In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my husband and son to explore the important topic of mental health. I ask Matthew & Jaden three questions each and they share their personal experiences, challenges, and hopes related to mental wellness. Join us as they open up about their journey, share insights, and discuss mental health, and resilience.
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Instagram: @AuthenticTalks2.0
Email: AuthenticShanta@gmail.com
Website: www.AuthenticTalks2.com
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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Spreaker | Castbox and more.
Connect with the host:
Instagram: @AuthenticTalks2.0
Email: AuthenticShanta@gmail.com
Website: www.AuthenticTalks2.com
Facebook: AuthenticTalks2
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/authentic-talks-2-0-with-shanta--4116672/support.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, guys, Welcome back to Authentic Talks two point oh.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Today's episode is truly special to me because I'm joined
by two men I love deeply, my husband and our
twenty one year old son, for an open and honest
conversation about men and mental health. As a wife, mother,
and wellness advocate, I've seen the challenges men face when
(00:25):
it comes to expressing their emotions, asking for help, and
prioritizing their mental well being. This is not just a talk,
it's a heart to heart. We're diving into the generational differences,
the pressures men carry silently, and how we as a
family are breaking those barriers. Whether you're a man listening
(00:48):
in or someone who loves to support one, this episode
is for you. Let's normalize these conversations and let's get real,
Let's get vulnerable, and let's together. You guys, it's been
a while since Jaden and my husband have been on
the podcast. It was back when we did the episode
(01:09):
on Frequencies, and then Jayden later joined me again for
an Authentic teen Talk, and so I'm excited to have
them back because that was back in twenty twenty one,
and so I'm super excited about today's episode, I really am.
I'm actually going to ask both of them three questions
each and then we're just gonna go from there and
(01:31):
see where it leads. Let's go ahead and dive on,
and please welcome my husband Matthew and my son Jayden
too Authentic Talks. Authentic Talks is all about authentic conversations.
This show is all about growth, love, respect, success, mind, body,
and spirit. If you're looking to grow and become your
(01:52):
authentic self, then this is the podcast for you. And
I am your host, Chante. Welcome to the show. Welcome
back to the show. It's really good to have you
both back. It's been a minute since I've had you
guys on.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Thank you appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Yeah, I'm excited about that.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
So we're gonna be talking about men and mental health.
So before we dive on in, I guess I'll turn
to you first, Babe, like to talk about what is
it that you believe is the most important thing that
a man that's over the age of fifty would want
to understand about mental health?
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Oh like men to understand that having mental health is
just like having your physical health. Sometimes there's a stigma
as soon as someone says mental health they go, well,
I don't have a problem or I'm not crazy. It's
not that. It's mental health and understanding ways to help
you be better in dealing with all the social pressures
(02:53):
that men face these days.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
What were you taught growing up about how men should
handle their and how has that shaped how you deal
with stress or mental health today?
Speaker 4 (03:05):
When I grew up, men weren't supposed to really have
emotions unless you were defending yourself or your family. You
were taught that you weren't supposed to cry or be
a baby, grow up and be a man, be tough.
And how it has shaped how I deal with stress
and mental health today. Well, there's still some of those,
(03:27):
some of that are still rooted old beliefs, and it's
largely due to how much can a man say, how
much can he express himself before they don't call him
a man. If he is too emotional quotation marks, then
he is called a B word or a sissy or
a whimp. Again, if we don't talk enough and we're
(03:50):
too stoic, we're motionless and we're cold, and we're a robot.
So there's a struggle there to define that balance, and
it depends on your support system and your environment as
to them, understanding the things you're going through, and then
understanding yourself and knowing how to express your feelings without
(04:14):
it being overbearing or over the top or extreme where
people misunderstand what you're trying to say and exactly how
you're feeling.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
I think I understand exactly what you're saying, because I
think that that's something that women experience as well.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
And that's not to take away what.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
You just shared, because I completely understand and I appreciate
your authenticity in opening up to share that.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
I really do appreciate that we could actually be.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
There on that question quite a bit. But I'm going
to move on, and if you want to come back
and elaborate more absolutely.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Do you want to stay on this question or no?
