Category: Confidence

The Ultimate Guide to Surviving University: Mental Health, Motivation & Meaning

On September 14, 2025

In Anxiety, Confidence, Self care, Stress

By Kieran In Student wellbeing, Stress, Motivation, Identity, Self care

University can be one of the most transformative chapters in a person’s life—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming and the prospect of surviving university can feel tough. Around one in six UK undergraduates report mental health challenges Whether you’re just out of college and going to Freshers week, returning as a mature student, or navigating university alongside work and family, the pressure to “get it right” can feel relentless and this post is to help with surviving university. I clearly remember both feelings of anxiety and excitement at the thought of being more independent and moving on from my life in a big town like Cheltenham and leaving sleepy Cornwall behind.

“You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart
George Michael

Deadlines. Debt. Homesickness. Social anxiety. Identity questions. The weight of expectation—both internal and external—can build quietly until it starts to affect your sleep, your relationships, and your sense of self. I certainly felt a lot of pressure to hit the ground running when I arrived in my student digs; pressure to make a good impression with flatmates and fellow students. I remember finding simple things such as where should I do my shopping and how will I make sure I eat healthily enough to not get some awful disease quite overwhelming.

This guide is for the student who’s feeling lost in the noise (like I was). The one who’s questioning whether they belong. The one who’s trying to juggle everything and wondering if it’s all too much.

Let’s explore some practical, compassionate strategies to help you not just survive university—but grow through it.

Don’t forget to download my free Surviving University Toolkit at the end of this post!

Why University Feels So Intense and how to survive

University isn’t just about lectures and essays—it’s a full-body experience. You’re often:

Living away from home for the first time
Managing finances, food, and friendships
Navigating new identities and beliefs
Facing academic pressure and performance anxiety
Meeting lots of new people
Adapting to a town or city you might not know very well

It’s a lot. And yet, many students feel they have to “just get on with it.” That asking for help is weakness. That struggling means they’re failing.

Let me say this clearly: it doesn’t. Treat getting support from your tutor, lecturer or even a counsellor like me as important as attending lectures, handing in assignments on time and sitting exams.

Struggle is part of growth. And support is part of success.

Technique 1: The “Micro-Moment” Method

When everything feels overwhelming, zoom in.

Instead of trying to fix your whole life, focus on one small moment:

Make your bed
Drink a glass of water
Step outside for 2 minutes
Text a friend “thinking of you”

These micro-moments help regulate your nervous system and build momentum. They’re not trivial—they’re foundational.

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Technique 2: The “Permission Slip” Practice

Write yourself a permission slip. Literally.

“I give myself permission to rest.” “I give myself permission to not know everything.” “I give myself permission to feel sad today.”

This simple act can reduce shame and increase self-compassion. It’s a tool I often use in therapy sessions with students who feel trapped by perfectionism.

Technique 3: The “Belonging Inventory”

University can trigger deep questions about identity and belonging. Try this journaling prompt:

Where do I feel most like myself?
Who makes me feel safe?
What spaces energise me?
What beliefs no longer fit?

This inventory helps you reconnect with your values and find your people. Belonging isn’t about fitting in—it’s about feeling seen.

Anxious about surviving university?

Schedule a call

Contact me here

Technique 4: The “Stress Spiral Interrupt”

When your thoughts start spiraling—“I’m behind, I’ll fail, I’m not good enough”—use this 3-step tool:

Name it: “I’m catastrophising.”
Ground it: “What’s the actual problem right now?”
Shift it: “What’s one thing I can do today?”

This technique helps you move from panic to presence. It’s not about ignoring stress—it’s about interrupting its momentum.

Technique 5: The “Connection Ritual”

Loneliness is one of the most common struggles at university. Create a weekly ritual that fosters connection:

A walk with a flatmate
A call to someone back home
A shared meal with coursemates
A club or society meetup

You don’t have to be extroverted. You just have to be intentional.

I remember feeling isolated myself at times when I was at university, so I can speak from first hand experience as well as being an experienced counsellor who has worked with many students feeling the same way when I say it is important to remain connected and feel part of something.

a-young-female-student-in-a-red-top-is-thinking

When It’s More Than Just Stress

Sometimes the pressure of university reveals deeper challenges—anxiety, depression, trauma, identity confusion. That’s okay. That’s human. Afterall, just because we’ve left friends, family and familiarity behind, it doesn’t mean problems we had before we enrolled are left behind too.

Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to explore these layers. Whether you’re dealing with academic burnout, relationship strain, or emotional overwhelm, support is available.

As a counsellor, I work with students across Cornwall and online to help them find clarity, confidence, and calm. You don’t have to wait until crisis hits. You’re allowed to ask for help now.

“Not all those who wander are lost.”
J.R.R. Tolkein

Final Thoughts on surviving university: You’re Allowed to Thrive

University isn’t just about grades—it’s about growth. And growth is messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal. Surviving university doesn’t have to a slog.

Whether you try the micro-moment method, write yourself a permission slip, or reach out for counselling, know this:

You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re becoming.

And that’s something worth celebrating.

Take it from me, someone who spent 4 years wondering if they were making the right decisions, on the right degree course and whether they were building the right future that taking control of life at university is paramount. If you feel as though you need some support from a professional counsellor like me, then contact me here.

Want more support?

📘 Download the Student Survival Toolkit (Free PDF)

A gentle, practical guide to help you manage stress, find belonging, and thrive at university.

Need help with anger?

If you would like to talk to someone confidentially about managing anger, then I can help.

Help is here

Woman practicing meditationmental health therapy in Cornwall

Stress & Anger Relief: Simple Techniques in Cornwall

By Kieran

On July 30, 2025

In Anger management, Anxiety, Confidence, Self care, Stress

Stress and anger are two of the most common emotional challenges men, women, teenagers will face—and yet, they’re often the least talked about. Whether it’s the pressure of work, relationship strain, exam worries or just the weight of daily responsibilities, these emotions can build quietly until they erupt, indeed when they do, they don’t just affect your mood—they impact your health, your relationships, and your sense of self. I know, I’ve been there. It shapes who you are. You become the moody person and if you feel it, others will too.

As someone who offers mental health services for men in Cornwall, across online platforms and to women and young people too, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when people begin to explore their stress and anger—not as flaws, but as signals. Signals that something needs attention. Signals that change is possible. Change that I can help elicit.

Focused workspace with laptop and journal – promoting mindfulness and breathing techniques for stress relief

This blog is for the man, woman or child who’s been holding it all in. The one who’s tired of snapping, tired of feeling overwhelmed, and ready to find a calmer way forward. I’ll share a few practical techniques you can start using today, including one you’ll find in my very first video: Instant Anxiety Relief in Under 30 Seconds With One Simple Trick. And if you’re ready to go deeper, therapy in Cornwall might be the next step.

