Discuss Life

How often do you hear someone say "he never talks to me", "he never tells me....",  or "I wish he opened up", etc.?  Probably, more frequently than you here the opposite, "she never talks about....".  As a man, I can have great conversations, well except when discussing football or rugby, then I am useless. However, I do, or more appropriately, I should say I used to have that age old problem, of withholding my deepest thoughts, considerations, concerns, worries, and emotions.  Not an unfamiliar story, as I am sure there are many who can relate. So why is that, and is it helpful, is it protective, and why, to broadly generalise, is it a trait more frequently adopted by men. Some would say this lack of willingness to share, is a protective attribute that stems back to Neolithic man.  An intrinsic desire, or need to protect the more vulnerable, to spare them the concerns, worries, or fears of the reality, and the dangers of life outside the cave. 

I left part 1, with us looking at and considering the inner self, and more importantly how this can help us with the "why me?" question. For many people the focus on the "why me" can be part of a contributing factor to a mental health issue, or even an individual with a mental health issue can then become compelled, or more easily drawn to the negativity of that question.  Interestingly, mental health issues are rarely caused by extrinsic factors such as status, lack of wealth, power or possessions etc.  Yes some of those factors do contribute to mental health issues, I know this myself having endogenous depression.  However, those factors in themselves do not 'cause' mental health issues, but rather contribute to the way we handle our mental health. After all, even if one's mental health is good, as lack of money when needed etc can cause temporary stresses/anxiety.  However, most healthcare professionals, and I fall into that category, will say that