue. Many men may not even recognize their struggles as valid or feel they have nowhere to turn. This blog post explores why men hesitate to seek mental health support, the dangers of ignoring mental health issues, and the resources available to help. It also provides strategies to break down these barriers, promote open conversations, and encourage a healthier outlook on mental well-being. The Stigma Surrounding Men's Mental Hea...

List of free mental health resources

Hi all,  Below is a list of free resources available in some countries. I will continue to add to this list so check back if your country isnt here.  Remember - ask for help if you need it!  Australia: Beyond Blue: Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Mental Health Online: Offers comprehensive online services and programs free of charge. https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au/ Moodgym: An interactive self-help program designed to help users prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. https://www.moodgym.com.au/ United States: MentalHealth.gov: Provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health information. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. https://www.nami.org/ M...

Why Relationships Are Always Worth Fighting For (Even When They Make You Want to Scream)

 Ah, relationships. Those beautiful, messy, exhilarating, frustrating, heartwarming, and sometimes downright confusing experiences we willingly sign up for. Love is a battlefield, they say, but let’s be honest—it often feels more like an escape room where both of you are desperately trying to find the key while blindfolded and handcuffed to a grumpy badger. Yet, despite the occasional (or frequent) bumps in the road, relationships are always worth fighting for. Here’s why—along with a few nuggets of wisdom to keep your love story from becoming a cautionary tale. 1. Love Isn’t a Disney Movie (and That’s a Good Thing) We grew up with fairy tales that taught us love is effortless once you find "the one." Well, reality check—Prince Charming definitely leaves socks on the floor, and Cinderella has morning breath like the rest of us. Real love is work. But that’s what makes it worth it. The best things in life—careers, fitness, friendships, and yes, love—require effort. Fighting fo...

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others: You’re Not a Rotten Avocado

  Let’s get something straight right off the bat: You are not a bruised, overripe avocado sitting next to a picture-perfect Hass at the grocery store. Life isn’t a produce aisle, and yet, here we are, eyeballing everyone else’s seemingly perfect, glistening success and feeling like yesterday’s leftovers. It’s time to put an end to the madness—stop comparing yourself to others, and start embracing the wonderfully chaotic, sometimes-messy, and utterly unique masterpiece that is you . The Social Media Hall of Mirrors Social media is like one of those funhouse mirrors at the carnival—except it’s less “fun” and more “existential crisis.” Everyone is posting their highlight reels: tropical vacations, job promotions, flawless selfies (with just the right amount of Valencia filter), and artisanal avocado toasts that look like they belong in a museum. What you don’t see? The existential dread at 2 AM, the sink full of dishes, and the existential crisis over whether to text back “lol” or “ha...

How to Deal with Depression Without Becoming a Full-Time Blanket Burrito

 Depression is like that one friend who overstays their welcome at your party. Everyone else has gone home, the snacks are gone, and there they are, still on your couch, eating imaginary chips and ruining your vibe. But hey, you’re not alone in this – loads of us are stuck hosting this unwanted guest. The trick is learning how to deal with it without letting it permanently turn your life into a sad sitcom. Here are some tips, tricks, and mildly questionable pieces of advice to help you manage depression (with a few laughs along the way). Spoiler alert: No, wine isn’t a solution, even though it seems like a good idea on particularly rough Tuesdays. Note: None of the links in this article are affiliate marketing links. They are simply resources that might help. 1. The Great Battle: You vs. The Bed Let’s face it – depression loves making you feel like your bed is the only place you belong. And sure, beds are comfy. But spending all day there won’t magically fix anything (except maybe ...

The Surprisingly Simple Secret to Being a Good Man: Just Don’t Be a Dick

 Ah, masculinity in the modern era. It’s a minefield, isn’t it? One minute you’re holding the door open for someone, thinking you’re channeling peak chivalry, and the next you’re wondering if you’ve inadvertently mansplained your way into someone’s bad books. The world has changed, and with it, the expectations of what it means to be a good man. Yet, in this swirling sea of self-help books, Twitter think pieces, and TikToks dissecting alpha, beta, and “whatever Greek letter you’re feeling today” males, I’m here to share a profound, timeless truth: The secret to being a good man is simply not being a dick. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t come with a TED Talk or an Instagram course. But it works. Let’s break it down, shall we? Rule 1: Don’t Be a Dick to Women Yes, we’re starting here because… well, history. Look, women have endured centuries of nonsense, and the least you can do is not add to the pile. Don’t catcall. It’s not charming; it’s weird. Nobody’s ever heard a “Nice legs, sweeth...

