I don’t struggle with self-worth, but I do struggle with self-efficacy at times. Let me explain. ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ I have grown to have confidence in my abilities. I have grown to understand my unique value. I have grown to identify my purpose. ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ When I am able to perform and drive the anticipated outcomes I set out to achieve, my self-efficacy grows. That, paired with real time, candid fe

As a queer man, I've always struggled to align myself with masculinity. When I began to hear about men's mental health issues some years ago, I honestly thought I would not see myself represented in the heteronormative male issues being written about or exposed by actors and activists. I was very surprised to see and learn that many of my mental health challenges were in fact very similar to other men. When Martin Fretwell asked me to join his summit on men's mental health, I

😤 Displaying emotion at work is NOT a weakness. 😤 It’s a strength. 💪 Getting emotional about something shows you care. ✋ Getting passionate about something means you want to make a difference. 👏 Getting upset about criticism shows you heard it. ✊ Getting frustrated during a debate displays the importance of your argument. 👊 Getting tearful when stress is at an all time high is a natural response. 🤲 🚫 Don’t fight emotion. 🚫 Instead: 1. Allow yourself to live in it. 2.

My mind never stopped. I was constantly contemplating something. I’d interject others and speak as quickly as possible in an effort to keep up with my own ideas and thoughts. When approached with a problem, I’d go through every possible outcome in an effort to calm my own anxiety. I thought everyone experienced this. I didn’t realize how much stress I was under daily. I didn’t know my starting point was higher than others. I didn’t realize I was constantly worrying over somet

I read this tweet yesterday that joked about how socially awkward we are all going to be when all of this is over. At first, I laughed. But, then I thought about all the work I have put into managing my own social anxiety over the past two years. This year, I vowed to put myself out there more. I set goals to go to more networking events and speak on more panels. I aimed to go out more with friends. I strived to push through moments where I felt socially awkward or uncomfort

There is this immense pressure we put on ourselves to be productive during this time. Work on that side project you’ve been wanting to work on. Work harder at your job to prove your worth. Work on your relationships with family and friends. I know I have done this to myself. Perhaps it’s a coping mechanism? Perhaps it’s a need to pass this time with things that seem meaningful? Perhaps it’s feeling like you’ve been given more time to do these things in the first place? But, y

Last night, my therapist asked me how I have been coping these last few weeks. I struggled to find an answer. The truth is, I have been coping by distraction. Binging Netflix shows. Reading that book I have been meaning to read. Online shopping. Drinking wine. Bickering with my partner. Working on projects I know I'll never finish. Typically, I am a person that loves information. I'll watch the news every morning and every night. I'll read articles on my commute to and from w

I see a therapist and psychiatrist. I have experienced suicide in my family, and I, too, have considered suicide at the lowest points of my life. I have experienced drug addiction and alcoholism in my family, and I, too, struggle from time to time with the side effects of my addictive personality. I have a family history of depression and anxiety, and I, too, suffer from depression and anxiety. I share all this because I believe more than anything that visibility is the only