Joan Ann (Joanie) Grandy CHSC, GSC’s Post

I want to shed light on an important issue that affects us all—how societal expectations often unfairly judge individuals, especially men, for expressing their emotions. It's time we challenge these stereotypes and foster an environment where everyone feels safe to open up and seek help when needed. As a man, I understand the societal conditioning that often steers us away from openly showing our emotions, nudging us towards conforming to rigid masculine standards from an early age. Society often places immense pressure on men to conform to traditional norms of stoicism and emotional suppression. This toxic masculinity not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also significantly impacts mental health. According to studies, men are less likely to seek help for mental health concerns due to the fear of being perceived as weak or vulnerable. In fact, the suicide rates among men are alarmingly high. Statistics reveal that in many parts of the world, men have a significantly higher rate of suicide compared to women. This isn't a matter to be taken lightly—it's a wake-up call to address the urgent need for breaking down these barriers that discourage emotional expression and seeking help. Let us collectively challenge these harmful norms, encouraging an inclusive and empathetic society where emotional well-being is valued and supported regardless of gender. Let's celebrate vulnerability as a sign of strength, compassion, and self-awareness. If you're struggling, remember, reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's an act of courage. Let us all be allies in this crucial journey toward mental health awareness and support. #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #EmbraceEmotions #StrongerTogether #EndTheSilence 🌈💪

World mental health day - focus on mental health as universal human right. It is OK to not be OK. Your feelings are important and valid. It is OK to reach out and ask for help. 🤍 #worldmentalhealthday2023

Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being.”— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General This moving video by Dr. Sangu Delle really highlights the importance of well-being on World Mental Health Day #mentalhealth #worldmentalhealthday

Sangu Delle's TED Talk is a powerful reminder of the importance of being open about our emotions, especially on World Mental Health Day. In a world that often expects us to put on a facade of strength and stoicism, Sangu's message is both timely and essential. He emphasizes that acknowledging our feelings and expressing them does not diminish our strength; it reaffirms our humanity. In a society that sometimes stigmatizes vulnerability, Sangu's talk encourages us to break free from these constraints. Sangu's own experiences and struggles with mental health add a personal touch to his message. He speaks candidly about his journey, demonstrating that even those who appear strong and successful can face inner battles. His openness and authenticity are not only relatable but also a source of inspiration for anyone grappling with their mental well-being. On World Mental Health Day, Sangu Delle's talk serves as a powerful call to action. It encourages us to create a more compassionate and understanding world, where sharing our feelings is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our shared humanity. His message resonates deeply, reminding us that embracing our emotions is a step toward healing and promoting mental well-being for all.

Not sharing, not looking into ourselves, been always in a hurry, judging through the eyes of a violent culture is making us all fall into states of constant stress, depression, anxiety, addictions and physical pain... Going back to the basics: community, communication, compassion are some of the paths to start re-connecting, first with ourselves and then with the world. #worldmentalhealthday #humanright #connection #humans #feelings #emotions #compassion #trauma #healingtrauma #nonviolence #psychology #psychologyonline #psychotherapy #momentsofchange #change #delHaceralSer #diadelasaludmental #derechohumano #psicologia #psicologiaenlinea #psicoterapia

Thank you for sharing, TED Conferences. I hold a dream close to my heart - to stand on this prestigious platform one day and share my own remarkable journey. Currently, I'm navigating a challenging phase in my life, akin to a harsh and relentless winter. This chapter is defined by my ongoing recovery from over two decades of grappling with profound mental health issues that I've now courageously confronted. I must emphasize the utmost importance of shattering the silence that cloaks mental health. It's not a forbidden topic; instead, it's a critical and intrinsic facet of our lives. Our mental well-being is as indispensable as the air we breathe and the life-giving blood coursing through our veins. It's high time we recognize the looming elephant in the room, confront it head-on, and unite in unwavering support along this shared journey of healing and growth. Mental health problems, often subtle, concealed, and insidious, can gradually and silently drain one's vitality and spirit, acting as an unrelenting thief that thrives in the shadows, and one may not even realize it's happening. It surreptitiously infiltrates our lives, often without our awareness. It's an insidious adversary, thriving in the silence and secrecy that typically envelops it. Another thought. Mental health issues are complex and can stem from a variety of factors, many of which are societal. You see, we live in a world that can be harsh, unforgiving, and unsympathetic, and these conditions can give rise to mental health struggles. This hidden thief often goes unnoticed until it's too late, resulting in a trail of needless suffering and, tragically, even suicide. This is a challenge that affects everyone, regardless of age, background, gender, socio-economic status or circumstance. Mental health problems do not discriminate, meaning that no one, when unguarded, is immune. Another thought. A "compassion deficit" is prevalent in our world today. It's unfortunate and regrettable that society tends to judge and/or deal with individuals based on outward appearances, often lacking the compassionate amplitude needed to truly comprehend the inner turmoil someone experiencing mental health issues may be going through. And if I may add, describing the intricacies of mental health challenges is a complex task with many layers to unpack, one that defies simplicity; one that warrants more time for exploration. Given the opportunity, I'm happy to help unpack them further on another occasion. For now, I shall attempt to keep my thoughts as concise and helpful as possible. Continues below!

Part 2 | Continued from the previous (Check it out please)! I only truly began to grasp the extent of this "silent illness", as I call it, when I went through it myself (and am still recovering like I stated earlier). It's a form of suffering that's hard to put into words; one that defies easy description. Only a few truly can identify it unless one observes closely and cares deeply. Otherwise, it remains elusive to those who have not experienced it or invested the time to delve into it. It's an illness that erodes one from within while allowing you to carry on with the daily routine of life. It's insidious and often goes unnoticed. In essence, its mission is to "drown and ultimately kill from within." That said, seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it's an emblem of strength. Just as we care for our physical health, we ought to prioritize our mental well-being as well. This starts with self-love and setting crucial boundaries. Moreover, we must recognize that seeking therapy from an approved mental health professional is a necessary proposition, and a courageous step toward recovery. To those who may be struggling with mental health issues, there's hope for you. Speaking up is the first step towards recovery. If you've ever felt something is amiss or that life is slipping through your fingers, it's vital to seek help promptly, and without hesitation. Navigating life blindly is an enormous waste when support is readily available. Let's break the silence on mental health, destigmatize it, and make it a topic of everyday conversation. We need to acknowledge that this is a universal concern, and by coming together, we can create a more compassionate, understanding, and supportive world. Thank you once more, TED Conferences for the privilege to shed further light on these critical issues, to help break the silence, and inspire positive change. I earnestly look forward to the opportunity to contribute further to this essential dialogue. Thank you again. Together, we can make a difference.

Let's talk and share about the importance of mental health not only on Mental Health Awareness Day, week or month but constantly.

What is the one thing you can do to make your life better in the future? Therapist Allison Ricciardi discusses how to start with one thing to move forward in your life. https://buff.ly/4bJIXe3