Speaker 4 (04:56):
We can move on, all right? All right?
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Have there been moments.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
In your adult life where you struggled mentally but didn't
feel like you could talk about it? And if so,
what held you back? I think you might have almost
answered this question.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
There's always like pressures and stresses in life. But I've
learned a long time ago that no matter how dark
or how bad things are, it could always be better tomorrow.
So I usually worked. I worked myself through whatever stress
or pressure I was feeling and worked it out. There
are very few, honestly people I had was close enough
(05:31):
to where I actually talk about these things. So would
pray and ask for guidance and just have patience in it,
because no matter how bad it seems, it could there's
always that possibility it could be better. It is a
chance for it to be better, and never giving up hope.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Would you say today that you're going through like any
kind of challenges where you feel like you're struggling in
today's society, Like.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
No, I wouldn't. I wouldn't say I'm struggling anything. Obviously,
the world is a crazy place right now, and we
won't get into all that, but it's not a struggle
because you need to be grounded in knowing who you
are and what you're capable of, knowing your worth and
focusing on what truly matters and not being distracted by
all the things going on in the world.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
And that is so much easier said than done. And
that's how come we have to have a lot of
tools to help us to navigate and cultivate the type
of life that we want. Because myself, being a mental
health advocate and someone who understands the importance.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Of our mental health.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
I too have times where I struggle, and I shared
that struggle with.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
You know, more than anyone. I shared that struggle.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
You know, where I was feeling like what in the
world is going on? I was feeling unseen, unheard, disrespected,
all the things, you know, And it's like interesting how
someone couldnot like people are not even aware, like when
they are.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Not aware of like what in the world.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Okay, so this is about men and their mental health,
so let's let's keep it there.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Let's keep it.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
There, all right. So my other question for you is
what advice would you give to younger men like our
son about protecting their mental health while still feeling strong
and grounded as a man.
Speaker 4 (07:25):
I would just tell them that they always have someone
or if they find at least find someone if we're
here for them to talk to, but even if we
weren't here, find someone they can trust in and confide in,
and that they can feel safe to express their feelings
and thoughts so they can get it out and not
hold it in and not let it build up and
(07:47):
cause other problems physically and as well as mental.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
And I love that you say they, because I do.
We do have more than one son. The thing that's
really interesting about it is that when I was talking,
it's like I was posing my question for Jaden, the
twenty one year old. But we do have a thirteen
year old son, and I do as well as I
have older sons as well, and so and I love
the answer that you shared, cause that like it's befitting
(08:13):
for all of them. I want to talk specifically about
the thirteen year old who we are continuing to raise,
our son, Josiah. What advice would you give him today
about mental health?
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Or is that too young?
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Do you think that's too young to talk to him
about or no?
Speaker 4 (08:32):
I think something that he needs to need to help
him to understand is understanding exactly what again, what mental
health is. It's like say, physically healthy, your mind needs
to be mentally healthy. What are our good thoughts? What
are possible bad thoughts? Is our negative thoughts? And knowing
(08:52):
when and who to communicate those thoughts too, having those
trusting people to talk to and understanding it's hey, if
it crosses your mind, but you need to understand what
you need to do with those thoughts or feelings that
come across what do you do with them? And that's
the key.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
I love that. I love that.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Thank you so much for coming back on the show again.
And you're still here, but I'm not going to talk
with Jayden. But don't go anywhere. Stay with us, Yeah, yeah,
stay with us, you know, all right, Jaden? I have
a few questions for you know, all right, Jaden, this
was the perfect month to have you back on the
show where we're talking about men and mental health, and
(09:30):
I wanted to talk to you about your age group,
like how things are going for you.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
And my question is do you feel like your.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Generation is more open to talking about mental health than
older generations and why or why not?
