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Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast
Have you ever felt like you’ve become lost in your own life?
Many men struggle to talk about their problems and mental health and grew up believing that to do can be perceived as a sign of weakness or failure. There is also a lack of open discussion in society around men’s mental health, especially aimed at mid-life men. As a result, at times many men can feel alone and lost in their own lives.
In this podcast series, I talk to mid-life men about their stories; the challenges, the turning points, and the support received to help them find their way so that others who may be suffering in silence or don’t know what to do next, realise that they are not alone and there is help available.
Stories will cover a whole range of challenges faced by mid-life men mainly relating to the causes of mental health issues including feelings of isolation, depression, job dissatisfaction, addiction, PTSD, and long-term illness.
The podcast is NOT a replacement for professional support and we signpost to organisations and their contact details by episode.
If you have a story you would like to share or any feedback on the podcasts, please email me: midlifemen01@gmail.com.
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast
Antidepressants Didn't Work for Me, with Erik Peers
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Most of us assume antidepressants are there to help. For many people, they do.
But for Erik Peers, the experience was very different.
In this deeply personal conversation, Erik shares how he was prescribed antidepressants during a stressful period in his life, despite believing he wasn't depressed. What followed was nearly ten years of medication, repeated attempts to stop, severe withdrawal, and a growing realisation that the treatment he trusted was actually keeping him trapped.
Today, Erik helps others who are trying to safely come off psychiatric medication, and in this episode he explains what happened to him, what he wishes he'd known, and why he believes people should be fully informed before starting treatment.
This is Erik's story. It isn't an argument against antidepressants, which many people say have helped them. It's an honest conversation about another experience that deserves to be heard.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why Erik says he was prescribed antidepressants when he didn't think he needed them.
- The horrific withdrawal symptoms that he experienced time and time again.
- How medication affected his work, relationships and family life.
- Why he believes dependency on antidepressants isn't talked about enough.
- His long journey to come off medication.
- What he learned about recovery, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.
- The advice he gives to anyone questioning whether their medication is right for them.
You can contact Erik and find out more about his work by visiting his website www.erikpeers.com.
Please note: This episode reflects Erik's personal experience and opinions. If you're taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication, never stop taking them without first speaking to your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
