Men’s Mental Health Matters

Hey everyone, this week's blog is brought to you by Logan. You can find the video version on Copper John's YouTube channel under "Logan's Corner."

I truly appreciate you guys being here. If you're new here, Logan's Corner is a series on the Copper John's YouTube page where we talk about all things Copper John's, from the smallest of our products all the way to what our mission statement is and everything in between.

Today, we're going to focus on something beyond our products. June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and as you know, we here at Copper John's take mental health very seriously. Our own experiences with mental health and mental illness drive our commitment to supporting the mental well-being of the Copper family.

Ending the Stigma

There is a pervasive stigma surrounding men's mental health that must end. It’s simply unacceptable and needs to change. Talking about our struggles, expressing feelings to trusted individuals, and seeking professional help are not signs of weakness. In fact, they are steps toward becoming healthier and more authentic versions of ourselves.

Mental health struggles are challenging enough without the added burden of misunderstanding from those who haven’t experienced them. Whether you or someone you love is dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, borderline personality disorder, or any other condition, it is okay to not be okay. What is not okay is to avoid seeking help.

My Personal Journey

Many of you know my story, but I'll give a brief snapshot for those who don't. In 2017, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It turned my world upside down. Before the diagnosis, I knew something was wrong but didn't have the specifics. My life was falling apart—I was on the brink of losing my family, my job, and everything I held dear because I was failing without understanding why. Trapped in my own head and too prideful and arrogant to seek help, I made mistakes that could have been avoided.

Thanks to my wife and a few others, I got the help I needed. It’s been a long road—seven years since my diagnosis—and I can’t say everything I tried worked. I've been prescribed various medications and treatment plans by numerous doctors. Some worked, some didn’t. The crucial thing is that I kept trying, and that’s what I urge you to do. If something feels off, try. If something feels wrong, try. If you feel like harming yourself or someone else, please reach out for help.

Seeking Help is Crucial

It is okay to not be okay. Mental health and mental illness are often misunderstood. If you broke your arm in public, no one would tell you to just relax or that you don’t need a doctor. But when it comes to mental health, people often belittle the experiences they don’t understand. That’s why it’s essential to reach out to experienced professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping others.

Beyond professional help, having friends and trusted individuals to talk to is vital. If you feel alone, please reach out to us. As many of you know, Tyson and I have the Dad Bods and Beards podcast and platform where we discuss men’s issues, including mental health. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we believe in the power of vulnerability and speaking up. One of the best things I ever did for my mental health, aside from professional help, was talking about it. Ending the stigma requires us to speak up and let people know that mental health issues are real and affect many of us.

Reach Out and Support Each Other

It might sound harsh, but it's true: I would rather listen to a friend cry than watch a friend die. Mental health issues can make you feel trapped in a prison within your mind, but you hold the keys to unlocking those gates. If you’ve been looking for a sign to seek help, this is it. Take a chance on yourself, improve your life, and reach out for help. If you don’t know where to go, contact us. There are many resources available, and many of them are free.

If the people in your life don’t accept you for seeking help, it might be time to find new people. Improving your mental health can be a long journey where you might lose people along the way, but you’ll be better for it. Sometimes, a breakthrough requires a breakdown.

My Challenge to You

For the month of June, if you are struggling, use this as your sign to ask for help. Make that phone call, reach out to that friend, make that appointment. If you’re in a good place, take the opportunity to help someone else. Recognize the signs and symptoms in others and offer your support. Sometimes, the biggest help we can provide is reaching out to someone in need.