Broke but Not Broken: How to Survive Budgeting with Humor and Hope

  Budgeting. The mere word conjures up images of spreadsheets, coffee-stained receipts, and the quiet sobs of someone staring at their bank account at 2 a.m. If you’ve ever had to choose between paying the electric bill or treating yourself to a double caramel macchiato, then congratulations, friend, you’re in the delightful club of "adulting on a budget." But don’t worry! While things might feel tight financially, your sense of humor doesn’t have to go on a diet. Grab your off-brand coffee, settle into that thrift store chair, and let’s tackle the wild world of budgeting with a healthy dose of laughter. The "Why Is Everything So Expensive?" Stage We’ve all been there. You’re casually walking through the grocery store, armed with a list and good intentions, when you see it: a loaf of bread priced like it’s been blessed by ancient monks. You check the tag again. “Is this bread artisanal, or does it come with a free Tesla?” you mutter. Spoiler alert: It’s just bread. ...

The Absurdly Honest Guide to Mental Health Self-Improvement

 Ah, self-improvement! That shimmering oasis of betterment just over the horizon where you'll finally become a morning person  who drinks kale smoothies and doesn't feel like running away when your email pings. Spoiler alert: it's a trap. But an entertaining trap—like trying to assemble IKEA furniture while missing half the screws. So, let’s embark on this journey of mental health self-improvement together. We’ll explore the potholes, the weird detours, and the moments when you’ll question your life choices. But hey, at least it’ll be fun. Step 1: Accept That You're a Hot Mess (And That’s Okay) First things first: you're not perfect. No one is. And if you’re reading this, you’re likely sitting in sweatpants, eating snacks that are 80% preservatives, and googling, "How to stop procrastinating without doing any actual work." Guess what? That’s fine. Step one to self-improvement is accepting the chaos that is you . Embrace your flaws, like that tendency to st...

Stop Being Your Own Worst Critic: A Humorous Guide to Self-Honesty

 Let’s start with a truth bomb: you’re not perfect. Shocking, right? If you just spat out your coffee in indignation, hear me out. Nobody is perfect, not even that Instagram influencer who seems to exist on a diet of kale smoothies and sunsets. They probably have a junk drawer full of batteries that don’t work and a tendency to yell at their dog for no reason. (Sorry, dog.) But here’s the thing: while imperfection is the human condition, most of us are really  bad at coming to terms with it. Instead, we beat ourselves up for every little mistake, as though being a flawless robot was ever an achievable goal. It’s time to stop this nonsense. Let’s learn to be honest with ourselves without turning every self-reflection into an emotional boxing match. And let’s have some fun while we’re at it. Step 1: Acknowledge That You’re a Bit of a Mess First things first: admit it. You are, in some ways, a bit of a disaster. Maybe you can’t cook rice without Googling how many cups of water to...

Staying sane while dealing with politics

 In an age where the news never stops and social media never shuts up, political turmoil feels like an unwelcome guest who refuses to leave. Elections, protests, and policies—oh my! It can make you feel like the world is spinning out of control. But hey, while the world’s busy losing its mind, you can still keep yours intact. Here’s how to stay focused on the important stuff without losing your sense of humor (or your sanity). 1. Understand What You Can Control (Hint: Not World Leaders) One major source of stress during political drama is realizing you’re not exactly pulling the strings behind the scenes. World leaders don’t answer to your tweets, and that’s probably for the best. But here’s the deal: while you can’t dictate international policies, you can  control how you respond to all the chaos. Decide how much news you actually need (spoiler alert: it’s less than you think). Pick one or two actions that make you feel like a superhero—like voting, volunteering, or supportin...

Why mental health is like an old car.

 Right, let’s get something straight. When you hear the phrase "mental health," your brain might conjure up images of kale smoothies, incense sticks, and some bloke in yoga pants attempting to fold himself into an origami crane. And if that’s what you’re imagining, I’m sorry, but you’ve got it all wrong. Mental health isn’t about hugging trees or meditating in a field of daisies. It’s about keeping your noggin—the bit between your ears—running smoothly, like a well-tuned V8 engine. And trust me, it’s just as important as making sure your car doesn’t explode halfway down the M25. So, let’s crack on, shall we? Here’s how to keep your mental gearbox in check, Clarkson style. 1. Know When You’re Overheating Imagine you’re hammering along in your favorite motor, and suddenly, the temperature gauge starts creeping up. What do you do? Keep going until the engine seizes? Of course not. You pull over and let it cool down. Your brain works the same way. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, s...