Why Stress and Anger Feel So Hard to Manage

Let’s start with the basics. Stress and anger aren’t just emotions—they’re physiological responses. When something feels threatening (even if it’s just a tight deadline or a difficult conversation), your body kicks into gear. Heart rate increases. Muscles tense. Breathing becomes shallow. You’re ready to fight, flee, or freeze.

Historically, this response is ancient—it helped our ancestors survive real danger. Think how a cat reacts when it sees a dog if that helps. Yet today, this same reaction is often triggered by things we can’t punch or run from—emails, bills, university worries, what friends think of us, unresolved arguments, or internal pressure to “keep it together.”

In addition, while anger isn’t only expressed by men—far from it—it often becomes the only emotion that feels safe to show. I’m sure many women reading this blog have a son or a partner who only seems to communicate this way. Sadness, fear, vulnerability? Those get buried. But anger? That’s allowed. That’s familiar.

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
Benjamin Franklin

The problem is, when anger becomes your default, it starts to erode everything around you. Relationships suffer. Work becomes tense. Maladaptive coping mechanism like smoking or porn use can seem like the only way out. And your own mental health begins to fray.

That’s where anger management counselling in Cornwall comes in. It’s not about suppressing anger—it’s about understanding it. It’s about learning to respond, not react.

Technique 1: Box Breathing (Featured in My Video)

Let’s start with something simple. Something you can do anywhere, anytime.

Box breathing is a technique used by athletes, military personnel, and therapists alike. It’s designed to calm your nervous system and bring you back to centre.

Here’s how it works:

Inhale for 4 seconds
Hold your breath for 4 seconds
Exhale for 4 seconds
Hold again for 4 seconds
Repeat for 4–5 cycles

This technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your body responsible for rest and recovery. It’s like hitting the reset button on your stress response.

I walk you through this in my video: 🎥 Instant Anxiety Relief in Under 30 Seconds With One Simple Trick

This is a great tool for moments when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or on the edge of an outburst. It’s discreet, effective, and backed by science.

Technique 2: The “Name It to Tame It” Method

This one comes from neuroscience and therapy. When you name what you’re feeling—literally say it out loud or write it down—you reduce its intensity.

In essence, naming an emotion activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for reasoning and regulation. It helps shift you out of survival mode and into reflection.

Try this:

“I’m feeling frustrated because I don’t feel heard.”
“I’m anxious because I’m worried I’ll mess this up.”
“I’m angry because I feel disrespected.”

You don’t have to fix it right away. Just name it. That alone can reduce the emotional charge.

This technique is especially useful in relationships. Instead of snapping or shutting down, you can say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. I need a minute.” That’s emotional intelligence in action.

Technique 3: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

As I’ve mentioned in at least one of my previous blog posts, this technique continues to resonate with many people who come to me for counselling. That’s because it provides a real sense of actively “doing something” with your whole body—and that kind of physical engagement can genuinely lift your mood.

Building on that, you’ll often find that stress lives in the body: tight shoulders, clenched jaw, fidgeting hands. Progressive muscle relaxation helps you release that tension—one muscle group at a time.

Here’s a quick version:

Sit or lie down comfortably
Starting at your feet, tense the muscles for 5 seconds
Release and notice the difference
Move up to your calves, thighs, stomach, chest, arms, and face
Breathe slowly throughout

This technique is great before bed, after a stressful meeting, or when you feel physically wound up. It’s also something I use in Cornwall therapy sessions to help clients reconnect with their bodies.

Technique 4: The “Stop–Drop–Reflect” Method

This is a cognitive tool I use often in anger management Cornwall sessions. It’s designed to interrupt reactive patterns and create space for choice. It’s really simple.

Here’s how it works:

Stop: When you feel anger rising, pause. Don’t speak. Don’t act. Just stop.
Drop: Drop into your body. Notice your breath, your posture, your tension.
Reflect: Ask yourself, “What am I really feeling? What do I need right now?”

This method helps you move from automatic reaction to intentional response. It’s not about being passive—it’s about being powerful in your choices and giving you agency back.

Technique 5: Journaling for Emotional Clarity

You don’t have to be a writer to benefit from journaling. Just grab a notebook and let your thoughts spill out. No filter. No judgment. I find many counselling clients find journaling very helpful for relieving stress and anger.

Here’s a simple prompt:

“What’s been weighing on me lately?”
“What am I angry about that I haven’t said?”
“What do I wish someone understood about me?”
“What has been stressful for me today?”

Writing helps you process emotions that feel tangled or stuck. It’s also a great way to track patterns—what triggers you, what calms you, what helps you feel more like yourself.

Many of my clients in therapy Cornwall use journaling between sessions to deepen their self-awareness and accelerate their growth. It helps to “bridge the gap” between counselling session too.

Person sitting peacefully by water under - mindful breathing for emotional balance — **“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”** – B.B. King

Why These Techniques Work to help with stress and anger

Each of these tools is designed to interrupt the stress cycle.

When you’re caught in a loop of anxiety or anger, stress or worry your nervous system is in overdrive. These techniques help you shift gears—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

They’re not magic. They don’t erase problems. There’s no silver bullet to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and anger But they give you space. And in that space, you can choose something different.

That’s the heart of therapy: creating space for change.

What If It’s More Than Just Stress?

Sometimes stress and anger are symptoms of something deeper—trauma, unresolved grief, relationship strain, or identity struggles. That’s where counselling comes in. That’s where an experienced counsellor such as myself can help.

As a sex therapist in Cornwall, I also work with men navigating issues around intimacy, shame, and emotional disconnect. These challenges often show up as anger or anxiety, but they’re rooted in deeper stories.

Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to explore those stories. To unpack what’s been buried. To rewrite the narrative.

Whether you’re dealing with workplace stress, relationship tension, or emotional overwhelm, the mental health services for men in Cornwall I provide are here to support you.

What to Expect from Counselling

If you’re considering therapy, here’s what it might look like:

A safe space to talk without judgment or pressure
Structured weekly sessions focused on your goals
Evidence-based techniques like CBT, PCT, and Solution Focused Therapy
Support for anger, stress, anxiety, trauma, and more

You don’t have to have a diagnosis and you don’t have to be in crisis. You just have to be ready to explore what’s going on—and what’s possible. As an experienced counsellor, I can help you with the things that are troubling you. You can contact me here, if you’d like more information or book a session here if you’re ready to begin counselling.

One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”
Abraham Maslow.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Stress and anger don’t make you weak. They make you human. Man, woman and child can all benefit from a space to talk. And learning to manage emotions isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Whether you use the breathing technique from my video, try journaling, or decide to book a session, know this: you’re allowed to feel better. You’re allowed to ask for support. You’re allowed to change.

