Carrying the weight of expectations can be really tough. Especially for someone expecting to make it far in football. Elliot talks us through what his family hoped and expected, to then what he felt when his body started breaking down in his early teen years.
Operation after operation, losing his identity, suicidal thoughts and then eventually patterns of addiction. These are familiar stories for many lads when their expectations of themselves or others is not met. The group rally around him as many of the subjects like suicide, addiction and family have been discussed in previous episodes so they have personal experiences.
It's a great showing of a group who have now finished their journey together in the form of these episodes.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.
Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.
This session was Elliot's turn to delve into where his mental health developed into what it is now. Elliot admits things like addiction, drug use, panic attacks and depression throughout the sessions.
But here, Dr Suzanne Brown wants to start at where those moments began. Perhaps a common one for young lads, but Elliot was a talented footballer as a kid. Predicted by many to make it through the age groups. That was until a knee operation that started at age 11, and continued into his early 30's.
Having his identity built up as this footballer, he didn't realise how much he struggled when that was taken away. Not knowing who he was, what his purpose was, and that's stuck with him in growing into an adult.
Through Let's Talk and other therapy, he's recently been able to understand his thoughts, behaviours and become more comfortable with who he is now. A fascinating episode that many men will relate to.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.
Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.
Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon.
In the last session with the group, the guys look back at the process with Dr Suzanne Brown. Reviewing the anxieties they had, how vulnerable they felt and the clarity on where they can talk more and improve their own mental health.
What was beautiful, was that, Jonno, who stepped up in the first session talking about miscarriage announces something very big to the group. Which also explains his absence from the previous session.
You can see the bond is well and truly formed between the guys, which is great to see. There's a real difference. A lightness, compared to how they felt when they first stepped into the process.
It's fair to say, Let's Talk: Men's Mental Health has positively impacted all of their lives.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.
Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.
Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
As the next part of Nick's session, you can see a reflective side come over the group. Nick, through Dr Suzanne Brown's questions realises where and how his feelings arise and what that's done to his actions in the past.
It's this part of the conversation where it is opened up, and the group feedback and share their relative stories to support Nick.
As men, they go into the subject of under celebrating themselves out of fear of arrogance or bragging. They all relate. But in finding time to sit with the wins, celebrate them we all find new ways to grow.
Collectively, there's a lot of power visible from Nick sharing his story. No more than in him. Body language, positioning and facial expression after the conversation moves away from the focus being on him. A trait common in men whereby we are comfortable in helping others, and not focussing on our own feelings.
Another powerful piece from the Let's Talk group.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
A tough episode for Nick, whereby Dr Suzanne Brown wants to visit Nick's feelings, story and reasons for why he is the person he is today. Nick allows his emotions to come, but does find it difficult to focus back in on himself. This is highlighted by Dr Suzanne Brown who offers Nick her support and guidance through his feelings and emotions during this session.
Topics that are discussed are abandonment, family, therapy, feelings, emotions, tension and mental health, in particular men's mental health.
The first time we see one of the guys break down emotionally, but it is clearly part of the process for Nick to get what he needs out of this conversation. The group continues to be smaller, which is new for the guys, but in particular Nick who feels let down by the missing ones. And this alone becomes the story of the session, and one which is broken down in relation to why Nick feels how he feels.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.
Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.
Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
Episode 16 is a brand new session where Dr Suzanne Brown takes the opportunity to check in with the guys and their current mental health. Only for this session, unusually, there's only 4 of the 6 there. Whilst checking in, the elephant in the room is addressed whereby no one knows the circumstances, but they are welcomed to share their feelings on it. In particular, Nick finds this difficult as it is his session to talk, grow and reflect. Having people not there has impacted him. Other topics that are raised are the struggles of being self-employed and how much this effects their mental health on a regular basis. Being quiet, financial worry and working in the industries they do all play a part. On the positive side, Jeevan reflects on how he's been feeling recently. It's a far cry from where he was at the start of this journey, so that is great for the group to hear and dive into. Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
As the lads feedback and wrap up Adam's account of both of his babies births, you feel and see how engaged the others are with his story. This type of feedback comes from listening. Talking. It becomes a conversation that is much, much deeper than the ones we're used to hearing men having. It breaks more boundaries of how the power of talking can open vulnerabilities, ease pain and feel understood. This is with a group who haven't experienced the same trauma Adam has. But they are thankful and grateful for Adam being able to share that story.Particularly highlighted by the quote, "these are experiences you don't hear" when it comes to pregnancy and birth. Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
This episode is an extremely personal account of a Dad's experience with the birth of his 2 kids. Neither were easy, nor straight forward, as many aren't. It is the raw honesty of hearing his experience that we find so powerful.
Births are beautiful, yet traumatic. Many people have expectations and plans that aren't met once they go into labour with many uncontrollable factors at play. Adam's experience won't be the only one, but it is likely to be one of the very few you will hear told in this depth, this articulate, personal and emotion-provoking manner.
We certainly appreciate Adam being able to share this with us.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
The first part of the next session brings up some key elements that play throughout the series. The lads continue to gain comfort in each other, share feelings around small detailed failed family plans and the frustration that causes. Something that plays out as Adam shares his story in more detail in the next episode. Others touch upon recognising their happiness as opposed to only recognising conflict and chaos.