Speaker 5 (09:47):
Yeah, I think our generation is definitely more open to
talking about mental health in general, but I think there's
a identity crisis when it comes to young men and
where they actually fit in society.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
When it comes to.
Speaker 5 (10:01):
Men and women in general, like the roles are in
modern culture just demanded in different ways. So yes, we're
more open, but there's societal pressure. And then we had
to add in social media and the economic times of
what we're in, so it kind of adds a weird
dynamic that we're trying to adjust to. I think that's
(10:22):
one thing to really emphasize as the times are different.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I definitely can agree to that because growing up in
Pops and ized generation, we didn't have cell phones, we
didn't have social media, so we had a different type
of situation that we had to deal with. Yeah, so
totally different, you know. Okay, So my next question for
you is have you ever felt pressure to man up
(10:48):
or stay silent when you're going through something emotionally tough?
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (10:54):
So I would say that when it came to manning up, right,
that for me, that looks like take on more responsibility
and be able to deal with maybe the emotional or
mental turmoil that came with that, right, But how did
I navigate that? And so I think when you're making
that adjustment, it's really what's kind of tough, right, And
so I think the pressure to made up for me, Yeah,
(11:18):
I've definitely felt that, and.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I totally get that because we're all going to have
our own personal things that we go through, and part
of growing up or adulting is that your parents are
not able to be there for every single situation.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
Yeah, that's correct, that's correct.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
You know, it's like you have to be able to
work it out. What does mental health mean to you
at this stage of your life and what do you
wish more people understood about what young men go through
mental health.
Speaker 5 (11:51):
For me at this stage of my life, it's like
keeping on my ducks in a row. And what that
means for me is making sure I e clean, it's
a little to no sugar, making sure I go to
the gym, making sure I'm drinking enough water, hydrator myself.
I have a self care routine when it comes to
my face hygiene right, and making sure I step in
(12:13):
my game in those kind of ways. I mean you
can even extend to fashion, right, how I carry myself
outside the house, how I look self esteem is definitely
to tie to mental health, right, And so I think
how you present yourself and those aspects are very important
to your mental health because the way you view yourself
is how others can definitely view you. In fact, that's
actually one hundred percent true, because then you'll carry yourself
(12:35):
that way and people will perceive you and the way
that you also think about yourself. So self esteem is
very important. That's tide of mental health, and that's why
I do the things I do.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
And you know, that's really awesome to hear you say that, Jaden,
because I was thinking, it's a holistic approach. It's about eating, right,
it's about exercise. If you don't like the word exercise,
I would say being physically active. The way you think
about yourself, the way you carry yourself, clean yourself, up
(13:08):
your hygiene, the way you dress, how you present yourself,
and who you're being. So it's more of a holistic approach.
And I love the way you said that and put
it together.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
Yeah, thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 5 (13:20):
One more thing I do want to add is that,
I mean, we all heard the story if it's the
five friends you hang around that you end up representing
to not only yourself, but the world as well. I
like to extend that to that as well as the
communities you decide to associate yourself with are very important
as that's part of your reputation that.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Can also affect your mental health. Right, So it's a
deep rabbit hole we could really go down. One more
thing I wanted.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
To add Idea is that I also host volleyball. I'm
a coordinator for volleyball, right, and I host it. And
though that that does add some stress to my life.
It's stress I'm willing to deal with because it's very
fun having fifty people pull up at any given time
within it two week notice, it's very fun.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
So yeah, okay, no, you brought up holistic, so I
do want to dive into that a little bit. So
you talked about your physical and you talked about your
the way that you eat that's physical.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
Go through them again. Okay, So what do you do
for your your mind?
Speaker 5 (14:22):
So for my mind, I do meditate. I like to
actually just sit with my thoughts and kind of like
analyze what I'm actually like really taking in.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Did I take something in that was like good or bad?
And it's my thoughts.
Speaker 5 (14:35):
I really kind of like broadcasting that back out to
me like an echo chamber, you know, like my day.