And whether you’re in Cornwall or online, that support is right here.

Ready to take the next step? 📘 Learn more or book your free consultation: 👉 hisownmancounselling.co.uk/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=present_focus

Need help with anger?

If you would like to talk to someone confidentially about managing anger, then I can help.

Help is here

From Bottled-Up to Breakthrough: A Real Story of Anger, Stigma, Man and Counselling

By Kieran

On June 24, 2025

In Anger management, Anxiety, Confidence, Depression, Self care

For many men, the idea of counselling (I often hear now referred to as ‘man counselling’) feels like a foreign concept—something reserved for “when things get really bad,” or worse, something that’s simply not for them. According to the Counselling Directory, only 36% of NHS referrals for psychological therapies in England are for men, despite 12.5% of men having a diagnosable mental health disorder . The truth is, counselling isn’t about weakness. It’s about strength. It’s about choosing to face what’s difficult rather than burying it. And for a lot of us, that’s the hardest part.

Clearly, in my work supporting men through anger management, stress, anxiety emotional overwhelm and with many other common mental health disorders, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when someone decides to take that first step. Undoubtedly, I’ve also seen how stigma—both internal and external—can keep that step just out of reach.

This post is for the man who’s been holding it all in. The one who’s been told to “man up,” to “get on with it,” to “stop overthinking.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep carrying it all by yourself.

a-man-looking-anxious-looking-out-of-a-window

The Messages We Inherit

From a young age, many of us are taught a very narrow definition of what it means to be a man. We’re told to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant. We’re praised for our ability to “keep it together” and discouraged from showing vulnerability.

Some people want it to happen, some wish it could happen, others make it happen – Michael Jordan

Crying? That’s weak. Talking about your feelings? That’s soft. Asking for help? That’s failure.

These messages might not always be spoken aloud, but they’re there—in the way we’re raised, the media we consume, the way our mates talk about emotions (or don’t). Over time, they become internalised. And when life gets hard—as it inevitably does—we often don’t have the tools or the language to deal with it.

Instead, we bottle it up. We push it down. We tell ourselves to get over it. Until one day, it all spills out. Without doubt, this isn’t healthy.

When Anger Becomes the Default

One of the most common ways this emotional suppression shows up is through anger. And that’s why anger management for men is such a vital part of the conversation.

Anger is often misunderstood. It’s not inherently bad—it’s a signal. A flare going up to say, “Something’s not right.” But when we don’t know how to interpret that signal, or when we’ve been taught to ignore everything underneath it, anger becomes the only emotion we allow ourselves to feel.

I’ve worked with men who describe themselves as “always on edge,” “quick to snap,” or “just not myself anymore.” They’re not bad people. They’re not broken. They’re overwhelmed. And they’ve never been given permission—or the tools—to unpack what’s really going on.

My Own Turning Point

I’ll be honest: I didn’t always believe in man counselling (or counselling for women, for that matter) either. I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. For me, opening up would make me look weak. I thought no one would understand.

It wasn’t until I sat in my first counselling session—nervous, guarded, unsure of what to say—that something shifted. I didn’t have to have the perfect words. There was no need to have to explain everything straight away. I just had to start.

And once I did, I realised how much I’d been carrying. How much I’d been hiding. How much I needed that space to just be honest—for the first time in a long time.

That session didn’t fix everything overnight. But it was the beginning of something better. It was the first time I felt like I could breathe again.

The Cost of Staying Silent

When we don’t talk about what’s going on, it doesn’t go away. It just finds other ways to show up—often in ways that hurt us or the people around us.

Maybe it’s snapping at your partner over something small. Perhaps it’s withdrawing from your mates because you don’t want to talk. Maybe it’s drinking more than usual just to take the edge off. Maybe it’s lying awake at night, your mind racing with everything you can’t say out loud.

These are signs—not of failure, but of pressure. And pressure needs a release valve. Without one, it builds. And builds. And builds.

That’s why counselling matters. It’s not about fixing you. It’s about giving you space to understand yourself. To process what’s going on beneath the surface. To learn new ways of coping that don’t involve shutting down or lashing out.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” *—Thomas Edison*

What Man Counselling Actually Looks Like

Let’s demystify it a bit. Counselling isn’t lying on a couch while someone nods silently and takes notes. It’s a conversation. A safe, confidential space where you can talk about what’s really going on—without judgment, without pressure, and without having to “have it all together”. Man counselling or any type of counselling, doesn’t involve putting on a brave face and pretending “everything’s fine”, when perhaps it isn’t.

You set the pace. You decide what you want to explore. And over time, you start to notice the patterns. The triggers. The beliefs that have been shaping your behaviour for years.

In my counselling sessions with men, we often talk about:

Workplace stress and the pressure to perform
Relationship challenges and communication breakdowns
Unresolved anger and how it shows up in daily life
Low self-worth and the inner critic that never shuts up
The fear of being vulnerable and what it means to be emotionally honest
Fatherhood and the pressures of setting the right example to your children

And through those conversations, something powerful happens: clarity. Relief. A sense of control that doesn’t come from bottling things up, but from understanding them.

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”
winston churchill

One Client’s Story

Let me tell you about a client—we’ll call him Tom. He came to counselling after a heated argument at work that left him shaken. It wasn’t the first time he’d lost his temper, but this time felt different. He was scared of what he might do next.

At first, he was sceptical. Indeed he referred to it as “man counselling” when we first spoke on the phone. He didn’t think talking would help. But he showed up. Week after week. And slowly, he started to open up and felt the benefits of counselling.

We talked about his childhood—how anger was the only emotion that was ever acknowledged in his family. He talked about how the idea of man counselling was a foreign concept to his ex military father. We talked about his job—how he felt constantly under pressure but never able to say no. We talked about his relationship—how he wanted to be more present, but didn’t know how to switch off.

Over time, Tom began to recognise his triggers. He learned how to pause before reacting. How to practice new ways of expressing himself—ways that felt authentic, not forced. He took risks with being vulnerable to those close to him.

And the best part? He started to feel more like himself again. Not a different person. Just a more grounded, more self-aware version of who he already was. Who knew man counselling could be so effective?

Rewriting the Narrative

The stigma around men’s mental health and man counselling is slowly shifting. More men are speaking up. More men are seeking support. But we still have work to do.

Every time a man chooses to talk instead of shut down, he challenges the old narrative. Every time a man says, “I’m struggling,” he gives others permission to do the same.

If you’re reading this and something resonates and you feel man counselling could help you—if you’ve been feeling stuck, angry, or overwhelmed—know this: you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Counselling isn’t about being broken. It’s about being brave enough to want something better.

