Urania Brown’s Post

When you begin questioning (i.e., imposter syndrome) yourself, doubt creeps in, and your self-esteem and confidence can begin to erode. This then creates a cognitive loop, leading to more self-doubt. Read more about why this happens and what to when it surfaces. https://lnkd.in/grkNArV9 #mentalhealth #work #men #women

As mental health issues become increasingly prevalent among working professionals, they are too often dismissed as mere personal problems of the individuals affected. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that workplace conditions play a substantial role in these mental health challenges. Previously, I have addressed the mental health concerns of men https://lnkd.in/dJv93wrm; this article shifts focus to women, outlining key indicators of distress. Recognizing and understanding these signs is essential, as is offering support to those who are struggling. #mentalhealth #employeewellbeing #humanresources

'Your problem is you don't know how to express your emotions' Is not a great way to start a conversation. Yet, sometimes it seems like the conversation about men's mental wellbeing starts from this idea. While I know personally and professionally how little value has been typically given to men's emotional expression, and that many of us could really benefit from developing our ability to understand, process and express our emotions, this being part of the truth doesn't make it a good place to start. It can feel like it's invalidating the problem & making it all about them personally. In some places, I see it leading to defensiveness about conversations about men's wellbeing. (I probably see this most in online spaces) In other places, I see it leading to a culture where a group will all say loudly to each other that it's ok to ask for help and they'd support if anyone was struggling, yet not a single one of them has actually shared that they're personally struggling (I see this lingering stigma a lot in university sports teams). Instead, we could try starting with curiosity and compassion about how someone is experiencing their struggles. Try starting by sharing honestly yourself and being vulnerable. Purposefully create spaces where men practice sharing emotions with each other (start small & make it regular), and when they do personally value that vulnerability & let the group show that they value that too. Generally build up their confidence that they DO have the capacity to share and connect emotionally. It's a shift in the narrative about men that creates space for men's emotional expression, for the group to be open to hearing and holding that, and for that sharing to be valued. One of the most consistent pieces of feedback, from workplaces to schools to community groups, is that when we can create these non-judgemental, compassionate spaces for men, they flourish within them.

I took 2 weeks of for my insanity and my mental Health : Depression can be particularly challenging for women in business because the demands and pressures often go beyond just managing the company. Women business owners frequently face additional hurdles like societal expectations, balancing family responsibilities, and sometimes dealing with biases in the industry. When depression hits, it can make decision-making harder, decrease focus, and sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Running a business means that others rely on you, adding a layer of pressure that can intensify depression. Physical symptoms like fatigue and body aches make it even harder to meet demands, and for women entrepreneurs, the societal expectation of resilience may make it difficult to seek support. Also, because many women in business tend to multitask—balancing personal life, leadership, and often caregiving roles—the strain can be significant. Without proper support, rest, and coping mechanisms, depression can feel particularly isolating and overwhelming

Struggling to find motivation amidst depression? Discover empowering strategies specifically designed for women! 🌟 Break tasks into bitesize pieces, celebrate each victory, and harness the healing power of physical activity & nature. Your step-by-step guide awaits! 💪✨ #Motivation #MentalHealth #DepressionHelp 🔗 Read the full guide here! https://bit.ly/4dcIaT1

Struggling to find motivation amidst depression? Discover empowering strategies specifically designed for women! 🌟 Break tasks into bitesize pieces, celebrate each victory, and harness the healing power of physical activity & nature. Your step-by-step guide awaits! 💪✨ #Motivation #MentalHealth #DepressionHelp 🔗 Read the full guide here! https://bit.ly/4dcIaT1

Exploring Help - Seeking Barriers in Men. A lot is said about how men can help themselves, right from urging them to "open up and share" to encouraging them to "cry." Amidst all this noise, it still feels like the real struggles that men face remain unseen and unheard. Before rushing to offer solutions, it helps to understand what sustains resistance in men. Here's a comprehensive list of findings on help-seeking barriers : - Fear of being perceived as weak or less masculine. - Emphasis on stoicism and relentless self-reliance. - Fear of judgment & being ridiculed by peers. - Limited knowledge about mental health issues and symptoms. - Unawareness of available mental health resources and services. - Difficulty in articulating emotions. - Tendency to express distress through anger or irritability rather than sadness or anxiety. - Overestimating their ability to cope without assistance. - Limited access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas. - Financial constraints and concerns about the cost of therapy or medication. - Lack of time due to work or family responsibilities - Worries about confidentiality and privacy, especially in small communities. - Prior negative experiences with therapists. - Fear of not being taken seriously or being misunderstood by professionals. - Lack of male role models who openly discuss mental health issues. - Unresolved trauma that exacerbates mental health issues. Supporting men's needs begins at the grassroots level. This involves amending our own unreasonable expectations, learning to hold space, accepting differences and focusing on what men need for their mental health rather than what we think they need. It's about understanding how they wish to be helped, rather than imposing our beliefs on what will help them. It will require multifaceted approach involving all areas of life right from intimate circle, caregivers, education systems, work to social circles to enhance mental fitness in men. Let's begin with dear men around us! #menmentalhealth #june #menmentalhealthawarenessmonth

The sentiment that men would be better off by expressing their emotions can become tiring to hear without the dynamics in place to enable a safe and 'normalised' environment for this. Observations from various workshops indicate that many men find this idea uncomfortable and disempowering. They resist the implication that their inability to articulate emotions is the primary issue in their lives or that their resilience in overcoming challenges is interpreted as weakness. Nevertheless, experiences from numerous men's groups demonstrate that initial defensiveness can give way to a sense of empowerment and solidarity when men begin to share their emotional experiences honestly. Often, the willingness of just a few individuals to open up can encourage others to do the same, creating a supportive environment where personal narratives foster connection and understanding. The roots of this defensiveness trace back to societal norms that encourage men to suppress their emotions and eschew seeking help. From an early age, boys are conditioned to believe that enduring hardship stoically and without emotional impact earns them respect. While this expectation varies across communities, it generally perpetuates a culture where vulnerability is stigmatised and emotional expression is discouraged. Consequently, many men silently struggle to conform to traditional masculine ideals, suffering in isolation as a result. Therapy emerges as a potential avenue for men to learn healthy emotional processing, as highlighted in this Psychology Today article. However, broader societal efforts to dismantle harmful notions of masculinity are equally vital. Creating supportive environments, free from judgment, where men feel safe to embrace vulnerability and seek support, is essential for fostering lasting change.

Did you know that imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of inadequacy, is more common than we think? Women suffer from imposter syndrome more than men, and people of color more than whites. The current environment adds to the challenge, shaking even experienced professionals' confidence. 😰 🔍 This article delves into how imposter syndrome can impact your professional journey and why being transparent about your concerns is key. Basically, if you feel like an imposter, it's best if you don't feel pressured to fake the confidence. #Transparency #SelfReflection

Did you know that imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of inadequacy, is more common than we think? Women suffer from imposter syndrome more than men, and people of color more than whites. The current environment adds to the challenge, shaking even experienced professionals' confidence. 😰 🔍 This article delves into how imposter syndrome can impact your professional journey and why being transparent about your concerns is key. Basically, if you feel like an imposter, it's best if you don't feel pressured to fake the confidence. #Transparency #SelfReflection