“Sharing my story helped remind me how far I’ve come, while reaching back to help others recover too.”
JOIN US IN CREATING A BROTHERHOOD OF SUPPORT
HeadsUpGuys maintains an ongoing series featuring over 100 stories of recovery from mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.
If you’ve struggled and gotten back on track, you know how hard and lonely the road can be.
Looking back on your journey, what insights do you wish you had discovered sooner? What advice would you give to those currently battling mental health challenges? Your support and encouragement can go a long way for those men who are currently grappling with difficulties related to depression or anxiety.
Your willingness to share your journey isn’t just a testament to your resilience—it’s a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths.
I was forced to confront my own thoughts, my own fears, and my own demons. As scary as that sounds, it was the first time in my life I felt truly alive.”
Chris, a Red Seal Journeyman carpenter and father of 5, shares his story of coming to terms with his depression instead of ignoring it, and finding freedom through motorcycling.
Moving my body lets me physically release my anxiety.”
Daniel, a first-generation Nigerian-American wellness coach, shares how meditation, movement, music, and humour play key roles in helping him to manage anxiety.
My advice to men out there who may be silently struggling boils down to this: getting better doesn’t happen by itself, and it sure isn’t a DIY project.”
Jean-François, a communications professional, mental health advocate, and father of two, opens up about his ongoing battle with dysthymia and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of medication, talk therapy, and mindfulness in his journey toward healing.
The fire service loses more people to suicide than to line of duty deaths (LODD), and if we can lower that number by getting people more mental health resources, it helps our community.”
Cory, a fifth-generation firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from New York, shares his journey of coping with PTSD and depression, supported by his Employee Assistance Program, counselling, and a passion for motorcycling.
In the psychiatric ward, I learned the struggles of others like me, and I am better for it.”
Sanat, an Analytics Consultant, shares his story about finding community in the psychiatric ward after being hospitalized for bipolar II disorder.
I highly recommend therapy to everyone, even if you ‘don’t have a problem’.”
Adam, a UX designer and advocate of self-love and a healthy mindset, shares how self-love, therapy, meditation, and finding ways to refocus his energy helped him overcome depression.
Your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of.”
Joe, a social media marketer in the UK, shares how his experience of accepting his sexuality as a gay man was a major turning point in his recovery from anxiety and depression.
It hit me that I didn’t want to die. I just didn’t want to hurt anymore. I knew I had to do something. It hit me hard that I could do one without the other.”
Russell, a small business owner and father from Iowa, shares how acknowledging and accepting his past helped him grow beyond it in his fight against depression. Therapy, meditation, and outdoor pursuits were crucial for his recovery. He advises others battling depression to reject the notion that having feelings isn’t masculine and to recognize the impact their struggles can have on loved ones, especially their children.
Share your story and help us show other men that recovery is possible.
If you are a man who has overcome mental health challenges or is managing well, we’d love to hear your story. To share your journey, please contact us at [email protected] for submission details.
Explore other ways to support men’s mental health on our Get Involved page.