What You Can Do Today

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay. Start small. Be honest and start with a conversation.

Talk to someone you trust. A friend, a partner, a colleague. Let them know you’re finding things tough.
Journal your thoughts. Sometimes writing things down can help you make sense of what’s going on.
Book a consultation. Even if you’re not sure what you want to talk about, showing up is a powerful first step. You can book an appointment with me here (or if you can’t find a time that suits you, you can contact me here and I’ll see what I can do).

And if you’re ready to explore counselling, I offer a free consultation to help you decide if it’s the right fit. No pressure. Just a chance to talk.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek support. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to deserve help. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Whether you’re dealing with anger management, stress, relationship issues, or just a general sense that something’s not right—counselling can help you find your footing again.

It’s not about changing who you are. It’s about reconnecting with the parts of you that have been buried under pressure, expectation, and silence.

You’re allowed to feel. You’re allowed to struggle. And you’re allowed to get support.

Because being your own man doesn’t mean doing it all alone. It means choosing what’s right for you—even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Need help with anger?

If you would like to talk to someone confidentially about managing anger, then I can help.

Help is here

Therapy for Men: Empower Your Mental Health

By Kieran

On February 11, 2025

In Anxiety, Confidence, Depression, Self care

Breaking the Stigma: How Therapy for Men Can Help Overcome Mental Health Challenges

Mental health issues don’t discriminate—they can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or gender. Yet, society often places a unique set of pressures on men that can make it harder to seek help. Indeed, many people still believe that therapy for men still isn’t “a thing”. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common mental health problems that men face and offer practical advice on how to manage them. Additionally, I’ll highlight how AXA and Bupa insurance can help you access free sessions with a counsellor who specialises in therapy for men like me.

Understanding Common Mental Health Issues (these can all be explored in therapy).

Anxiety

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s a persistent feeling of fear or dread that can interfere with daily activities. Common symptoms include restlessness, increased heart rate, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues, affecting millions of men worldwide.

Depression

Depression is characterised by a prolonged feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can also manifest as physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. Men often experience depression differently than women, and they might be less likely to talk about their feelings, which can lead to a delay in seeking help.

Stress

While stress is a normal response to challenging situations, chronic stress can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health disorders. Men often face unique stressors related to societal expectations, work pressures, and the traditional role of being a provider.

Practical Tips for Managing Mental Health

Talk About It

One of the most effective ways to deal with mental health issues is to talk about them. This is really what therapy for men is. But whether it’s with a trusted friend, family member, or a professional counsellor, opening up can provide relief and support. Talking about our problems is therapy for men and women. Men often feel the pressure to be stoic and self-reliant, but discussing mental health openly can break down these barriers and promote healing.

Stay Active

Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It doesn’t have to be intense; even a daily walk can make a significant difference. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and it can also serve as a healthy distraction from negative thoughts. Exercise it therapeutic.

Develop Healthy Habits

Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol and caffeine can have a positive impact on your mental health. These habits can help stabilise your mood and improve your overall well-being. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Talking about how your feeling is a healthy habit too.

Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Counsellors and therapists can provide strategies and support tailored to your specific needs. In many cases, talking to a professional can help you understand the root causes of your issues and develop effective coping mechanisms. I provide therapy for men to address unique challenges related to societal expectations, encourage emotional expression, and reduces isolation. It promotes early intervention and overall wellbeing, helping men navigate their mental health needs more effectively.

“If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”
Bruce Lee

Insurers

The Role of Insurance in Mental Health Care
Accessing mental health care can sometimes be a financial burden. However, if you have insurance with providers like AXA or Bupa, you might be eligible for free sessions with a mental health professional, who specialises in therapy for men, such as me. Both insurers offer comprehensive mental health coverage as part of their plans, making it easier for you to get the help you need without worrying about the cost.

AXA

AXA Health offers a range of mental health services, including access to therapists and counsellors. Their plans often cover a set number of therapy sessions, which can be invaluable for those dealing with ongoing mental health issues. AXA also provides online resources and support to help you manage your mental health day-to-day.

Bupa

Bupa’s mental health coverage includes access to a wide network of mental health professionals. Depending on your plan, you could receive several free therapy sessions each year. Bupa also offers mental health assessments and treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, they provide resources and tools to help you maintain your mental well-being.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many men feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they are struggling. But, therapy for men is on the increase. It’s important to remember that mental health problems are common and nothing to be ashamed of. By speaking openly about your experiences, you can help break down the stigma and encourage others to seek help as well. I’m an experienced mental health professional who has offered therapy to men for many years now. I can help.

Building a Support System

Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in managing mental health issues. Surround yourself with people who understand and support you. This could be family, friends, or even support groups. Knowing that you’re not alone and that others care about your well-being can provide immense comfort and strength. A therapist who specialises in therapy for men can be part of your support network too.

Self-Care Strategies

In addition to seeking professional help, practicing self-care is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Here are some self-care strategies to consider:

Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for your emotions and help you process them.

Hobbies: Engaging in activities you enjoy can provide a sense of fulfillment and distract you from negative thoughts.

Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize your well-being. It’s okay to take a step back and focus on yourself.

You can also find free resources, which will help you manage your mental health here.

Take Action Today

If you find yourself struggling with any of these issues, it’s important to remember that help is available and that taking action is a sign of strength. As a professional counsellor, I’m here to offer support and guidance tailored to your needs. Whether you have AXA or Bupa insurance or another provider, we can work together to find the best path forward for you. You can of course, still see me privately.

Contact me today to enquire about my availability and take the first step towards better mental health. You can reach me at 07851512049 or book an appointment here.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a step towards taking control of your life. Mental health issues are common and treatable, and you don’t have to face them alone. By leveraging the resources available through AXA and Bupa insurers, you can access the support you need without the financial strain. Take charge of your mental health today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier life.

Why Am I An Angry Dad? 5 Anger Triggers And How To Manage Them

By Kieran

On September 11, 2023

In Anger management, Confidence, Self care, Uncategorized

Why am I an angry dad?

It is not uncommon for dads to be angry. In fact, it’s a normal emotion that can happen in any family. But what are the types of anger that fathers experience? And how can they deal with them?

In this article, we will explore 5 triggers of anger that dads might feel and how to manage them.

Trigger 1 – Stress

Similar strategies are used to control stress and anger. One explanation for this is that both stress and anger have a psychological component, making it possible to control them mentally. Understanding the relationship between these two emotions is crucial because they both have the potential to negatively impact us, especially if they are left unmanaged.

