In this conversation, Strength Beyond Struggle podcast host Michele Nelson discusses Jason Gillette’s journey through understanding masculinity and mental health, shaped by his challenging childhood and military experiences.

He emphasizes the importance of emotional expression, the impact of societal expectations on men, and the needfor accountability and empathy in redefining masculinity. Jason shares insights on fatherhood and how he aims to provide a different model for his children, contrasting with his own upbringing.

The discussion highlights the significance of therapy and personal growth in overcoming ingrained beliefs about masculinity and violence. What role does “masculinity” play in mental health? Is masculinity about violence, denial, and anger? Or is it about strength, grit, discipline, and purpose?

That’s a heavy question – with a complicated answer. The masculine norms demanded by society are a mixed blessing.

Studies published in places like the American Journal ofMen’s Health, the Lancet, and the American Psychological Association website offered some of the dismaying statistics on the toll of toxic masculinity in our society:

- Men commit 90% of the murders

-and comprise 77%of the victims.

- Men succeed at suicide at a rate 3.6 timeshigher than those for women.

- Men have much higher rates of drug addiction, injury, behavior problems, violence, aggression, and incarceration.-

Men are far more likely to have addictions to gambling and pornography.

In fact, toxic masculinity imposes a high cost on men. They die on average five years sooner than women. And are less likely than women to have close friendships.

For one thing, men face unrelenting pressure to be strong, dominant, and in control of their emotions – at all times. Perhaps that’s why although an estimated 9% of men suffer from major depression and anxiety – only about 4% will ever seek treatment.

Takeaways

• Men are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health issues.

• Childhood experiences significantly shape perceptions of masculinity.

• Violence is often seen as a primary expression of masculinity.

• Emotional expression is crucial for mental health and well-being.

• Therapy can provide new perspectives on masculinity and personal growth.

• Fatherhood offers an opportunity to redefine masculinity for the next generation.

• Accountability and empathy are essential in managing violent tendencies.

• Societal expectations can pressure men to suppress their emotions.

• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans.

• Redefining masculinity involves letting go of harmful narratives.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Masculinity and Mental Health

09:59. The Impact of Childhood Experiences onMasculinity

19:46. Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

23:47 Fatherhood and Redefining Masculinity

In this episode of the Strength Beyond Struggle podcast, host Michele Nelson speaks with Jason Gillette, who shares his inspiring journey from a traumatic childhood marked by homelessness and abuse to becoming a dedicated public health professional and father.

Jason discusses the impact of his early experiences on his mental health, the importance of reframing negative narratives, and the power of belief in overcoming adversity.

He emphasizes the need for open conversations aboutmental health and the significance of understanding one's worth.

Mental health and substance abuse play a game of merry go round that puts an estimated 550,000 Americans homeless on any given night.

Probably two-thirds of them suffer from a serious mental health disorder, according to repeated national studies. Sometimes, the mental health problems cause the homelessness. And sometimes they’re created by the stress of living on the streets.

We’ve known treatment works for a long time. Yet most of the homeless get little or no treatment. Over and over and over again, we document this problem, but don’t do much about it. Instead, they fall into the pit of our shame and judgement.

One meta-analysis of 39 studies involving 8,000 homeless people found 37% had a substance abuse disorder, 12% schizophrenia, 13% severe depression, 13% bipolar disorder and 25% a personality disorder. Most had multiple conditions.

Other studies found different rates of mental illness –depending on the study design and the country surveyed. But the conclusions were the same: Mental illness is both a cause and an effect of homelessness. Yet, the homeless get no consistent treatment.

takeaways

• Jason's journey highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming trauma.

• Belief in a better future is crucial for personal growth.

• Childhood experiences shape our perspectives and mental health.

• Reframing negative narratives can lead to empowerment.

• Public health can be a platform for personal and community healing.

• Therapy played a significant role in Jason's healing process.

• Mentorship can provide guidance and support in difficult times.

• Everyone has their own mountain to climb, regardless of the nature of their struggles.

• It's essential to recognize that past experiences do not define one's worth.

• Jason's upcoming podcast aims to address and reframe harmful narratives.

Keywords:

mental health, trauma, resilience, public health, personal growth, podcast, overcoming adversity, belief, childhood experiences, reframing narratives

Chapters

00:00. Introduction to Jason Gillette's Journey

04:22. Overcoming Early Life Challenges

10:11. The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

18:18. Reframing Narratives and Finding Strength

21:52. The Importance of Belief and Moving Forward

In this episode, host Michele Nelson explores the profound impact of living with diabetes and the intertwined challenges of mental health with guest Jayden De La Rosa. Jayden shares her personal journey, highlighting the feelings of shame and fear that accompanied her diabetes diagnosis. They discuss the importance of self-acceptance, the role of mental health in managing chronic illness, and the significance of support systems. The dialogue emphasizes the need for advocacy and the hope for a future where mental health stigma is diminished.

People with chronic diseases are three or four times more likely to also develop a mental health disorder – especially anxiety and depression.People with a mental health diagnosis are also more likely to develop certain chronic health problems, which include diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure and other maladies.

Studies document the link between chronic health challenges and mental health disorders. Johns Hopkins researchers looked at the link between diabetes and depression. Some 37 million Americans have diabetes. On average – they’re up to four times as likely to also suffer depression. Only one third to one half of diabetics with depression ever get treatment for the depression. Why? Doctors don’t ask, which leaves the patients locked in a spiral of shame that haunts people with mental health conditions at every level.

The link is overwhelming. That failure to get treatment may explain why diabetics with depression have a 45% higher risk of death, compared to diabetes not suffering from depression.

Keywords

diabetes, mental health, chronic illness, self-acceptance, shame, advocacy, body image, emotional health, support systems, personal growth

Takeaways

• The diagnosis of diabetes can trigger a cascade of emotions, including shame and fear.

• Mental health issues are often linked with chronic illnesses like diabetes.

• Self-acceptance is crucial; it's okay to have unique needs and struggles.

• Shame can lead to a cycle of depression and anxiety, impacting overall health.

• Support systems, including friends and community, play a vital role in recovery.

• Finding balance in life involves addressing both physical and mental health.

• Self-talk and positive affirmations can help break the cycle of shame.

• Advocacy for mental health awareness is essential for reducing stigma.

• It's important to remember that everyone has mental health, not just mental illness.

• Personal growth often comes from confronting and sharing one's struggles.

Chapters

00:00The Beginning of a Journey: Diagnosis and Struggles

02:45Living with Diabetes: The Emotional Toll

05:30Coping Mechanisms: From Partying to Pain

08:22The Feedback Loop: Mental and Physical Health Connection

10:59Turning Point: Seeking Help and Finding Balance

14:05The Power of Self-Talk and Community Support

16:55Embracing Life: Overcoming Shame and Stigma

19:33Advocacy and Hope: A Message for Others

22:26Introduction to Jayden's Story

23:07The Link Between Chronic Illness and Mental Health

24:12The Importance of Screening for Mental Health

25:16Ending the Silence on Shame and Mental Health

25:33Embracing Uniqueness and Individuality

26:45Strength Through Struggles and Community Support