So I analyze my day and just be able to
just take some time off from my phone is very important.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
That's number one.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
And then what do you do for your body?
Speaker 3 (14:48):
My body?
Speaker 5 (14:49):
Yes, movement is very important, like you know exercise, right,
I like to run. Me and my friends we do
you know, sprints and swims on Wednesdays. You know, I've
got a really good swimming and I've decided to state
that swimmy, it's a lot.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Harder than spernting. Honestly it's And then what about for
your spirit?
Speaker 5 (15:08):
For my spirit, I believe prayer, you know, spending time
in nature for those that want to, you know, take
that route. That's very good, connecting being barefoot in the
grass and really just being mindful. And with that, I
do want to say a homework thing. The last thing
I have for you is that overall I've analyzed that
(15:28):
within myself that sometimes in the past I used to
like ingest you know, different forms of media's right, and
I would think I'm formulating my own thoughts and you know,
spewing out my own opinion, when really I'm just regurgitating
the things I've heard over in social media and those
(15:49):
creative beliefs that you know, you didn't really subscribe to.
You just subconsciously thought that, oh yeah it's good, but
you didn't really check your thoughts.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
You didn't.
Speaker 5 (15:59):
I want to say, cleanse your thoughts out and analyze them.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
So that creates a it just creates a mess, you know.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Yeah, you know, I totally agree with that, Like with
people picking up things on off of social media, and
regurgitating them as if they're their own thoughts, and then
not being able to sit with themselves to recognize that
that's all it is is. You've just seen a ton
of things on social media and you're just pulling from that,
(16:27):
and so I love that. That was a beautiful share.
I do have to say that it was awesome having
the both of you guys back on the show, because
it has been a while, for sure, since twenty twenty one,
so it's been like at least four years or something
like that. So yeah, this was an awesome episode. I
would love to have you back, Jaden with with the teens.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Yeah, authentic teen talks people like where are they now?
Speaker 2 (16:53):
You know, because all of you guys should be, you know,
out of high school now. And I think dmone I've
seen that he graduated, I know, like everyone has now
graduated from Jonathan Crystal like everyone, you know, So I
think that that would be an awesome episode. All right, guys,
thank you so much for joining me. I really appreciate it.
(17:14):
And do you have a takeaway that each one of
you would like to share? Who wants to go first?
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Great?
Speaker 1 (17:19):
Jayden?
Speaker 5 (17:21):
Yeah, my takeaway from today's podcast was well. In answering
these questions, I realized that I've actually grown a lot
when it comes to mental health and being able.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
To recognize not only where you stand right.
Speaker 5 (17:35):
Now, but how far you've came can motivate you for
going forth in the future and taking another step, you know,
into the unknown or maybe it's a little known, but
you have a better you have better visibility with knowing
yourself and that's everyday thing to learn.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
I love that share and what would you like to
leave them with?
Speaker 5 (17:55):
Baby?
Speaker 3 (17:55):
The mic is yours.
Speaker 4 (17:58):
It's almost a touch on what Jane was talking about,
but really having a self awareness, awareness of what you're
feeling and in verse of your thoughts and asking the
questions is it something that is right for me? Or
is it wrong for me? Or is it hindering me?
Or is it helping me? And then seek guidance in
(18:18):
trying to sort through and work through those issues. If
there's becomes a problem for you and it's okay, it's
nothing wrong with getting help if you need help, that's
what we're all here for.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Thank you guys for joining me today for this deeply
personal and powerful conversation on men and mental health. I
want to thank my husband and my son not just
for showing up on this podcast, but for showing up
in life with honesty, strength, and vulnerability. These are the
conversations that help break generational cycles and remind us that
(18:51):
mental health is not a weakness.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
It's a part of being human. If you're a man
listening right now, I want you to know this. You
are are allowed to feel, you are allowed to seek support,
and you don't have to carry everything alone. And if
you love a man, whether he's your partner, son, father,
or friend, keep making space for him to speak his truth.
