For the second and final episode of our November series focusing on male mental health, the hosts and their special guest explore what it is to be a man in today's world. Specifically, what impact societal expectations have on what it is to be a man. A highly worthwhile discussion takes place unpicking some uncomfortable questions such as, "why don't men cry?" and "does talking about it even help?"

*Full shownotes are available at https://remindthepodcast.wixsite.com/website

Disclaimer & Trigger Warning: Sensitive issues (e.g., suicide) are discussed in this episode, listener discretion is advised. Additionally, the hosts, nor their special guest, are not licensed psychologists. This episode and show simply explore their viewpoints backed up by their own experiences and research where applicable.

Get involved!

As part of November, the male mental health awareness month, Katie and special guest Ralph shed some light on an extremely important question - is the gym destructive for male body image?

A very interesting conversation unfolds, and various sub-topics are explored. There is a large focus on the societal pressures both men and women face in regard to the ‘ideal body type’ with personal anecdotes and research being shared.

Furthermore, a highly interesting subject is raised regarding the body positivity movement and its lack of inclusion within the male population. Within this, the discourse (or lack thereof) between males on bad body image is considered too; and most importantly, Katie and Ralph settle on whether or not 'gym pics' are appropriate for modern dating app profiles (spoiler: the answer is no).

*Full shownotes are available at https://remindthepodcast.wixsite.com/website/shownotes

Disclaimer: The hosts are not licensed psychologists. This episode and show simply explore their viewpoints backed up by their own experiences and research where applicable.

Get involved!

Follow our Instagram: @remind.thepodcast

In this episode, Katie and Angie delve into the value we place on how quickly we respond to our messages and how quickly we receive responses. Many subtopics are explored, but most centre around the emotional response we all have (though we don’t like to admit it) when facing read receipts, group messages and those notorious typing bubbles.

Much of the discussion also considers interpersonal dynamics and texting, and the role of expectation we place onto ourselves and others in this digital world. Within this, they attempt to outline some ways in which we can healthily interact with others over messages whilst keeping one’s sense of self intact and being understanding of others’ texting habits.

*Full shownotes are available at https://remindthepodcast.wixsite.com/website/shownotes

Disclaimer: The hosts are not licensed psychologists. This episode and show simply explore their viewpoints backed up by their own experiences and research where applicable. 

Get involved!

Follow our Instagram: @remind.thepodcast

This week, Katie and Angie take a stab at answering the difficult question about whether romantic relationships eradicate loneliness. Because it’s Re:Mind, they take a look at many possible angles within the question.

They explore what loneliness even is, sharing personal experiences on the matter. As well, they look at loneliness within a relationship and why this might occur. The flipside is not forgotten either as they also consider what it means and feels to be lonely when single with the added layer of personality (introversion/extroversion). Importantly, they explore the taboo of admitting loneliness and offer personal insight on how to deal with it.

*Full shownotes are available at https://remindthepodcast.wixsite.com/website

Disclaimer: The hosts are not licensed psychologists. This episode and show simply explore their viewpoints backed up by their own experiences and research where applicable. Resources for help are listed below.

Get involved!

In today’s episode, Katie and Angie take a deep dive into meme culture. Specifically, “depression meme” culture and whether this new form of communication helps us (or hinders us) in communicating about the nuances of mental health.

They explore what the definition of a meme is, how they use memes to communicate and why. They take a look into the positive aspects of meme culture, such as more open forms of discussion as well as the potential downsides which include the potential trivialisation of mental health.

*Full shownotes are available at https://remindthepodcast.wixsite.com/website

Disclaimer: The hosts are not licensed psychologists. This episode and show simply explore their viewpoints backed up by their own experiences and research where applicable. 

Get involved!

In today’s episode, Katie and Angie consider two sides of the coin when answering the question of whether ‘keeping it together’ is good for mental health.

.

They delve into what the very notion of ‘keeping it together’ means and how it relates to unconscious processes such as habits. Additionally, the line between burnout and keeping it together are explored, as well as the important role of having a strong social support circle.

.

Disclaimer: The hosts are not licensed psychologists. This episode and podcast simply explore their viewpoints backed up by their own experiences and research where applicable. Resources for help are listed below.

.

Resources for Help (UK only):

Types of mental health problems; where to get help; medication and alternative treatment advice.

Helpline providing round-the-clock emotional support.

Support is given for a range of urgent issues such as suicidal thoughts; self-harm; bullying; relationship difficulties.

National helpline for men to discuss any emotional troubles they are facing.

.

Topics Covered in Episode:

[02:05] Defining ‘Keeping it together’ #1

[02:44] Habits and routines

[03:40] Defining ‘Keep it together’ #2

[06:00] The possibility of ‘Burn Out’

[07:10] Habit discontinuation and keeping it together

[09:30] Social support during difficult times

[14:30] Goal orientation to promote mental health

[15:00] Mid-episode summary

[15:50] Non-planners and keeping it together

[17:50] The role of social expectations

.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

[02:44] Habits and Routines

(Wood et al., 2002 - Habits in everyday life: Thought, emotion, action. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(6), 1281-1297. doi:10.1037//0022-3514.83.6.1281).

[06:00] Burn out

(Gallup, 2018 – https://www.hrexchangenetwork.com/employee-engagement/news/employee-burnout-statistics-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Gallup%20recently%20surveyed%20more%20than%207%2C500%20full%2Dtime%20employees%20about%20burnout.&text=An%20additional%2044%20percent%20reported,some%20point%20while%20at%20work.)

[09:30] Social Support and Positive Mental Health

(Harandi et al., 2017 – The correlation of social support with mental health: A meta-analysis. Electronic Physician, 9(9), 5212-5222. doi:10.19082/5212)

.

Calls to action: