Shrouded in Darkness

We don’t talk about it much. It’s such an awkward topic to bring up, let alone get into a deep discussion to better understand it. It’s something that ‘happens to other people, not the ones we know.” It’s simply easier to just avoid the topic altogether.

Hold on a minute…

In 2022:

- suicide was the 11th leading cause of death

- 49,476 Americans died by suicide

- men died by suicide 3.85 times more frequently than women

- white men accounted for 68.46% of all suicide deaths

And yet a whopping 94% of adults believe suicide can be prevented.

Silence is a killer. Literally. Particularly when it comes to men’s mental health and suicide. It seems like a good starting place to tackle this issue is to openly talk about it. When we avoid difficult topics to remain comfortable, are we really helping anyone, including ourselves? Or, are we just taking the easy way around a massive problem?

Imagine if 49,476 Americans were wiped out in a single day in some sort of horrible event? It would be a massive news story with congressional hearings and calls for action in every chamber of government.

Yet, we don’t talk about it. At least not enough. Maybe being more vulnerable, venturing into those uncomfortable conversations, posting more content, or simply reaching out to check in on people could make a difference?

I don’t have the answers…but the data is downright scary.

This is a difficult topic. What do you think about it? When was the last time you checked in on someone, just for the sake of checking?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

Data source

Pic

Sophisticated Torment

Men can handle everything.

Pull yourself up by your boot straps.

Suck it up.

Boys don’t cry.

I thrive on pressure.

Power through it.

We’re professionals.

We can handle everything the world throws at us.

Just ‘soldier’ on.

There are plenty of us who consider ourselves to be quite sophisticated; and yet, we are not invincible or immune to the highs and lows that life brings to everyone. We all hide the pain, disappointments, and negative self-talk that creeps into our heads from time-to-time.

Please don’t say it doesn’t happen to you. No one will believe you..at least I won’t.

When was the last time you checked in on your strong friends? You know who I’m talking about…the ones who are always full of energy…the ultra-positive characters who seem to attract people to them…the ones that make us laugh…that one person who has it all together.

Make sure you check on them too.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

Note: I’m sharing these posts to raise awareness not to draw attention to myself. I am, gratefully, in a very good place in my life and am truly blessed and happy.

Gut Feeling

Something just doesn’t feel right.

What am I missing here?

There has to be more to the story.

What’s going on?

As a firm believer in data-driven decision-making…I must admit there are times when you need to simply trust your gut. You know what I’m talking about. The level of talking behind-the-scenes picks up…the snide comments slip in meetings…even the occasional eye roll is caught on a zoom call.

Listen. Your gut is speaking to you in those moments.

How should you react? You do have options, of course.

- Let it slide?

- Assume you must be imagining it?

- Address your concerns head-on?

Your decision has consequences regardless of what you decide. I’m a fan of getting to the heart of the matter. Ignoring the signs has never served any leader well.

Thanks for being here.

Jay