(19:16):
We're all in this together.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Keep the conversations going, take care of your mental well being,
and remember healing happens when we show up authentically. Until
next time, take care of yourselves and each other. Thank
you all so much for tuning in.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
I'm chante with authentic talks.
Hi, guys, Welcome back to Authentic Talks two point oh.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Today's episode is truly special to me because I'm joined
by two men I love deeply, my husband and our
twenty one year old son, for an open and honest
conversation about men and mental health. As a wife, mother,
and wellness advocate, I've seen the challenges men face when
(00:25):
it comes to expressing their emotions, asking for help, and
prioritizing their mental well being. This is not just a talk,
it's a heart to heart. We're diving into the generational differences,
the pressures men carry silently, and how we as a
family are breaking those barriers. Whether you're a man listening
(00:48):
in or someone who loves to support one, this episode
is for you. Let's normalize these conversations and let's get real,
Let's get vulnerable, and let's together. You guys, it's been
a while since Jaden and my husband have been on
the podcast. It was back when we did the episode
(01:09):
on Frequencies, and then Jayden later joined me again for
an Authentic teen Talk, and so I'm excited to have
them back because that was back in twenty twenty one,
and so I'm super excited about today's episode, I really am.
I'm actually going to ask both of them three questions
each and then we're just gonna go from there and
(01:31):
see where it leads. Let's go ahead and dive on,
and please welcome my husband Matthew and my son Jayden
too Authentic Talks. Authentic Talks is all about authentic conversations.
This show is all about growth, love, respect, success, mind, body,
and spirit. If you're looking to grow and become your
(01:52):
authentic self, then this is the podcast for you. And
I am your host, Chante. Welcome to the show. Welcome
back to the show. It's really good to have you
both back. It's been a minute since I've had you
guys on.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Thank you appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Yeah, I'm excited about that.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
So we're gonna be talking about men and mental health.
So before we dive on in, I guess I'll turn
to you first, Babe, like to talk about what is
it that you believe is the most important thing that
a man that's over the age of fifty would want
to understand about mental health?
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Oh like men to understand that having mental health is
just like having your physical health. Sometimes there's a stigma
as soon as someone says mental health they go, well,
I don't have a problem or I'm not crazy. It's
not that. It's mental health and understanding ways to help
you be better in dealing with all the social pressures
(02:53):
that men face these days.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
What were you taught growing up about how men should
handle their and how has that shaped how you deal
with stress or mental health today?
Speaker 4 (03:05):
When I grew up, men weren't supposed to really have
emotions unless you were defending yourself or your family. You
were taught that you weren't supposed to cry or be
a baby, grow up and be a man, be tough.
And how it has shaped how I deal with stress
and mental health today. Well, there's still some of those,
(03:27):
some of that are still rooted old beliefs, and it's
largely due to how much can a man say, how
much can he express himself before they don't call him
a man. If he is too emotional quotation marks, then
he is called a B word or a sissy or
a whimp. Again, if we don't talk enough and we're
(03:50):
too stoic, we're motionless and we're cold, and we're a robot.
So there's a struggle there to define that balance, and
it depends on your support system and your environment as
to them, understanding the things you're going through, and then
understanding yourself and knowing how to express your feelings without
(04:14):
it being overbearing or over the top or extreme where
people misunderstand what you're trying to say and exactly how
you're feeling.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
I think I understand exactly what you're saying, because I
think that that's something that women experience as well.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
And that's not to take away what.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
You just shared, because I completely understand and I appreciate
your authenticity in opening up to share that.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
I really do appreciate that we could actually be.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
There on that question quite a bit. But I'm going
to move on, and if you want to come back
and elaborate more absolutely.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Do you want to stay on this question or no?
Speaker 4 (04:56):
We can move on, all right? All right?
