Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health | Men Hurt and Can Heal

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is ask for help. Men face a stigma about that, too.My guest today is Laverne Friesen. He is a former first responder who is passionate about raising awareness around the stigma of mental health after experiencing his own mental health crisis. Now, as a transformation coach, Laverne shares the wisdom he gained from his traumatic experiences to help others live fulfilling lives.Laverne shares his experience as a sexual abuse survivor in a fundamentalist family who went on to become a police officer and hid his mental health crisis for years.He shares what kept him going, the tools that helped him turn his life around, and the three-year-old angel that brought him back from the brink of suicide.Through it all, the stigma of what other people would think about him if they knew how badly he felt kept him quiet.Topics and Questions 1:31 - What is stigma? 2:32 - I know you had an interesting childhood; let's start there. 5:30 - First time seeing a police officer. 7:48 - Validating myself by helping others. 10:08 - I thought I had it made. 13:53 - Stigma of seeing a therapist. 18:50 - I had nothing left. I was completely apathetic. 25:59 - Having hope again. 27:33 - So angry at work. 36:49 - Laverne's most profound epiphany. 40:37 - The beauty of hardship. 47:16 - Directing our thoughts. 49:49 - What is the best way for people to discover what you are up to?LinksLaverne Friesen -- https://www.TrueEmotion.caTikTok -- https://www.tiktok.com/@trueemotionhealingFacebook -- https://www.facebook.com/LaverneFriesen97Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/trueemotioncoachConnect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit theandygrant.com/talkInstagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrantPersonal Website | theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!Podcast Website | realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/supportRMF Facebook Group | realmenfeel.org/groupYouTube | https://youtube.com/realm#RealMenFeel 310 July 12, 2024