MY thoughts on mental health

Many men carry wounds that run deeper than they realise - old pain, shame, or loss that still shapes how they live. At Stand Tall Therapy in Cumbria, we explore how men can transform those emotional wounds into strength, purpose, and connection. Drawing on Robert Bly’s Iron John, this article looks at men’s healing, trauma recovery, and the power of nature-based therapy and men’s groups to turn pain into purpose.

Interoception is simply your ability to sense what’s happening inside your body: the uncomfortable feeling in your stomach before a tough conversation; the tightness in your chest when stresses pile up; and the warmth in your legs after a long exhale. These signals are the raw data your brain uses to decide whether you’re safe, stressed, hungry, tired, threatened or ready. If you can read those signals earlier, you can respond sooner and more appropriately.

Procrastination isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline. It’s often a sign that your nervous system is in protection mode – a body-first signal to slow down. In this piece, Stephen Hall explores why men struggle to get started, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and simple, body-based ways to move through resistance with compassion.

Explore whether a “good addiction” exists. Learn the difference between passion and addiction, with insights from Dr Gabor Maté on habits, freedom, and healing.

Suicide doesn’t always look like despair. Discover how men mask pain, why stereotypes harm, and how connection can save lives.

Male suicide is complex. Explore research on why men struggle, hidden signs, and how conversations can save lives.

Psychosis explained in plain language: what it feels like, how it differs from schizophrenia, common myths, and how men and families can support recovery.

I’ve followed The Hurt Locker Podcast from the beginning. It first came onto my radar during a period of personal uncertainty, and I was immediately struck by the honesty of the conversations, the diversity of guests, the humour, and the empathy behind Yinka’s style. So, when I was invited to take part, I said yes. I wanted to step into the Hurt Locker to open up about what it means to support men in moving from disconnection to presence in a way that’s grounded, compassionat

Maternal Attachment Trauma is one of the deepest yet least discussed emotional wounds impacting men today.

Self-harm is not just a teenage issue or something that only affects women! My experience working with men supports research showing that th

Talking about the trauma of sexual abuse and seeking therapy are not signs of weakness; they are acts of profound courage.

Research on practices like mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork shows how tuning into physical sensations can regulate the nervous system

Have you ever been somewhere familiar, with people you trust, yet felt a sudden sense of danger?

Boarding school often evokes a wide range of emotions and memories, and for many, those memories can be incredibly complex.

Bullying ruins lives. It’s that simple. Nearly a quarter of UK employees report experiencing bullying at work.

The way we breathe directly affects how we feel - both physically and emotionally. It directly influences our nervous system...

Supporting a Friend or Loved One After a Traumatic Hospital Stay: How You Can Help I recently had a call from a lady whose partner has...

The Power of Tribe and Connection November is the month of Men's Heath Awareness and a time when many allow facial hair to grow in order...

Walk and talk therapy combines the benefits of physical activity with the therapeutic process

The Hidden Crisis You Need to Know About 31st August - International Overdose Awareness Day Introduction In the shadow of the global...