Understanding Depression: Men's Mental Health with Therapist Simon Rinne

This Complex Life

In this episode of This Complex Life, I chat with Simon Rinne, a lived experience therapist who specialises in men's mental health. Simon shares his personal story with obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and burnout, offering a unique perspective on the challenges men face when dealing with mental health issues. Simon and I explore how depression differs between men and women, societal and cultural factors, and the importance of supportive environments.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Simon's personal journey with mental health and his passion for helping others.

2. Differences in how depression manifests in men and women.

3. Societal and cultural influences on men's mental health.

4. Common signs and symptoms of depression in men.

5. Barriers men face in seeking help and how to encourage them to seek support.

6. The impact of depression on daily life, relationships, and family dynamics.

7. Practical strategies for couples to support each other through mental health challenges.

1. Simon on societal expectations for men:

- "Thinking back to those days, the keywords that come up for me, particularly for guys, is the suck it up, you know, culture in Australia."

2. Simon on the role of anger in men's depression:

- "Anger is the one that comes to mind and, you know, whether it's family, domestic violence, or it's just, they just feel angry with the world. Maybe they're having workplace issues or relationship issues and anger is, is, is the culturally accepted way that guys know how to deal with this stuff."

3. Simon on the importance of finding the right therapist:

- "Whenever I speak to someone, I say interview your therapist or do some research on your therapist before you go in there. Because if you go in there, oh, there's a psychologist, or they're a mental health social worker or counsellor, whoever, and they're not interested in male depression, why are you in there?"

Follow Simon Rinne:

- Website: https://mindful-men.com.au)

- Mindful Men Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms.

Get the full show notes and transcript here

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