Panic attacks on stage and avoiding urges to do destructive things just because the guys understand feeling comfort in the discomfort is discussed too. There's an awful lot of great takings about men's behaviour in this episode. Something that Suzanne feeds back and allows for the group to explore these for future thoughts. The group navigate this on a day where Jon is unable to join them.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.
Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.
Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
Concluding the session, Dr Suzanne Brown gives reality of what Jeevan has been through during his childhood regarding racism. The guys also open up about their experiences and perspective on it, or lack thereof.
Jeevan gives an account with a mission that he should be proud of. Staying true to you is his message after losing part of his identity in his childhood.
It was important for Jeevan to take part in this, as he wants to ensure his kids and other kids don't go through the inner conflict he's had. He's done a great job in sharing his story.
He won't be the only one to have gone through these emotions as a child, teenager and into adulthood. We want to thank Jeevan for sharing his story and we're here to take his message to larger audiences.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
Leading on from Episode 10, the group are exposed to a different perspective of growing up as a British Asian kid in secondary school in the UK. Jeevan explains how he was bullied for being asian, racism, how events like 9/11 made him feel as a kid and how he wrestled with his culture inside and outside of his home.
Suzanne unpacks these feelings he had as a kid, and how he's managed them growing into a man. A lot of feelings shared that will be felt by many across the UK and world.
It's evident that Jeevan is like many other men, who cover up their own feelings with joking or making sure other people are okay first. Something Let's Talk is really helping Jeevan with realising. Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
As the group check in for their next session, the guys share stories of their past month with sleepless nights, work, anxiety all playing a part. Such is the way with formats like this, videos are posted on social media and with one of the clips doing very well, we hear how Adam and the group react to the comments of that clip.
A valuable insight into the effect of regular people having their stories put out there into a wider audience - something they're all in agreement to do to help younger generations talk. It feels like a poignant crossroads in men being able to talk, and showing the reasons why they don't. Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
Finishing the powerful session around dealing with a family members suicide, the topic arises of coping with the trauma, finding ways to reset and the support, or lack of, that was available when trying to seek help.
Talking about it, like the guys are here is a tremendously brave thing to do. With that, a bond has been created within the group and shows us all how talking can support an individual in managing pain, a trauma or feelings that are causing distress.
It was no surprise to learn that all lads had some form of personal, close experience with suicide. A reflection of how big this issue is in our world right now. Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
One of the most powerful pieces you will ever see. Hearing an extremely brave individual talk about his experience of his own brother committing suicide, right through to his own attempt with such clarity, poise and composure is astounding.
Making for a story we all need to hear, especially for those who find themselves in situations that can relate.
Each of the group take in the moment with Dr Suzanne Brown touching on key points within Bill's story of raw emotion and bravery. An episode not to be taken lightly. Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
The guys talk about handling mixed emotions, laying off alcohol and dealing with work life stress. Suzanne helps the guys work through tough emotions when they question themselves and others.
As per each episode, we see the guys reflect on their previous month, both good and bad. The feelings they share are helped to be understood by Suzanne and help them come to terms on why they're looking at certain situations the way they are. Something that is common for so many other men.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.
Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.
Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon.
The guys talk about their struggles with suicidal thoughts and how keeping a brave face can ultimately cause more trouble. They also talk about their teenage rebellious years and how they dealt with father figures.
Suicide as a topic comes up again later in the series, but a group of lads openly talking about those type of thoughts brings a real reality to the matter. They all identify not talking about it, and how they talk to themselves makes it worse. But finding the environments to have these discussions is difficult. Until finding Let's Talk... Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
This week, the guys talk about the emotional scars a missing parent can leave as well as their own anxieties about becoming parents. They were all incredible this week with some really brave revelations.
The group is beginning to form common ground with individuals coming out more. One topic that came up even surprised Dr Suzanne Brown. A revelation made about child resentment when dealing with a difficult birth. However, this discussion wasn't in context for Adam's individual session so it was only touched upon. It does tee it up interestingly for his session.
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon
In this episode, the guys talk about how miscarriage can affect a man's mental health and the struggle to find support. They also talk about how they have grown since Episode 3 and their apprehension about coming back to therapy.
In regards to the topic of miscarriage, one of the group has experienced this. Twice. His ability to share his feelings about can be felt by so many men across the world. The first focus is the partners, the babies. Being able to tap into how the man feels isn't natural. This is what is explored within this episode. Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys. The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other. Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how. Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon.
Episode 3 is the final part of the first session and serves as a shorter episode. Primarily, here, the group summarises how the first session has gone, how they feel they want to proceed and what they believe they will get from future sessions. A structure is formed within the group with Dr Suzanne Brown helping guide this.
A difference can be seen already in how they started episode 1 to how they finish episode 3. All of the topics covered so far bode well for the groups future development with what they will gain from it.
Stay tuned for Episode 4 coming very soon...
Let's Talk is a group environment for 6 men to sit with a Clinical Psychologist and to digest, discuss and support each other in their own mental health journeys.
The men have volunteered to step forward and use this format, all with their own unknown stories that they are looking to grow from. These men do not know each other.
Many people experience the term "you need to talk more", but rarely with a follow up of how. This format is the how.
Follow these individuals on their journey with more episodes coming soon.