In this raw and powerful episode released on World Mental Health Day, host Marlouke sits down with Nasser, a mental health advocate who transformed a childhood of severe trauma into a mission of hope and healing. From surviving abuse and kidnapping to battling high-functioning depression and PTSD, Nasser shares his journey through intensive therapy, EMDR, and his ultimate "rebirth" moment. This conversation breaks down the walls of male mental health stigma and proves that asking for help is the ultimate act of strength.
This episode contains discussions about suicide, self-harm, childhood abuse, and mental health struggles.
"I didn't have a childhood. I had a survivalhood.""Being alpha doesn't mean that you have to be strong 24/7. It means that you have to show weakness. I find that more strong than saying I'm okay when it's not true.""I was thinking, if I get hit by a truck now, I'm fine. I had a lot of friends, but deep down inside, I felt like the most lonely person in my life.""What can we do to get rid of this before I start raising my kids? I cannot raise my kids knowing that I have this in me, because I will transmit it to them.""When I passed the finish line, I was crying and I said, 'I know where I'm ready. I'm reborn.'""Behind every smile lies a deeper truth, a relentless battle where shadows attempt to overshadow the light. I choose to rise above the challenges, embracing the light that guides me, because I will not give up."
Change Your Question: Ask "How are you feeling?" instead of "How are you doing?" - feelings are emotions, and this question opens real conversations.
The 5-5-5 Grounding Technique: When overwhelmed, identify 5 objects you can see, 5 sounds you can hear, and 5 things you can touch. Repeat with different items until calm.
Body Scan for Safety: When panicking, scan your body - are your feet working? Legs okay? Heart beating? You're safe. This brings you back to reality.
Give Recognition, Not Comparison: Never say "others have it worse" - pain isn't a competition. Validate what someone is feeling in that moment.
Teach Emotional Intelligence Early: Ask children why they're crying and help them name their emotions - frustrated vs. sad, overwhelmed vs. angry.
Create Safe Spaces: Let people know "I'm not going to hurt you" and mean it - psychological safety is essential for healing.
Nasser is a mental health warrior, personal trainer (MILO certified), and father of two who transformed severe childhood trauma into a mission of hope. After surviving physical and emotional abuse and years in survival mode, Nasser rebuilt his life and now dedicates himself to breaking the stigma around male mental health.
Connect with Nasser: @nasser.parislima
Childhood Trauma & Survival Mode
The Mask of High-Functioning Depression
Breaking Generational Curses
113 Suicide Prevention (Netherlands): 0800-0113 or 113.nlInternational Crisis Lines: findahelpline.comEMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for traumaGrounding Techniques: 5-5-5 method and body scanningHagakure: The Way of the Samurai - Japanese philosophy on resilience and living fullyBushido: The seven pillars of the samurai codeSouthpaw (2015): Boxing film about resilience and rebuilding after lossBrave Men Talk: Initiative by the Barefoot Dutchman
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Host: Marlouke (Louk on Life)
Guest: Nasser Paris Lima (@nasser.parislima)
Music: Mixkit_co | Can’t get you off my mind by Michael Ramir C.
This episode contains discussions of suicide, abuse, and mental health struggles. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or crisis helpline immediately. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Louk on Life. This content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.
