Let's Get MENTAL: World's 1st Men's Mental Health App (feat. Anson Whitmer, Ph.D.)
10/18/23 • 51 min
In this episode of The Therapy4Dads Podcast, we welcome guest Anson Whitmer, Ph.D. The episode dives into the challenges of reaching male audiences in the mental health space, with many apps and services predominantly targeting women. Anson shares his organization's approach, including daily routines and short activities aimed at shifting mindset and providing levity. They discuss the impact of these tools on mental health and motivation. They explore the concept of intentionally stressing oneself with cold water to rewire the brain's response to stress. During the conversation, Travis and Anson also address the high rate of men taking their own lives and the need for better support and education in addressing mental health. They discuss the limitations of traditional therapy and the importance of exploring different approaches and tools. They touch on the cultural narrative around trauma and the need to broaden the conversation to include a wider range of mental health practices. The conversation also explores the importance of paying attention to one's nervous system and developing a toolkit of techniques to effectively respond to stress. Travis and Anson delve into the influence of upbringing on seeking help, the benefits of lifestyle changes such as exercise, and the need for practical application of research in mental health conversations. Overall, this informative and engaging episode offers insights and practical tools for improving mental resilience and taking proactive steps toward better mental health. Whether you're a dad or not, this conversation is valuable for anyone seeking to level up their mental well-being and lead a more meaningful life.
About Anson Whitmer, Ph.D.
Anson is a driven individual whose personal experiences have shaped his career in neuroscience. A tragedy struck when his uncle, who had been living with his family during a difficult period, took his own life. This event left a deep impact on Anson and propelled him to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. His goal was to comprehend why individuals like his uncle struggled to overcome their troubled childhoods, leading to depression and ultimately suicide. Anson's quest for knowledge brought him to Stanford University, where he undertook postdoctoral research alongside a renowned clinical psychologist specializing in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, another devastating blow came when Anson's cousin from the other side of the family also took his own life. Anson realized later that his cousin had reached out to him for help, but he had been unable to respond in time. These personal experiences continue to fuel Anson's determination to understand and address the complex factors influencing mental health.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
CLICK HERE: BuyMeACoffee/Therapy4Dads
JOIN the MAILING LIST & GET INVOLVED!
Connect and Support Anson:
WEB: https://www.getmental.com/
Connect and Support Travis:
YouTube: Travis Goodman
Instagram: @Therapy4Dads
Check out the Website: Therapy4Dads.com
In this episode of The Therapy4Dads Podcast, we welcome guest Anson Whitmer, Ph.D. The episode dives into the challenges of reaching male audiences in the mental health space, with many apps and services predominantly targeting women. Anson shares his organization's approach, including daily routines and short activities aimed at shifting mindset and providing levity. They discuss the impact of these tools on mental health and motivation. They explore the concept of intentionally stressing oneself with cold water to rewire the brain's response to stress. During the conversation, Travis and Anson also address the high rate of men taking their own lives and the need for better support and education in addressing mental health. They discuss the limitations of traditional therapy and the importance of exploring different approaches and tools. They touch on the cultural narrative around trauma and the need to broaden the conversation to include a wider range of mental health practices. The conversation also explores the importance of paying attention to one's nervous system and developing a toolkit of techniques to effectively respond to stress. Travis and Anson delve into the influence of upbringing on seeking help, the benefits of lifestyle changes such as exercise, and the need for practical application of research in mental health conversations. Overall, this informative and engaging episode offers insights and practical tools for improving mental resilience and taking proactive steps toward better mental health. Whether you're a dad or not, this conversation is valuable for anyone seeking to level up their mental well-being and lead a more meaningful life.
About Anson Whitmer, Ph.D.
Anson is a driven individual whose personal experiences have shaped his career in neuroscience. A tragedy struck when his uncle, who had been living with his family during a difficult period, took his own life. This event left a deep impact on Anson and propelled him to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. His goal was to comprehend why individuals like his uncle struggled to overcome their troubled childhoods, leading to depression and ultimately suicide. Anson's quest for knowledge brought him to Stanford University, where he undertook postdoctoral research alongside a renowned clinical psychologist specializing in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, another devastating blow came when Anson's cousin from the other side of the family also took his own life. Anson realized later that his cousin had reached out to him for help, but he had been unable to respond in time. These personal experiences continue to fuel Anson's determination to understand and address the complex factors influencing mental health.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
CLICK HERE: BuyMeACoffee/Therapy4Dads
JOIN the MAILING LIST & GET INVOLVED!