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Have there been moments.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
In your adult life where you struggled mentally but didn't
feel like you could talk about it? And if so,
what held you back? I think you might have almost
answered this question.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
There's always like pressures and stresses in life. But I've
learned a long time ago that no matter how dark
or how bad things are, it could always be better tomorrow.
So I usually worked. I worked myself through whatever stress
or pressure I was feeling and worked it out. There
are very few, honestly people I had was close enough
(05:31):
to where I actually talk about these things. So would
pray and ask for guidance and just have patience in it,
because no matter how bad it seems, it could there's
always that possibility it could be better. It is a
chance for it to be better, and never giving up hope.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Would you say today that you're going through like any
kind of challenges where you feel like you're struggling in
today's society, Like.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
No, I wouldn't. I wouldn't say I'm struggling anything. Obviously,
the world is a crazy place right now, and we
won't get into all that, but it's not a struggle
because you need to be grounded in knowing who you
are and what you're capable of, knowing your worth and
focusing on what truly matters and not being distracted by
all the things going on in the world.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
And that is so much easier said than done. And
that's how come we have to have a lot of
tools to help us to navigate and cultivate the type
of life that we want. Because myself, being a mental
health advocate and someone who understands the importance.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Of our mental health.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
I too have times where I struggle, and I shared
that struggle with.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
You know, more than anyone. I shared that struggle.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
You know, where I was feeling like what in the
world is going on? I was feeling unseen, unheard, disrespected,
all the things, you know, And it's like interesting how
someone couldnot like people are not even aware, like when
they are.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Not aware of like what in the world.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Okay, so this is about men and their mental health,
so let's let's keep it there.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Let's keep it.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
There, all right. So my other question for you is
what advice would you give to younger men like our
son about protecting their mental health while still feeling strong
and grounded as a man.
Speaker 4 (07:25):
I would just tell them that they always have someone
or if they find at least find someone if we're
here for them to talk to, but even if we
weren't here, find someone they can trust in and confide in,
and that they can feel safe to express their feelings
and thoughts so they can get it out and not
hold it in and not let it build up and
(07:47):
cause other problems physically and as well as mental.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
And I love that you say they, because I do.
We do have more than one son. The thing that's
really interesting about it is that when I was talking,
it's like I was posing my question for Jaden, the
twenty one year old. But we do have a thirteen
year old son, and I do as well as I
have older sons as well, and so and I love
the answer that you shared, cause that like it's befitting
(08:13):
for all of them. I want to talk specifically about
the thirteen year old who we are continuing to raise,
our son, Josiah. What advice would you give him today
about mental health?
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Or is that too young?
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Do you think that's too young to talk to him
about or no?
Speaker 4 (08:32):
I think something that he needs to need to help
him to understand is understanding exactly what again, what mental
health is. It's like say, physically healthy, your mind needs
to be mentally healthy. What are our good thoughts? What
are possible bad thoughts? Is our negative thoughts? And knowing
(08:52):
when and who to communicate those thoughts too, having those
trusting people to talk to and understanding it's hey, if
it crosses your mind, but you need to understand what
you need to do with those thoughts or feelings that
come across what do you do with them? And that's
the key.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
I love that. I love that.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Thank you so much for coming back on the show again.
And you're still here, but I'm not going to talk
with Jayden. But don't go anywhere. Stay with us, Yeah, yeah,
stay with us, you know, all right, Jaden? I have
a few questions for you know, all right, Jaden, this
was the perfect month to have you back on the
show where we're talking about men and mental health, and
(09:30):
I wanted to talk to you about your age group,
like how things are going for you.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
And my question is do you feel like your.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Generation is more open to talking about mental health than
older generations and why or why not?
Speaker 5 (09:47):
Yeah, I think our generation is definitely more open to
talking about mental health in general, but I think there's
a identity crisis when it comes to young men and
where they actually fit in society.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
When it comes to.
