Join Director of Coaching Ariana Scalfo as she chats with new CHP coaches Mike Thompson and Justin Jones about men's mental health and how it plays out in lifestyle, health, and ability/motivation to train. Mike and Justin are relatively new fathers, and they discuss with Ariana (a new mother) the loneliness and pressure that comes with fatherhood, and the dangers of depression, and lack of clearly defined paternal support during that time. 

[tw: discussion about depression, anxiety, mentions of suicide, body dysmorphia]

• Dealing with interalized shame; are men's health issues framed more as "their own fault" (insufficient preparedness, "toxic masculinity") vs the fault of external factors as women's are typically framed? Is the messaging "fix yourself" instead of "get help" even when help is available?
• What major life changes were the catalyst for realizing you needed more help? Do you see the same trends with clients?
• Body image issues, steroids, and body image issues and dysmorphia in male athletes - steroid abuse and "bigorexia"
• The pressures of being a new dad - "I need to lock in," not being a burden, pressure to provide, pressure to be more present and contradicting demands. Lack of resources for fathers.
• Fitness, the pursuit of health, and self efficacy; rebuilding your sense of self efficacy and self control after major life changes
• The concept of "Spoons" in chronic illness and how it applies to autoregulation in training
• Lifting less than ever, training infrequently as ever, and setting PRs - scuse me what
• Redefining a win, and hitting 90% instead of 98% is still a really good training day, the power of showing up and giving it time. The dangers of over-identifying with "daily" performance metrics (weight moved, speed traveled, distance traveled)
• What are some lifestyle changes you'd recommend for someone going through an indentity-shift and struggling with their training in ways they never did before? 
• 'Filing cabinet mentality' - the benefits and the downsides
• What's the biggest benefit or takeaway you've experienced by hiring a coach, bringing on a mentor, or reaching out to a friend?

You can follow Mike on Instagram at @mjttraining

You can follow Justin on Instagram at @justinsjones

You can follow Complete Human Performance at @completehumanperformance

Questions about coaching or consultations from Mike or Justin? Contact them directly or email [email protected] to be connected.