Forgot to add, sorry to hear about the stress you went through after your parents passed. It truly does bring out the worst in people, particularly harrowing when it's your nearest and dearest! I've seen happen a few times recently with colleagues and friends, not been through it personally thankfully.

Red & Blue SInce 1982

Glad you found something in the CBD which helps. The macho side of things you talk about (not wanting to worry others, bottle up etc) is very understandable and I'm sure it is a large contributor to a lot of people's problems. For me it's the true essence of the term toxic masculinity which has since been misused a lot.

If it's of any use since the start of last year I've been doing this breathing exercise by Wim Hof 2/3 times a week after doing a workout. I can't say that I started it because of any mental health issues but it certainly helped me to keep a level head over the strange last year. Also in the comments section of the video it's full up with people attesting to how much it's helped them through some difficult times. So maybe there could be something to it.

It certainly felt strange doing it at first and I'm sure it's not everybody's cup of tea but it may be worth a go. I tried it just out of curiosity and still doing it a year later.

[Link]

It's been growing in popularity and there's a tonne of documentaries about him (some good, some bad) and he's certainly a colourful character who's come through his fair share of challenges.

Hope it might be helpful. And this thread appearing on the mighty masculine HOL (sorry female members ) certainly shows that it is ok to talk

Edited by samprior (14 Jan 2021 1.02pm)

Humans evolved to work their bodies outside. Technology has had its good and bad sides. Humans didn’t evolve to sit at desks for 7-10+ days a week and under pressure from a boss. All obvious stuff but many are oblivious to it.

COYP

Mental health issues are the real pandemic. It's only going to get worse for men too - without going into it. But really today, women are holding most of the cards.
We have patrols of volunteers on the bridges and by the waterways to stop the daily suicides. We hide it well for the tourists though. I think it's around 80% men that commit suicide, but no one seems to particularly care.

Red and Blue Army!

MGTOW is against your genetic self interest.

There are many great women out there, it's about luck, what you can attract/get and judgement.

However I completely agree with you. Neither the system or the elites that created it or their middle class idealogs running it give a damn about the working class male, especially the white one.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Society, the media, social media all have a part to play with mental health, in my own experience anyway. Lockdown itself being particularly grim, being a prisoner in your own home, but still expected to work, not really able to exercise as you once we're, too much screen time, not being able to see friends and loved ones and having zero freedom of movement. I could go on...

I wouldn't say necessarily say I'm depressed or even struggling, but as you grow older as a man, you do have an inner voice reminding you that you're pathetic, if you haven't met certain, arbitrary milestones in life, say in comparison to your parent's generation.

Edited by madcap_v2 (14 Jan 2021 7.06pm)

La la la your mum