93. Man Up with Gareth Shanthikumar

Welcome to Episode 93 – Man Up with Gareth Shanthikumar  It's becoming widely understood that one way to encourage men to be more open about their mental health is to initiate and normalise conversations in childhood. What we are still figuring out is how, exactly, to have those conversations with young men in a way that is comfortable and impactful. The term ‘Man Up’ has traditionally been used to tell men to stop crying and hide their emotions. However, the 'Man Up' initiative, led by co-founder Gareth Shanthikumar, involves volunteers taking their program into schools to empower young men to embrace vulnerability and redefine masculinity.  With a mission like that, I had to get Gareth on the podcast to find out more about Man Up and his reasons for starting the initiative.   In this episode, Gareth shares: -      His early years growing up and how his mental health got out of control in dangerous ways -      The moment he attempted self harm and had his girlfriend leave him -      His family’s response to him admitting his mental health journey and how culture shaped this -      What happened when his behaviour was noticed by his friends and they tried to help -      How Man Up was started -      What exactly Man Up does in its programs in schools and what they discuss with young men -      Why he thinks professional help is hard for young men to seek out, and why he pushes young men to seek it -      His own advice for self care and why it is important -      What we can expect from Man Up next   Key quotes: “I am constantly unlearning a lot of my masculine behaviours, to adapt a healthy way to be.” “Sometimes you get groups where it’s the boys who appear the toughest, the most rowdy., all of a sudden this one kid is telling us about the darkest thing that’s happened.”   “Healthy masculinity looks like a balance. It’s the ability to navigate a spectrum of emotions. To be assertive but also to be nurturing.”   More about Gareth and Man Up  If you’re interested in hearing more about Man Up, or even helping sponsor them, you can reach out via email at team@manupwa.org.au You can also head to their website: https://www.manupwa.org.au/ Or you can follow them on social media,   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/man-up-wa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/man_up_wa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManUpWesternAustralia/   For more from Mindful Men Check out the website at www.mindful-men.com.au   Join the Mindful Men Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2050441875316594   You can also follow us on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus Instagram: @mindful.men.aus Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne-246207247/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA ***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help*** Cheers, Simon