MH: It's Invisible - By Contributing Author Edward Joshua

MH or better known as Mental Health. For some it's an unknown hidden in the wealth.

It's an invisible illness and perhaps only in the mind. An outsider, observer, criticizer, they to, can be unkind.

Not knowing the struggle can't understand the signs. Reacting to, sometimes erratic behavior, can't read between the lines.

Family friends, colleagues even strangers judging you. They have no idea what it is you're going through.

Being alone, anti-social behavior is the norm. What has changed, this was not the way I was born?

Why am I being misunderstood, as a man I'm meant to be strong? What is it, maybe I did something wrong?

Too scared to show I am vulnerable and weak. This is not me, I'm unable to stand alone and weep.

How long will it take for someone to know, I'm hurting, but I'm too proud? Unable to shout it out loud.

Can't you see the signs from within me? Will it be too late, for you to see? Dear God, I turn to you and pray. Help me Lord, get me through this day.

What must I do, I'm alone and scared? Help me cope and become prepared.

You're not hearing my silent cry. Is it me in my weakness I wonder why?

If you see me standing all alone looking forlorn. Don't be afraid to approach it may be just what I need to be ‘re-born.’

MH is not a physical disorder, it's invisible, and it's a killer. Be aware of the signs, get the help find your supporting pillar.

Observer, if you can. Reach out, save your fellow man…

MH: it's invisible

Thank you, Edward Joshua for again being a Contributing Author to the Relationships Matter Monday posts for Men. We greatly appreciate you sharing this deeply insightful poem regarding your own mental health #crisistocourage4men journey and to support your fella peers with getting the help they need.    

Pixabay Contributor

Thank you for reading.

Your thoughts are very appreciated.

Author’s Bio

Karen Bontrager helps 16-24-year-old men, and fellas, 25+ stuck there due to complex trauma, make permanent shifts in their behavior from merely surviving in life to thriving through transparent coaching/counseling in one-on-one conversations and in group work, and through topic sensitive trauma-informed workshops in a program called, “From Crisis to Courage.” With this ontological approach, I partner with my clients to discover their essence, (aka highest and best self) by powerfully reflecting and listening to them. My clients quickly learn how to generate self-awareness and to voice their own relationship needs in a clear, constructive way by learning key coaching techniques/evidenced based counseling approaches/tools to work past their traumatic events and addictions to move forward. The clients are then equipped to develop healthy relationships with key relationships: parents/siblings/friends, and with intimate dating partners because they have learned how to proactively use their voice.

She does a weekly Relationships Matter Monday LI article/poem/commentary for 16-24-year-old men and fellas, 25+, stuck there due to trauma, is a frequent contributor here, and has a bi-monthly podcast called Crisis to Courage to give gentlemen an honorable platform for learning how to use their voices in a way which gets respected, instead of turning to the old standbys: anger, isolation, and numbing behavior, so they can be the men they were made, formed, and created to be.

Crisis to Courage Podcast for Men Links below:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1130105/listings

https://open.spotify.com/show/0hBtQMFu6eOoHAJBZVRgiQ

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMTMwMTA1LnJzcw==

https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/3017583

https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/crisis-to-courage-podcast-a-pl-1258925

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1372142

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/crisis-to-courage-podcast-a-platform-for-udrRN3OmV9o/

Are you a man, 16-24, or more mature, 25+ which feels stuck mentally, and is not able to move forward due to a traumatic past, which shows up as anger, isolation, or various numbing behaviors, and needs support? Or, do you feel something gets in the way emotionally from you loving self, others, or having the life of your dreams, but are not sure what? Please DM me on Linked In for an opportunity to talk.