Summary

In this conversation, Monica Wallace interviews Shams (Boii McCoy) about his journey with bipolar disorder and his experiences with relationships. Shams shares how he embraced writing as a form of expression and found fulfillment in sharing his raw experiences. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly his sisters and his father, on his understanding of masculinity and relationships. Shams also talks about the importance of conflict resolution skills in maintaining healthy relationships. He reflects on his own journey of forgiveness and growth, and the impact of his father's actions on his perspective. Shams emphasizes the need for awareness and seeking help for mental health issues, and the potential consequences of neglecting one's mental well-being. In this conversation, Shams opens up about his personal journey with bipolar disorder and how it has impacted his life. He discusses the major life events that triggered his bipolar episodes and the challenges he faced in finding stability. Shams emphasizes the importance of seeking help and not being ashamed to ask for support. He also highlights the need to prioritize mental health and avoid numbing behaviors. Shams shares his upcoming projects, including a book and new music.

Takeaways

Embracing writing as a form of expression can provide fulfillment and help in processing traumatic experiences.

The influence of family, particularly siblings and parents, can shape one's understanding of masculinity and relationships.

Conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining healthy and long-lasting relationships.

Forgiveness and growth are important in breaking patterns and creating healthier dynamics.

Neglecting mental health can lead to severe consequences, and seeking help is crucial for overall well-being. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. Seeking help does not make you less of a man, but rather makes you more of a man.

Avoid numbing yourself to pain, as it also numbs you to joy and beautiful experiences.

Prioritize your mental health and take the time to regulate your emotions and cultivate hobbies that bring you fulfillment.

Normalize the healing process for Black and Brown people, as they deserve to prioritize their mental well-being.

Engage in open and honest conversations about mental health to break the stigma and provide support for those struggling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:27 The Power of Authentic Expression in Creative Writing

06:34 Navigating Relationships and the Importance of Conflict Resolution

11:04 Understanding Masculinity and Relationships Through Personal Experiences

16:35 Seeking Help and Overcoming Stigma in Men's Mental Health

22:14 The Impact of Major Life Events on Mental Health

27:03 Pre-Diagnosis Experiences and the Journey to Self-Awareness

29:50 The Impact of Structure on Mental Health

30:18 Symptoms and Triggers of Bipolar Disorder

31:46 Getting Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

32:44 Seeking Help and Admitting to the Hospital

34:02 Finding Connection and Inspiration in Rumi's Poetry

38:10 The Importance of Medication and Therapy

39:44 Finding the Right Medication and Treatment Plan

40:25 Carrying Mental Health Challenges in Healthy Ways

42:12 The Impact of Mental Health on Relationships

43:36 Numbing vs. Facing Pain and Emotions

46:03 Breaking the Stigma: Asking for Help

48:09 The Universality of Mental Health Struggles

49:27 Prioritizing Mental Health in a Productivity-Obsessed Society

52:38 Normalizing Mental Health for Black and Brown Communities

53:54 Advice for Men Struggling with Mental Health

55:51 The Journey to Healing: Numbing vs. Facing Pain

56:48 Don't Be Ashamed to Ask for Help

01:01:37 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans