Sunday, February 25, 2007

Men & Depression: Volume II Issue 6

Hi Everyone!

I hope this edition of our EmoshuNewsletter finds you well!

I read a front-page article titled Men and Depression: Facing Darkness in Newsweek’s February 26th edition and I became very excited. Some of the points Julie Scelfo makes in her story is almost exactly the points I’m trying to get across with emoshuns.com.

For instance, to paraphrase Ms. Scelfo:

“Six million American men will be diagnosed with depression this year but millions more suffer silently unaware or unwilling to seek treatment…because men are reluctant to own up to mental illness. Instead of talking about their feelings, men may mask them with alcohol and/or drug abuse, gambling, anger, or workaholism. Men often view asking for help as an admission of weakness”

The very idea that men have to suffer with emotional healthcare issues because of embarrassment or shame or stigma drives me crazy. It’s ridicules, unnecessary, and can be painful, debilitating, and costly and, as Ms. Scelfo points out, deadly:

“The result of this hidden epidemic of is destroyed marriages, disrupted careers, and a cost of billions in lost productivity. The strong silent type model of manhood is so deeply embedded in American men that many would rather kill themselves than seek help.”

Let me repeat that last sentence:

Men Would Rather Kill Themselves Than Seek Help!

My team and I would like to enlist your assistance in changing the way American men (and woman) feel about becoming and staying emotionally healthy. What we’re trying to do is create a paradigm shift in thinking and get people to understand that there is no shame in talking to a professional when you have an emotional health issue.

When my father was a kid no one would regularly see a physician. Today, because we understand the benefits of a regular check-up, we not only take care of our physical health we arm ourselves with knowledge so we can be informed when we visit our doctor.

When I was a kid no one, except “muscle heads” went to the gym. But today, everyone goes to the gym because we’ve discovered the benefits of regular cardio and weight training exercise.

Now, we have to get the word out that emotional healthcare is just as important and speaking to a professional will result in benefits in all areas of your life that are beyond your wildest dreams. Benefits that will impact your emotional health, physical health, relationships, career, education, and self-esteem, and benefits that will result in a happier life.

Always remember and spread the word…..

“Feel Better, Look Better, Take Back Your Life!”

Until next time….

Frank

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