Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and active lifestyle, is a city that celebrates strength and vitality. But when it comes to mental health, we often see a different picture. Men, especially, are often reluctant to open up about their struggles, leading to silent suffering. We love to see Jelly Roll taking the lead with his new song “I Am Not Okay”.

June is Men’s Mental Health Month. Like physical health, it needs attention and care. Let’s break the stigma and encourage men to prioritize their emotional well-being.

The Silent Struggle:

Men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Societal expectations and gender roles can add pressure to suppress their emotions and “tough it out”, or “just rub some dirt on it” mentality.  This leads to bottling up feelings like anxiety, depression, and stress, which can manifest in unhealthy ways like substance abuse, anger, or isolation.

The Fitness Connection:

Physical fitness is crucial for overall well-being. Exercise has countless benefits. But physical fitness alone isn’t enough. It’s time to recognize that mental and emotional fitness are equally important.

Tips for Flexing Your Emotional Muscles:

• • Talk it Out: Share your feelings with someone you trust—a friend, partner, family member, therapist, or men’s group.
  • Recharge Your Batteries: Take time for yourself. Exercise, get outdoors, plan a guys’ weekend, fish, or relax with a book or music.
  • Be Present: Focus on the moment and practice mindfulness to stay grounded.

• Vocalize Your Vibes: Record voice memos or video diaries to dump your feelings.

• Check your Head: Shift negative thoughts into empowering ones by challenging your internal dialogue.

• Claim Your Time: Use a “Not-To-Do” list and embrace saying “no” without guilt.

• Mindfulness in Motion: Stay present, in the moment, try yoga.

• Gratitude Graffiti: Create a “Gratitude Wall” at home for thankful notes and drawings.

• Dream Deep: Prioritize restful sleep creating a calming bedtime routine.

• Balance Blueprint: Plan your week with a balance of work, rest, and play.

Men’s Mental Health Matters:

Your mental well-being is not just an individual concern—it ripples through every aspect of your life. As a relationship expert, I know how neglecting mental health can create a domino effect, leading to strained relationships, decreased work performance, isolation from friends, challenges in parenting, and physical health problems, increasing risks for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Neglecting your mental health affects every aspect of your life. It strains relationships, hinders work productivity, and impacts parenting. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s essential for thriving in all areas of your life. By not taking care of yourself, you can’t be there for the ones you love.

Men, flex those emotional muscles! Seeking support is a sign of strength. If you’re struggling with anxiety, don’t face it alone. Join my Facebook community, “Overcoming Waves: Crucial Tactics to Survive Riptides of Anxiety,” to connect, share, and learn valuable coping skills. Together, we can find peace.

Remember, you’re not alone.

About Tami – 

Tami Kiekhaefer, LCSW has operated a successful psychotherapy practice since 2002. She provides individual, family and couples therapy around anxiety, depression, domestic violence, trauma, relationships, and empowerment. She has taught workshops and spoken on podcasts guiding people to gain awareness of what is not working in their lives while offering strategies to gain a sense of internal control. 

Tami is a certified yoga instructor and weaves concepts of holistic therapy into her clinical work. Combining a body, mind and soul approach, she addresses every angle crucial for stability and peace. 

Her book, Preparing for the Jungle: Avoiding Snakes and Pitfalls on the Path to Healthy Love  provides hand-on tools required to work through the past, stabilize the present and prepare for a loving relationship. Having experienced her share of heartbreak, Tami’s compassion with real life adds to the richness of her writing. 

Imagine being able to sort through the past, stabilize the present, and prepare for the future in a safe and structured environment. Her book and supplemental self-paced course will provide readers the hands-on tools, strategies, and exercises to implement that will change how you see yourself, others, and the course of your life in a positive and empowering way.