Connect and Support Anson:
WEB: https://www.getmental.com/
Connect and Support Travis:
YouTube: Travis Goodman
Instagram: @Therapy4Dads
Check out the Website: Therapy4Dads.com
Previous Episode
Our Polyvagal World: Unlocking the Power of Social Engagement for Mental Well-being
Welcome back to The Therapy4Dads Podcast, the show where we dive deep into the world of holistic mental health, education, and fatherhood and explore the various challenges and triumphs that come with it.
Today, we're exploring the fascinating concept of polyvagal theory and how it relates to our everyday lives. Joining us on this journey are two incredible guests. First, we have Seth Porges, a journalist, director, producer, and son of the esteemed Dr. Stephen Porges, the pioneer behind polyvagal theory. In this episode, we delve into our polyvagal world and examine the impact our environment has on our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We discuss how our bodies and nervous systems respond to different levels of safety, and how this affects our ability to function effectively in today's pragmatic society. We also explore the vital role of social interaction and coregulation in our lives, particularly for fathers and their relationships outside of the immediate home. Our experts shed light on the importance of understanding the impact of trauma on our sense of safety and how it can shape our responses to various events. But that's not all! We'll also dive into how the beliefs and conditioning around emotions, vulnerability, and self-regulation can affect our overall well-being, as well as the way we parent our children. So, grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to delve into the fascinating world of polyvagal theory. It's time to unpack OUR POLYVAGAL WORLD!
WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
CLICK HERE: BuyMeACoffee/Therapy4Dads
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Connect and Support Travis:
YouTube: Travis Goodman
Instagram: @Therapy4Dads
Check out the Website: Therapy4Dads.com
Next Episode
Exploring Positive Masculinity: Navigating the Challenges and Finding Middle Ground (feat. Matt Englar-Carlson Ph.D.)
In episode 80 of The Therapy4Dads Podcast, we welcome guest Matt Englar-Carlson Ph.D. to discuss the topic of masculinities. Matt shares his personal experience of isolation as a parent and emphasizes the importance of opening up about parenting struggles to create a sense of inclusiveness among fathers. The conversation dives into the lack of male inclusion in the parenting process and the societal pressures men face to conform to certain expectations of masculinity.
Matt Englar-Carlson is a renowned expert in the field of psychology, with a specific focus on the psychology of meta-masculinities. Over the past 25 years, he has dedicated his career to helping allied professionals understand the best approaches to support boys and men. These professionals include psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, teachers, nurses, administrators, and even parents. Matt's initial interest was centered around how men access support, but his work has since evolved to encompass a broader understanding of masculinity. With a genuine passion for his field, Matt continues to make significant contributions to the understanding and betterment of men's mental health.
The three key topics covered in this episode are:
1. Positive Masculinity: Matt and Travis explore the concept of positive masculinity, highlighting the need for men to challenge societal expectations and find a middle ground that aligns with their authentic selves. They discuss the importance of men healing from their own trauma and stories in order to become positive role models for their children.
2. Men's Mental Health and Therapy: The conversation touches on the stigma surrounding men's expression of emotions and the hesitancy some men may feel in seeking therapy. They explore strategies for therapists to engage male clients in therapy, such as normalizing their experiences and setting clear goals for sessions.
3. Fatherhood and Adaptability: The discussion addresses the evolving role of fathers and the challenges they face in balancing work, family responsibilities, and maintaining social support networks. They emphasize the importance of men nurturing relationships and finding a sense of purpose in order to adapt to changing circumstances.
Overall, this episode highlights the need to redefine and promote positive aspects of masculinity, the importance of men's mental health and therapy, and the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood in today's society.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE:
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
CLICK HERE: BuyMeACoffee/Therapy4Dads
JOIN the MAILING LIST & GET INVOLVED!
Connect and Support Matt:
WEB:
Connect and Support Travis:
YouTube: Travis Goodman
Instagram: @Therapy4Dads
Check out the Website: Therapy4Dads.com
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