Speaker 5 (10:01):
Men and women in general, like the roles are in
modern culture just demanded in different ways. So yes, we're
more open, but there's societal pressure. And then we had
to add in social media and the economic times of
what we're in, so it kind of adds a weird
dynamic that we're trying to adjust to. I think that's
(10:22):
one thing to really emphasize as the times are different.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I definitely can agree to that because growing up in
Pops and ized generation, we didn't have cell phones, we
didn't have social media, so we had a different type
of situation that we had to deal with. Yeah, so
totally different, you know. Okay, So my next question for
you is have you ever felt pressure to man up
(10:48):
or stay silent when you're going through something emotionally tough?
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (10:54):
So I would say that when it came to manning up, right,
that for me, that looks like take on more responsibility
and be able to deal with maybe the emotional or
mental turmoil that came with that, right, But how did
I navigate that? And so I think when you're making
that adjustment, it's really what's kind of tough, right, And
so I think the pressure to made up for me, Yeah,
(11:18):
I've definitely felt that, and.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I totally get that because we're all going to have
our own personal things that we go through, and part
of growing up or adulting is that your parents are
not able to be there for every single situation.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
Yeah, that's correct, that's correct.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
You know, it's like you have to be able to
work it out. What does mental health mean to you
at this stage of your life and what do you
wish more people understood about what young men go through
mental health.
Speaker 5 (11:51):
For me at this stage of my life, it's like
keeping on my ducks in a row. And what that
means for me is making sure I e clean, it's
a little to no sugar, making sure I go to
the gym, making sure I'm drinking enough water, hydrator myself.
I have a self care routine when it comes to
my face hygiene right, and making sure I step in
(12:13):
my game in those kind of ways. I mean you
can even extend to fashion, right, how I carry myself
outside the house, how I look self esteem is definitely
to tie to mental health, right, And so I think
how you present yourself and those aspects are very important
to your mental health because the way you view yourself
is how others can definitely view you. In fact, that's
actually one hundred percent true, because then you'll carry yourself
(12:35):
that way and people will perceive you and the way
that you also think about yourself. So self esteem is
very important. That's tide of mental health, and that's why
I do the things I do.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
And you know, that's really awesome to hear you say that, Jaden,
because I was thinking, it's a holistic approach. It's about eating, right,
it's about exercise. If you don't like the word exercise,
I would say being physically active. The way you think
about yourself, the way you carry yourself, clean yourself, up
(13:08):
your hygiene, the way you dress, how you present yourself,
and who you're being. So it's more of a holistic approach.
And I love the way you said that and put
it together.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
Yeah, thank you so much. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 5 (13:20):
One more thing I do want to add is that,
I mean, we all heard the story if it's the
five friends you hang around that you end up representing
to not only yourself, but the world as well. I
like to extend that to that as well as the
communities you decide to associate yourself with are very important
as that's part of your reputation that.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Can also affect your mental health. Right, So it's a
deep rabbit hole we could really go down. One more
thing I wanted.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
To add Idea is that I also host volleyball. I'm
a coordinator for volleyball, right, and I host it. And
though that that does add some stress to my life.
It's stress I'm willing to deal with because it's very
fun having fifty people pull up at any given time
within it two week notice, it's very fun.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
So yeah, okay, no, you brought up holistic, so I
do want to dive into that a little bit. So
you talked about your physical and you talked about your
the way that you eat that's physical.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
Go through them again. Okay, So what do you do
for your your mind?
Speaker 5 (14:22):
So for my mind, I do meditate. I like to
actually just sit with my thoughts and kind of like
analyze what I'm actually like really taking in.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
Did I take something in that was like good or bad?
And it's my thoughts.
Speaker 5 (14:35):
I really kind of like broadcasting that back out to
me like an echo chamber, you know, like my day.
So I analyze my day and just be able to
just take some time off from my phone is very important.
Speaker 3 (14:45):
That's number one.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
And then what do you do for your body?
Speaker 3 (14:48):
My body?
