Men's Mental Health and Wellbeing

For the month of November, we bring awareness to men's mental health and wellbeing with a series of weekly posts written by our male?MHI'ers?who will be sharing their self-care tips to prevent becoming overwhelmed and strategies to connect to the right support when facing adversity.??

Special thanks to?Cameron Rankin, Peer Supporter, Peer Support Nova Scotia (PSNS) for this week’s share.??

Cameron writes …?

Being open and honest about my mental health struggles is something that has never come easy to me. Through my?mental health?journey, I have discovered that these same struggles run deep?in the male side of my?family.?To?no surprise, it was never talked about or brought to my attention?as it wasn’t something that came naturally to them?either?

“When I was 16, I received my driver’s license,?and in turn,?a newfound?independence. Unlike many kids at this age, I did something different?on my first trip out as a newly licensed driver. I drove myself straight to the hospital.”?

I couldn’t bring myself to discuss my struggles with those closest to me because I was ashamed and embarrassed.?I didn’t know what was wrong, so I decided to open up to?a?stranger;?a doctor with mental health training?who?was on call that night.?From there I began my recovery.??

I consider myself extremely lucky to have reached out that night and?found?the proper?supports.?All?it took was that initial?conversation;?it?was my first step. I am still not the most comfortable person talking about my mental health struggles, but I am getting better?at it.??

“By?showing this vulnerability,?although it?still does not come naturally?to me, I have had the privilege?to help other men,?who may be struggling as well,?through conversation.?I believe it has had a massive impact on those who are willing to engage, no matter the discomfort.”??

To a degree, I feel as though I have broken?the?silence?surrounding mental health struggles?within the male side of my family. I now see that one is never too old or too far gone to begin recovery and take that first step.??

For me, maintaining recovery comes in many forms. Rigorous exercise, hiking, music, reading, and trying to learn something new as often as possible. Gratitude, reflection,?and appreciation for those who continue to walk this path with me?are?crucial.

I often reflect on my?mental health?experience?and remind?myself?of the great stoic philosopher and Roman?emperor Marcus Aurelius. As Aurelius says, “What stands in the way, becomes the way.”?

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