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

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Grief and Loss: Newsletter Volume II Issue 5

Hello Everyone,

I was deeply saddened this week when I received news that a close friend of mine lost his father in a tragic accident in Arizona. Today I attended a memorial service for this man on the upper east side of Manhattan. The service was dignified, relaxed, celebratory, and warm.

Throughout the afternoon people in attendance, both family and friends took turns saying a few words about this man in a showing of respect, and consideration for those present and those no longer here.

What affected me most deeply was my friend’s simple yet elegant message to those in attendance….

“Let the depth of your emotions, strengthen your resolve”

So in returning to my office I thought I’d examine this thought and reflect on the meaning it has for me.

Since I was very young I have always had a depth of emotion. As a child, and even today as an adult, I cried and cry easily, laughed and laugh from my belly, felt and feel anger to the point of rage, and loved and love wholeheartedly and with complete and reckless abandon. And because of this characteristic, my life has been affected in countless ways.

My angst has brought me to the point of despair, my humor has brought me great joy and, when not in check, great pain, my anger has brought me to places so terrible most people haven’t even had nightmares about, and my love has brought me ecstasy.

So today I felt great sadness. Sadness for a man whose life was cut short, sadness for the loved ones left behind, sadness for my friend for his loss, and sadness for myself in the remembrances of those close to me who have passed.

But in this depth of emotion I find my own resolve. Resolve to continue to live, resolve to continue to teach and to learn, resolve to continue to nurture those in need, and resolve to live to the fullest in the all too short time allotted.

All of us face grief and loss in our lives at one time or another. And it is during that time we have a choice. We can become bitter and angry, isolated and alone, and tearful and disappointed. Or we can be gracious and understanding, supportive and passionate, loving and giving, and, as my friend so eloquently stated…

“Let the depth of your emotions, strengthen your resolve”

Til next time,

Frank


E-Mail: editor@emoshuns.com - Toll-Free: (800) 983-3050 - Web: www.emoshuns.com

Emoshuns.com - "Look Better, Feel Better, Take Back Your Life!"

Tell your family and friends about EmoshuNews!

To subscribe, send a blank message to: news-subscribe@emoshuns.com

To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail address to: news-unsubscribe@emoshuns.com