My Mental Health:
A Reflection

My Journey

I have faced challenges with mental health, specifically depression and anxiety. I experienced three lengthy episodes of these struggles—one in 2009, another in 2012, and the last in 2017. Each time, it took me a few months to realize that I needed to speak out in order to begin the healing process. It was during my third episode that I also understood the importance of making significant changes in my life to better manage my mental health and to become a better person, husband, father, and friend.

I believe that sharing my experiences, my connection with nature, and providing links to helpful resources can be beneficial. My hope is that anyone struggling with mental health will not have to endure more than one episode and can instead lead a long and happy life.

I invite you to watch Connection, a short film below where I describe my journey with mental health.

Film: Connection

Shot and edited by Trixie Pacis, written by Lee Nordbye.

Happiness Rooted in the Canadian Rockies

After coming out of a challenging period in 2017, I began to realize that my time spent in the mountains of the Canadian Rockies was having a profoundly positive impact on my mental well-being. I started calling these experiences my "mountain therapy days." Whether I was driving along my favourite mountain highway or summiting majestic peaks, I always returned home with a massive smile on my face, which over time has become a regular fixture for me.

Recently, I decided to explore why the mountains had such a positive effect on me. I spent time researching the healing power of nature, and all the findings ultimately pointed to one word: connection. Developing a strong sense of connection with nature significantly enhances a person's mental health. Reflecting on what connection means to me, I discovered it is rooted in curiosity. When I’m in nature, I often find myself wondering, Why the heck, and how the heck, did nature create this particular moment? Sometimes I investigate why certain phenomena occur, or my friends and I come up with our own theories. However, there are many instances where I can’t find an answer, and I enjoy leaving those questions as mysteries or inventing my own whimsical explanations. This curiosity calms my overactive mind and helps me foster a deeper connection with nature.

To me, connection also involves marvelling at the natural history of the mountains — whether it’s gazing at peaks that are over 800 million years old, discovering fossils that are 500 million years old, or exploring ancient ice beneath a glacier.

Everyone connects with nature in different ways. It can be as simple as taking a stroll through your local park filled with trees and listening to the quiet or sitting in your garden, admiring your hard work while hearing the birds sing. It could also involve the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore, or rain falling. Additionally, going for a hike with friends in nearby hills is another way to connect. A study has suggested that even looking at photos of nature, whether displayed on your wall or stored in an album, can generate a sense of connection.

The most exciting part is exploring what connection means to you personally.

Male Mental Health

My experiences with my father's battle with depression, my uncle's tragic decision to end his life, my own struggles with mental health, and the alarming statistics surrounding male mental health have led me to believe in the importance of talking specifically about male mental health. In Canada, males account for 75% of all suicides. How heartbreaking is this statistic? One reason often cited is the stigma that pressures men to "suck it up," be strong, and just carry on with life. To be very frank, this stigma is hogwash. The most courageous action we can take is to speak up and share our struggles. For me, expressing my feelings marked the beginning of my healing journey. So, to all the men out there: just do it — speak up! We can significantly reduce the stigma of mental health, one meaningful mental health conversation at a time.

Additionally, I want to discuss the issue of testosterone. In my experience, one significant factor affecting my mental health was low testosterone levels. During my first two episodes, my doctor prescribed testosterone hormone therapy until my levels returned to normal, at which point I was taken off the treatment. However, it wasn't until my third episode, when I was referred to a specialist, that we discovered the root cause of my low testosterone: my inability to manage stress. My body was no longer able to produce sufficient testosterone for me to lead a normal life. After a couple of years of testing different delivery methods and dosages, I have managed to maintain my testosterone levels at normal rates with twice-weekly injections. For me, the positive impact of testosterone hormone replacement therapy is immeasurable.

The symptoms that prompted my doctor to test my hormone levels included extreme fatigue—I barely had enough energy to get out of bed, walk down the stairs, and lie on the couch. This lack of energy was exacerbated by severe sleep issues. I also faced difficulties in my intimate life and experienced heightened irritability. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, I encourage you to talk to your doctor.

Resources

Knowing that I was not alone and that I could seek help from various resources was very helpful. Should I ever need them again, the knowledge that they are available keeps me on track. The resources include:

Speaking: My Mental Health Journey

I am open about my mental health journey and the transformative power of connecting with nature, particularly in the Canadian Rockies and during my travels. I have shared my experiences on podcasts, through Zoom, and in live presentations.

In the spirit of one conversation at a time, I would love to speak with your audience on your podcast or present to your organization, either via Zoom or in person.

You can visit my "About" page to learn about my previous podcast and speaking engagements. If you're interested, please reach out to me using this contact form.