There are a number of different things that can affect anger and stress; Long-term stress and anger exposure can harm our physical health. Getting stressed about deadlines, worrying about money or shouting at the kids are but a few examples. It may increase our blood pressure, which can lead to other problems that have an impact on both our physical and emotional well-being. Our interpersonal relationships may suffer as a result. Beyond that, excessive levels of stress and anger can lead to the development of bad behaviours that get harder to manage over time. Anxiety may increase as a result of either of these effects. Being an angry Dad isn’t good for our health or our relationships!

We need to consider how these emotions affect our lives in order to start managing the negative impacts of stress and anger. Anger can result from stress, which might result in further stress. Although neither emotion is a good thing, we shouldn’t try to force them away. Instead, we should work to regulate them by working on our understanding of the elements that influence anger and stress and developing coping mechanisms and build healthy anger management strategies.

Tip to manage stress – Breathe deep and relax

Your body and mind may feel as though they’re operating on overdrive when you are feeling stressed. Slowing your breathing and concentrating on relaxing your muscles is the simplest and most straightforward approach to relieving the stressful effects of anger. Inhale deeply for 4 seconds into your chest and stomach, hold for 2–4 seconds, and then exhale for 4 seconds. Your pulse rate will slow down as a result, and you’ll have some time to gather your thoughts.

Trigger 2 – Feeling frustrated or powerless

Regardless of a father’s upbringing, those who believe they can control their own destiny—tend to be happier, healthier, and more effective. Even the most difficult situations can be made tolerable if we believe we have some control over the outcome. While minor tensions can become overwhelming if we believe we have no control over the issue at all. Things as simple as the kids not tidying their rooms or indeed, even letting their dad into their room can be incredibly frustrating and can leave a father feeling as though he has no control, even in his own home.

“Powerlessness is inherently threatening, and it prompts a strong desire to reduce or eliminate that feeling,” says Eric Anicich, an assistant professor of management and organisation at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.

Tip to manage feelings of frustration or powerlessness – reconsider our approach to the problem

The first thing to do is recognise our own biases in the way we appraise our circumstances. Humans are usually quite bad at anticipating their future emotions and feelings. Positive life experiences, like winning the lottery, cause us to overestimate how happy we will feel and how long that feeling will last. Conversely, we find it difficult to envision how we will get past a threat or disappointment, such as our daughter going out to a nightclub for the first time. Negative experiences don’t usually last as long or have the same intensity as people expect. By keeping that in mind the initial sensation of pessimism we frequently experience upon hearing bad news can be lessened by just reminding ourselves of that truth.

Practically speaking, we can regain control of the situation by finding smaller ways to help with the situation. Setting your own schedules and making the most of your space may help you restore some sense of autonomy if you have been forced to work from home, for example.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Theodore Roosevelt.

Trigger 3 – Feeling a lack of respect

The feeling of being disrespected can be something that is quite triggering for many dad’s and can often make them feel quite angry. This could indeed be the reason why you ask yourself why am I an angry dad. In fact, most people have very little tolerance for being disrespected and those who consistently feel as though others have little or no respect for them often suffer with poor self-esteem and have a poor self image.

If you feel this way, it could be worth asking yourself “what does it mean to be disrespected”? You’ll probably find that your answer is different for example, to the dad sitting next to you. What you feel is disrespectful, may not feel disrespectful to someone else. For example, you may feel that it’s disrespectful of your son not to thank you for buying him an ice cream but another dad might be fine with it. That other dad may feel it’s disrespectful for their daughter to go to bed without saying “good night” but it might not bother you at all.

Being disrespected is a subjective feeling and will differ from person to person, from dad to dad. As it’s a personal feeling and differs depending on your own values, there’s a possibility that it’s the way you think that is causing the feelings of disrespect, rather than someone, a child perhaps or a partner, being disrespectful. If you think about it, what motivation does someone have to disrespect you personally? Would one of your children, for example, really set out to hurt you? Are they even old enough to be capable of doing that to you? Disrespect can often be born out of anger, fear or frustration or all of those emotions.

Tip to manage feeling a lack of respect

If you find yourself immediately feeling disrespected when someone doesn’t behave as you’d expect them to, you may be assuming the worst and jumping to conclusions. Challenge yourself to think of why a person may have behaved the way they did. For example, if someone pulled out on you in traffic, are they really being disrespectful to you personally or could it be that they’re late for work? Could they be preoccupied with some bad news about an elderly relative and didn’t realise they hadn’t considered you? Below are some things you can ask yourself when you are feeling disrespected that will make you feel better and help you with wondering why you’re an angry dad.

Will whatever it is that has made me feel disrespected matter to me in 12 months or even a few day’s?
Am I responding appropriately? Or am I responding with anger and frustration. Should I try addressing the issue calmly and assertively?
Am I communicating my expectations clearly? Ensure that your children understand your expectations for respect and behaviour.

Trigger 4 – Lack of sleep

A lack of sleep can significantly contribute to feelings of being disrespected by your children. Sleep deprivation often leads to irritability and a shorter fuse. This can make even minor misbehaviors or disagreements with your children escalate into major sources of frustration and perceived disrespect.

Exhaustion also diminishes your ability to empathise with your children’s needs and emotions. This may cause you to interpret their actions as intentional disobedience or disrespect when they may simply be expressing their own needs or frustrations.

Furthermore, sleep-deprived dad’s may struggle to make rational decisions and react impulsively to perceived challenges. This can lead to misinterpretations of your children’s behaviour and heightened feelings of being disrespected. This emotional vulnerability means that your children’s actions, even if not intended to be disrespectful, can feel hurtful or offensive, further intensifying these feelings.

Tip to manage a lack of sleep

To address the negative impact of sleep deprivation on your perception of respect from your children, consider implementing these strategies:

Prioritize Sleep: Make sleep a priority by establishing a regular sleep schedule. Ensure you get enough hours of quality rest to enhance your emotional stability and patience.
Share Responsibilities: Enlist the help of your partner or support network to share nighttime parenting duties. This allows for breaks and uninterrupted sleep, reducing sleep-related irritability.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness techniques or relaxation exercises to manage stress and enhance your emotional resilience. Breathing exercises and meditation can help you stay calm in challenging parenting situations.
Communication: Openly communicate with your children about your need for sleep. Explain that when you’re well-rested, you can be a more patient and understanding parent.
Seek Professional Help: If sleep deprivation persists and significantly affects your ability to parent effectively, consult a healthcare professional. They can assess and address any underlying sleep disorders or recommend strategies to improve your sleep quality.

By prioritising sleep and adopting effective coping mechanisms, you can better manage feelings of disrespect from your children that may arise due to sleep-related irritability and stress. Ultimately, fostering a well-rested and emotionally stable environment benefits both you and your family.

