In this episode of The Men’s Mental Health Series, I talk about one of the most important things we can do to improve not only our mental and emotional health but our relationships as a whole. That is, creating an environment for communication. I walk through how this shows up in every kind of relationship… romantic, family, work, friends… and how often we don’t realize that we’re shutting people down when we think we’re just responding.
We touch on how triggers, insecurities, and misunderstandings can lead to defensive reactions and finger-pointing. The truth is, communication is complex. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing to observe, reflect, and try again. I also talk about how so much of what we see online, especially in men’s spaces, pushes absolutes that don’t help anyone.
Real progress starts with understanding. It starts with us. First, we have to acknowledge that we even feel things. Then we have to make space for those feelings in ourselves and the people around us. It’s not easy. It’s ongoing. But the better we get at it, the better our relationships will be.
Let this episode be a reminder that you’re allowed to feel things. That working on communication takes practice. And that therapy, especially when you find the right fit, can help you build the tools to support yourself and your connections with others.
Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.
Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.
For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, please email daryl@darylperry.com.
Disclaimer
This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and/or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a mental health professional.
If you are in the United States and are experiencing a crisis, please contact:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Or go to your nearest emergency room