Episode 2: Men's Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

The numbers hit like a sledgehammer: 30% of men will face depression, yet most of us were taught to "shake it off" by age six. In this powerful episode, licensed therapist and Certified Financial Social Worker, Joey reveals why men's mental health demands our urgent attention this June.

Joey dives into the devastating disconnect between mental health statistics and society's expectations of masculinity. When we're conditioned to bench press feelings instead of expressing them, the consequences manifest through physical health problems, substance use, broken relationships, and alarming suicide rates. But there's hope on the horizon through community-centered approaches that meet men exactly where they are.

This episode spotlights the upcoming Heart and Soul: Men's Wellness Collective - a groundbreaking collaboration between ManeUp Memphis and Baptist Hospital happening June 21st at the AgriCenter International Expo Center from 8:30-2:00 PM. Attendees will receive free health screenings, expert guidance from cardiologists and psychologists, and practical workshops teaching accessible tools for mental wellness. Joey shares his personal journey as a veteran who once "stuffed fear into a rucksack" until therapy and genuine brotherhood saved his life, demonstrating that healing is possible when we let go of outdated notions of toughness.

Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a refreshing, shame-free approach to men's mental health. Register for the free event through our show notes, and remember - mental health isn't a solo sport. Share this episode, subscribe for more insights, and join the ManeUp Memphis community where you can leave the baggage and keep the change.

https://www.baptistonline.org/heart-and-soul

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CVbgLzpEUVj85m8p8

#ManeUpMemphis

Chapters

• 0:01 Introducing MainUp Memphis Podcast
• 0:47 Men's Mental Health Crisis Stats
• 1:43 Heart and Soul Wellness Event
• 3:21 Personal Experience with Mental Health
• 4:44 Call to Action and Closing

Transcript

Joseph Laswell: 0:01

Welcome to the Mane Up Memphis podcast, where we celebrate the grit, heart and hope that make the 901 shine. Each week we sit down with changemakers, youth and families to talk real mental health wins, money moves and life skills breakthroughs All the tools we use at Mane Up Memphis to uplift, equip and empower people to build stronger, more resilient lives. Whether you're 14 or 40, a parent, mentor or ally, this is your spot for stories that heal and strategies that work. So grab a sweet tea, get comfy and let's step into growth together, because here at ManeUp Memphis, you leave the baggage, keep the change. Hey everybody, my name is Joey. I am a licensed therapist, certified financial social worker and proud member at ManeUp Memphis.

Joseph Laswell: 0:58

June is mental health men's mental health month, so let's get real and get some numbers. 30% of US men will face a depressive episode in their lifetime. Nearly 1 in 10 of us wrestle with daily anxiety or depression. Yet we're four times more likely to die by suicide and that is from the American Psychological Association. Numbers like that don't just sting, they demand action. Numbers like that don't just sting, they demand action. So let's admit, many of us got the shake it off, be a man script by age 6. We were taught to bench press feelings instead of expressing them. But the body keeps score High blood pressure, substance use, busted relationships and that crushing stat that we opened up with. That's why Mane Up Memphis is teaming up with Baptist Hospital this Saturday, june 15th, for Heart and Soul, a men's wellness collective. It's a free one-day gathering of doctors, therapists, barbershop, peer coaches and community game changers. What you'll get at this event screenings, blood pressure, bmi, depression check-ins done on the spot, expert panels, cardiologists and psychologists. Unpack the heart-mind connection breakout workshops which we will be leading made up Memphis. Also, we're going to have two sessions, 45 minutes apiece, so you can come to one or both Saturday June 15th, and we're going to be speaking there and we hope to see you there. So if you know a guy in your life, encourage them to come out to this event and let's see it's going to be at the AgriCenter. Let me double check that AgriCenter International Expo, 777 Walnut Grove Road, memphis, tennessee, 38120. From 8.30 am to 2 o'clock pm. So be there, All right.

Joseph Laswell: 3:00

So what can you expect when you get there? Well, no trust falls, no circle where you have to share or shame. We can start with a quick privilege walk, exercise, stand if you've ever hidden a panic attack. Sit if you've lost sleep over bills. That kind of thing. It's data, it's not a verdict. From there we break down the fight-flight-freeze cycle. Then hand you practical tools Body scans you can do at a red light, a three-word check-in you can text a friend and a five-minute money drill to calm bill panic. So, as a personal note, like I wore the uniform in the Air Force and I had to stuff fear into a rucksack and call it toughness, it worked until it didn't. Therapy and a brotherhood that let me say I'm not okay saved my life.

Joseph Laswell: 3:52

Saturday might be that pivot for you or for a man you love. So call to action. Bring a buddy, bring your dad, bring your 19-year-old nephew who jokes about I'll sleep when I'm dead. This event is free, the information is priceless and the worst outcome is you walk away with a fresh blood pressure reading and a sandwich. So register now. There'll be a link in the show notes. If you can't make it, share this episode and get the word out about Mane Up Memphis, because we're here trying to change the narrative around men's mental health and well, I mean all people's mental health, not just men, but um. But this event is going to be focusing on men. So, in closing, men, healing isn't a solo sport. This Saturday, let's face up as a team heart, soul and mind. I'll see you at Baptist, all right.

Joseph Laswell: 4:44

Well, that's a wrap for today's episode of the Mane Up Memphis podcast. Remember, real change starts when you show up, break cycles and walk into something greater. If you felt inspired, do me three quick favors Subscribe and leave a note or a five-star review so that more people can find us. Share this episode with someone who might need a lift and get involved Volunteer, refer a youth or donate at maneupmemphisorg. Follow us on our socials @ManeUpMemphis for behind-the-scenes goodness and send your questions or success stories to us and they might make it on air. Until next time here at ManeUp Memphis. Leave the baggage, keep the change. Make it on air Until next time here at Mane Up Memphis. Leave the baggage, keep the change.