Trigger 5 – Communication issues

Communication problems can make you an angry dad by creating frustration and misunderstanding. When parents and children struggle to express their needs, emotions, or expectations effectively, it often leads to conflicts, misinterpretations, and heightened anger. Inadequate communication can make a dad feel unheard or disrespected, triggering anger in response to perceived disrespect or disobedience.

Tip to manage communication issues

To address communication issues and mitigate anger, active listening is essential. Encourage open dialogue with your children, offering them a safe space to express themselves without fear of judgment. Teach them effective communication skills and actively listen to their concerns.

Model respectful communication, and when conflicts arise, seek resolution through calm discussions, empathy, and compromise. A therapist like myself can help you develop valuable tools for improving communication and reducing anger within the family dynamic.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
Aristotle

In conclusion, understanding the factors that contribute to being an angry dad is the first step in becoming a more patient and understanding parent. From the pressures of life to miscommunications and unresolved personal issues, anger can easily find its way into our interactions with our children. However, it’s important to remember that anger doesn’t have to be the default response.

In this blog post, we’ve explored five solutions to address and manage anger as a parent:

Prioritizing self-care and managing stress to maintain emotional balance.
Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your children.
Improving communication through active listening and empathy.
Seeking professional help when unresolved personal issues contribute to anger.
Modeling healthy emotional expression and conflict resolution for your children.

By implementing these solutions, you can create a more harmonious and nurturing environment for your family. This will foster a deeper connection with your children and reduce anger’s impact on your role as a dad. Remember, parenting is a journey of growth. With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate it with patience, empathy, and love.

Need help with anger?

If you would like to talk to someone confidentially about managing anger, then I can help.

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4 Steps to achieve your goals

By Kieran

On July 15, 2019

In Confidence, Self care

Achieve your goals!

Clients come to me looking for counselling for all sorts of reasons. Some come because they keep losing their temper and want help with their anger. Some come to me because they’ve become so anxious that they struggle with social interactions, that many of us take for granted. Some come to me because they’re suffering from depression and find some days that they just want to stay in bed and be left alone. Some come to me simply because they have “lost their way” in life and are looking for help getting their life back on track. In this blog, I’m going to show you how you can turn your life around and achieve your goals.

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”
– Albert Einstein

The one thing that all my clients have in common is that they are all looking to achieve something, even if they don’t know what it is. Now as a counsellor who takes pride in practising ethically, I can’t talk about what my clients and I talk about in counselling sessions but I can talk about what all my clients want and indeed, all of us want – to achieve our goals. Whether we want to find a partner, feel less anxious, get a better job or just enjoy life, we all have goals. The problem is, sometimes our goals are too diffuse – they aren’t clear to us or maybe we just don’t know what our goals are at all.

Maybe we’ve set goals in the past and we haven’t achieved them or maybe we’re just struggling with the goals we have and need some help. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how we can get to where we want to be in life and achieve our goals!

Goal Setting – what are your goals?

If we’re going to achieve anything in life, we need to establish our goals. We need to know what we want if we are going to achieve it. But knowing what we want is only half the battle. Most people have at least an idea of what they want, it’s achieving our goals that most of us struggle with. If I want to learn to swim but I don’t know where I can find someone to teach me, I need to start to think about how I’m going to do it. If I plan my goal, it’ll keep me focused while I solve the problems that are stopping me.

Lets take a look at a plan to figure out what our goals are and how we are going to achieve them. Grab a blank piece of paper and a pen and lets get started!

1. Set no more than 3 goals to begin with

So it’s time to think about your goals but to begin with, set yourself no more than three goals. If we set anymore than three, there’s a danger that we’ll become overwhelmed. While it’s great to have lots of goals, if we can prioritise three to begin with, it’ll help keep us focused on what’s most important. As we begin to achieve those goals, we can make revisions to our goal plan and this can then include some of the other goals we have.

For example, if we decided that the goals we wanted to achieve was ‘to get into shape’, ‘to socialise more’, to ‘find a hobby we enjoy’, ‘to change jobs’ and ‘to meet the right woman’, then we might find that we try to do all of them but lose focus because we’re trying to change our lives too dramatically and too quickly.

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”
– Bruce Lee

If for example, we focused on socialising more, getting into shape and finding a hobby we enjoy, there’s every chance that by socialising more, you’ll meet someone your attracted to. If you’re doing more, socialising more and exercising more, you’ll be more appealing to a potential employer too. Wouldn’t you hire someone who is sociable, looks after themselves and has things in their life they’re passionate about? You’ll also tend to find that as you achieve your most important goals, you’ll be achieving your other goals too.

2. Focus on short term goals

While it’s important to focus on a manageable number of goals, to start off with, it is also important to work on short term goals. So for example, if your goal was to ‘learn a foreign language’, a short term goal might be to ‘enrol on an evening course at a local college’ or ‘buy a teach yourself French audio book’. The useful part of short term goals is that they are easier to achieve and measure.

For example, to enrol on an evening course it is usually a case of applying to the college. It can be done fairly easily. If you are accepted on to the course, you’ve achieved your goal. If you don’t make contact with the college, you won’t achieve your goal.

“If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.”
– Elon Musk

You can measure success and failure much easier than you can the longer term goal of learning a language. Once you start to get into the habit of achieving goals, you can then vary between the short, medium and long term with more confidence.

3. Keep it positive

It might sound obvious to say but if you’re in a place where you are feeling negative about your life, being positive about achieving your goals may not come naturally. So, rather than setting a goal like ‘stop playing on the Xbox every night‘, it is more useful to set a goal of ‘playing on the Xbox for no more than 2 hours each night’. Another example might be ‘eat less takeaways’. You could alter this to ‘eat a cooked meal three time per week’. Both of those examples can be “shortened” too. You might need to drop to 4 hours on the Xbox each night first or cook a meal once a week before you can get to three or more.

4. Lets be SMART about this

Now that we’ve established our goals, we need a framework to help us realise them. A really useful technique for achieving goals is to us S.M.A.R.T goals; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time specific.

Specific:

Be as to the point as you can. If for example, you wanted to save up enough money to buy a new car, then it would be useful to write down things like; which car do you want? How much will it cost? How long will it take you to save the money? Adding as much detail here, will help you overcome the obstacles to your goal.

Measurable:

We need to be able to ‘measure’ the progress of your goal. Staying with the car example, if you wanted to save £5000 as a deposit, then we can measure the progress towards the figure by depositing a certain amount each week into a bank account and checking the progress on a monthly basis, when the statement arrives.

Achievable:

Setting a goal like ‘I’d like to become a Hollywood superstar within the next two weeks’ is unrealistic if you have just realised that your goal is indeed, to become a Hollywood star! If your goal isn’t achievable, it isn’t useful to you. If you really wanted to become an actor then a goal which might ‘getting a role in a play’ would probably be more useful.