Speaker 5 (14:49):
Yes, movement is very important, like you know exercise, right,
I like to run. Me and my friends we do
you know, sprints and swims on Wednesdays. You know, I've
got a really good swimming and I've decided to state
that swimmy, it's a lot.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
Harder than spernting. Honestly it's And then what about for
your spirit?
Speaker 5 (15:08):
For my spirit, I believe prayer, you know, spending time
in nature for those that want to, you know, take
that route. That's very good, connecting being barefoot in the
grass and really just being mindful. And with that, I
do want to say a homework thing. The last thing
I have for you is that overall I've analyzed that
(15:28):
within myself that sometimes in the past I used to
like ingest you know, different forms of media's right, and
I would think I'm formulating my own thoughts and you know,
spewing out my own opinion, when really I'm just regurgitating
the things I've heard over in social media and those
(15:49):
creative beliefs that you know, you didn't really subscribe to.
You just subconsciously thought that, oh yeah it's good, but
you didn't really check your thoughts.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
You didn't.
Speaker 5 (15:59):
I want to say, cleanse your thoughts out and analyze them.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
So that creates a it just creates a mess, you know.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Yeah, you know, I totally agree with that, Like with
people picking up things on off of social media, and
regurgitating them as if they're their own thoughts, and then
not being able to sit with themselves to recognize that
that's all it is is. You've just seen a ton
of things on social media and you're just pulling from that,
(16:27):
and so I love that. That was a beautiful share.
I do have to say that it was awesome having
the both of you guys back on the show, because
it has been a while, for sure, since twenty twenty one,
so it's been like at least four years or something
like that. So yeah, this was an awesome episode. I
would love to have you back, Jaden with with the teens.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Yeah, authentic teen talks people like where are they now?
Speaker 2 (16:53):
You know, because all of you guys should be, you know,
out of high school now. And I think dmone I've
seen that he graduated, I know, like everyone has now
graduated from Jonathan Crystal like everyone, you know, So I
think that that would be an awesome episode. All right, guys,
thank you so much for joining me. I really appreciate it.
(17:14):
And do you have a takeaway that each one of
you would like to share? Who wants to go first?
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Great?
Speaker 1 (17:19):
Jayden?
Speaker 5 (17:21):
Yeah, my takeaway from today's podcast was well. In answering
these questions, I realized that I've actually grown a lot
when it comes to mental health and being able.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
To recognize not only where you stand right.
Speaker 5 (17:35):
Now, but how far you've came can motivate you for
going forth in the future and taking another step, you know,
into the unknown or maybe it's a little known, but
you have a better you have better visibility with knowing
yourself and that's everyday thing to learn.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
I love that share and what would you like to
leave them with?
Speaker 5 (17:55):
Baby?
Speaker 3 (17:55):
The mic is yours.
Speaker 4 (17:58):
It's almost a touch on what Jane was talking about,
but really having a self awareness, awareness of what you're
feeling and in verse of your thoughts and asking the
questions is it something that is right for me? Or
is it wrong for me? Or is it hindering me?
Or is it helping me? And then seek guidance in
(18:18):
trying to sort through and work through those issues. If
there's becomes a problem for you and it's okay, it's
nothing wrong with getting help if you need help, that's
what we're all here for.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Thank you guys for joining me today for this deeply
personal and powerful conversation on men and mental health. I
want to thank my husband and my son not just
for showing up on this podcast, but for showing up
in life with honesty, strength, and vulnerability. These are the
conversations that help break generational cycles and remind us that
(18:51):
mental health is not a weakness.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
It's a part of being human. If you're a man
listening right now, I want you to know this. You
are are allowed to feel, you are allowed to seek support,
and you don't have to carry everything alone. And if
you love a man, whether he's your partner, son, father,
or friend, keep making space for him to speak his truth.
(19:16):
We're all in this together.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Keep the conversations going, take care of your mental well being,
and remember healing happens when we show up authentically. Until
next time, take care of yourselves and each other. Thank
you all so much for tuning in.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
I'm chante with authentic talks.
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