Time Specific:

You may have already thought about how long it would take you to achieve your goals when we looked at the ‘Specific’ aspect but if you haven’t, it’s useful to set yourself a time limit to achieve your goal. So for example, if your goal was to ‘join a Thai boxing club‘ then you might want to give yourself a week to complete the goal, as you’ll have to find a club, work out if you can afford membership etc. If you don’t make your goal time specific, you may find yourself “putting off” your goal. If you can’t make it time specific, go back to ‘Achievable’ and make an adjustment.

For example, your goal was to ‘learn how to design websites’, you might want to set yourself a longer time frame, if the course began in the September and it was now July. But, you could alter the goal to ‘prepare for the webdesign course beginning in September’ and start working towards your goal, now.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
– Steve Jobs

While it’s great to achieve a goal, don’t be too disheartened if you don’t. You might be too ambitious when it comes to ‘Time Specific’ or maybe you wasn’t ‘Specific’ enough but if you set a goal and use this framework, you can always re-vise your goals. So for example, if your goal was to ‘learn Spanish in 6 months’ and your on month 12 and you’ve only mastered half a dozen phrases, you just need to re-vise your goal.

Maybe the goal needs to be something like ‘practice spoken Spanish with a friend twice a week’. Also, if you have set yourself a goal that’s not ‘Achievable’, re-vise it but also remember to give yourself credit for what you have achieved. Taking the Spanish example, you’ve still learnt some Spanish. Perhaps you’ve made some friends from the classes too? The SMART framework is to help you focus, not beat yourself with!

Finally, you need to refer to the framework on a regular basis to keep your goals focused and relevant. If you met someone on that Spanish course and started to date, is that other goal of ‘to meet the right woman’ still relevant?

Conclusion

The SMART framework can be a really handy tool if you struggle to achieve your goals. This isn’t something you’ll need to do for the rest of your life, it’ll help you get into the habit of making achievable goals and attaining them. I’ve used it with my clients and it works. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Have you tried it and had success? Have you tried it and failed? Why do you think that could be and what did you try instead?

Thanks for reading.

Kieran.

“You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.”
– C.S. Lewis

If you’re looking for a counsellor who understands and can put themselves in your shoes and feel how you feel, get in touch.

Is mens confidence hit by ‘Man Flu’?

By Kieran

On January 1, 2019

In Confidence

Confidence is an issue for a lot of men and when I wasn’t feeling well recently, I got thinking about whether terms such as ‘Man Flu’ (and the other common one ‘Man Up’), really can have an impact on the way men feel about themselves.

It started as I was walking up a steep hill I walk up on a fairly regular basis, I noticed that I was finding it harder going than usual. I felt a bit sweatier than I normally would and when I arrived at where I was going to, I felt that I had walked for more like 2000 minutes than 20 I had actually walked. I usually have a pretty good appetite but I didn’t feel as hungry as I normally would and although I did eat, I felt like I wanted to go to sleep as soon as I had finished the meal. Shortly afterwards, I noticed that I could really feel my hips, knees and back and then in it ocurred to me – I must be coming down with a cold!

A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot – Joe Vitale.

Later on that night, I woke up with a blocked nose and feeling quite sick. My other half had work the next day, so I decided to go and sleep in the other room as I didn’t want to keep her up all night as I would probably be snoring because I couldn’t breath very well. I really felt awful.

When I woke up in the morning I wasn’t feeling any better and I immediately started to think about the 101 things I needed to do that day, things that I was sure wouldn’t get done because I simply didn’t have the energy because I was now fighting an awful cold. Then I thought to myself “is this the so called ‘man flu’? I then began to question whether I was really ill or not and whether I was just being ‘a sissy’ or ‘a pussy’.

I thought, I feel terrible but it really bothers me that I might be judged for suffering at the hands of an infectious disease! And why should we be made to feel this way? Is it so wrong to simply feel unwell? It started to make me wonder how much damage to your self-confidence a phrase like that can have and the anxiety it can cause.

I’m a ‘wimp’ because I have an infection?!

Since recovering from the ‘Wimpy Man Syndrome’ (yep, I read an article by an American doctor and it is actually known as that in some parts of the world), I thought I would do some research and see if there was any truth in whether men were more affected by cold and flu than women and there is so evidence to support this theory. According to Professor Kyle Sue, a clinical assistant professor in family medicine, who published a study in December 2017, men were more likely to be affected by the flu, than women. The study showed that:

Influenza vaccination tends to cause more local (skin) and systemic (bodywide) reactions and better antibody response in women. Testosterone could also play a role, as men with the highest levels tended to have a lower antibody response. A better antibody response may lessen the severity of flu, so it’s possible that vaccinated men get more severe symptoms than women because they don’t respond to vaccination as well.

In test tube studies of nasal cells infected with influenza, exposure to the female hormone estradiol reduced the immune response when the cells came from women but not in cells from men. Treatment with antiestrogen drugs reduces this effect. Since flu symptoms are in large part due to the body’s immune reaction, a lessened immune response in women may translate to milder symptoms.

In at least one study reviewing six years of data, men were admitted to hospital with the flu more often than women. The mortality rate in men was also reported to be higher than in women.

Knocking your confidence.

So it would seem that there is evidence to support that men are more likely to suffer from cold and flu symptoms than women and women are more able to cope with the affects than men, hence why men may feel worse than women when they contract the cold or flu.

But even if there wasn’t any evidence, why do we ridicule men who don’t feel well? Why is it shameful not feel great and pretend everything is “fine”? Do some men lack confidence in themselves because of terms like this?

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves – William Shakespeare.

I personally have no idea whether the evidence mentioned earlier is true or not but more to the point, even if it is true, I highly doubt it would change most peoples reactions to a man who says he has a cold. Men are criticised for not sharing their feelings yet with a culture who ridicules you for “not feeling great” it is understandable why we keep a lot of our thoughts, feelings and emotions to ourselves.

Why don’t we ignore the opinions of others and just be ‘unwell”?

With the perception in mind that we are going to be laughed at or thought as being “less of a man”, it’s easy to see why many men will hide how they are feeling, dose up on cold and flu tablets and carry on “as best as they can” but would it be so awful to simply say “I’m not feeling very well”? Do we have enough confidence that we won’t be laughed at? We fear the reactions of others because we are conditioned by society to act and behave in particular ways and in the case of men, we are conditioned to not admit to feeling ill because of fear of ridicule. If men are taught that illness equals weakness, how many men are going to say “yeah, I have man flu, I’m weak because I’m ill”?! Not many. As I’ve said in previous blog posts, communication is so important.

When we start to communicate our thoughts, feelings and emotions to others, it gets easier. We when men start to recognise that illness isn’t a sign of weakness and talk about whats wrong with us, then self confidence will naturally grow but shaming men with sexist phrases isn’t exactly going to encourage anyone, is it?

Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever the fuck you were going to do anyway – Robert Downey Jr.

Without getting too scientific, as you learn to communicate your feelings, neurons kept in the area of your brain that’s storing your existing communication skills would send electrical messengers down the axons to the cell’s centre where it is then routed to a particular group of connected dendrites which would then release a chemical messenger to the new targeted group of neurons that are located next to it. New neural pathways begin to be formed to acquire and store the new communication skills. These new pathways become stronger the more they are used, causing the likelihood of new long-term connections and memories.

Practice makes perfect – practice communication.

The more we practice, the better we will be at it. The more you tell people how you feel, the more they will get used to you doing so. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Put it this way, would people shame a man who found a lump on a testicle and wanted to tell the doctor? Most people would be telling him to make an appointment asap. But if the same man had never been able to express his feelings, what chance does he have? If he’s never practiced telling people close to him that he isn’t well (like he has a cold!) then is he likely to tell a relative stranger? If he doesn’t know how to say “I’m feeling frightened, I don’t know whats going to happen to me”, then he probably won’t.

By ending the use of terms that make people feel ashamed of how they feel, we can get men to open up about how they feel and build their confidence in themselves and allow the real self to come out and erode the self which needs to hide behind the macho facade that pretends “everything is ok”.

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self – Ernest Hemingway.

On a final note, Guys, if you don’t feel well, it’s okay to say so. Listen to whats going on inside, your feelings are there to help you. If you need some help making yourself heard or want to learn to listen to yourself and not be afraid to be the real man you are and feel that talking to a counsellor would benefit you, get in touch. I can help you improve your confidence!

Everyone needs confidence

I can help you need find your confidence .

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Confidence (and why men don’t find it at the gym)

By Kieran

On October 18, 2018

In Confidence

Edit: May 2020

This was the first blog post I wrote and while the information in it is still relevant, the layout makes it difficult for me to read and I guess, to you as well. While I’ve updated the blog about gym confidence, I’ll be publishing a new blog post on confidence and how to build it soon. Watch this space!

Confidence is important to everyone, especially if you don’t feel very confident. A common misconception is that by going to the gym you will feel more confident but is that true? Maybe sometimes. In this blog post, I’m going to talk to you about why you won’t find confidence at the gym but how you can still become more confident.

In this post I will:

Explain what stops you from going to the gym.

Show you a real case study of someone who lost confidence at the gym.

Explain the real reason why you don’t go to the gym.

Show you 5 steps to overcoming a lack of confidence.

What stops you from going to the gym?

So you think you’ll feel more confident by heading to the gym? Does this sound familiar though; by the time you get home from work after a busy day, the last thing you want to do is get shorts, t-shirt and trainers together and head out of the house again!

And the worst thing you can do is sit down and think “I’ll just have a rest for 5 minutes, then I’ll go” because once you sit down, your body really does not want to stand up again! After all, you’ve had a hard day, the gym will be really busy, you can never get on the equipment you want to get on, you can go tomorrow night etc etc etc.

“Imagine your life is perfect in every respect; what would it look like?” – Brian Tracy

These are all the reasons that run through our heads for us to not go. And most of the time, we go with one of these reasons. Instead, we sit down in front of the tv, play some computer games, help the kids with their homework, cook some dinner, go for a pint or two etc etc.

But we really meant to go to the gym, didn’t we? Or did we? It can be really tough trying to add something new into our already busy lives.

Making time for something new often means sacrificing the time we spend on something else and for the most part, that thing will be something that we have to do like going to work or cooking and eating an evening meal. Which is often where the problem lies; Do we want to go to the gym bad enough we’ll make time for it in our otherwise already busy schedule?

This is a long part, skip to the confidence steps HERE

We probably enjoy the idea of getting “buff” and looking better to boost confidence but how much do we enjoy getting there? Do we ever get there? In most cases the answer to both is “we don’t”. So what makes us want to go to the gym then?

Here are a few reasons why guys want to go to the gym:

• To get fitter.
• To be better at sports.
• The social side/meeting people.
• Look more attractive to possible partners.
• To feel healthier.
• To relieve stress.
• Build confidence.

And these are all good reasons for going to the gym.

Case study: 31 year old, male.

Let’s look at an example. A man, who is below average size but physically fit, once told me that after splitting up with his girlfriend, he started “going back to the gym” and was working out several times per week.

He found that he had a good appetite and was taking whey protein to bulk himself up and was genuinely enjoying his workouts. He told me that he could see that his body was growing and he felt more confident about himself and felt that by having more confidence and looking better, it would improve his chances of getting a new girlfriend.

A few weeks later he told me about a girl he had met and how he really liked her. He felt they “clicked” and he really liked spending time with her. While this man was still going to the gym, he wasn’t going to the gym quite as often as he had been before because as you would expect, he had to make time to see her.

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As the weeks wore on, he wasn’t going to the gym anymore but “didn’t miss it”. Sadly after a few months, the relationship came to an end. Without going into too much detail, they weren’t getting along and decided to go their separate ways. While the client was happy the relationship had finished, his confidence and self esteem had fallen and he had noticed that he was eating very little. He didn’t want to go to work and had phoned in sick a few times because he wanted some time to get over the end of the relationship.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

A few weeks after they split up, this guy has started going back to the gym again and feeling better about himself too. You might say, “he was enjoying the gym before and it built his confidence which led to him getting a girlfriend, so surely it’s a good thing he’s working out again”? And that would be a fair question. The gym does boost his confidence, which then would possibly lead to him getting another girlfriend. Great! Problem solved! Well, sort of.

The guy in question does now have a new girlfriend but the cycle has started again, where he no longer has time for the gym because of the girlfriend, so he has stopped going again.

The confidence boost from the workouts is gone. The motivation to go to the gym, is gone. The client started to notice his muscles aren’t getting any bigger and wonders if the new girlfriend still finds him attractive, now he isn’t so muscular.

He even started to wonder whether she would still find him attractive if he starts to put on weight because he isn’t exercising anymore.

This made him worry even more and his confidence dipped further. Does any of this sound familiar? It has done to me in the past.

So, back to the original question; why doesn’t the gym work for you? If like in this example case you’re going to the gym to make yourself look more attractive, it’s probably never going to work.

The real reason you don’t go to the gym.

We need to start with the REAL reason for going to the gym. Rather than trying to make yourself more appealing to a prospective partner, you need to think about why YOU don’t think you’re appealing already.

So for example, if you are overweight and you think no woman (or man) is going to be attracted to you because you’re “too fat”, you need to think about why that is.

“If you put a small value on yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. “– Anonymous