Most people don’t picture anger when they think of depression. They picture: Sadness.Withdrawal.Low energy. But in men, depression often shows up differently. It looks like: Irritability.Frustration.Short temper.Explosive reactions. Not sadness. Rage. WHY MEN DON’T PRESENT AS “TYPICALLY” DEPRESSED From an early age, many men are conditioned to: • Stay strong• Avoid vulnerability• Push through emotion• […]
Author Archives: Drew Powell
01
May
May
A lot of men hear “therapy” and think: Talking.Processing.Rehashing the past. That’s not always wrong. But it’s not the full picture. At Valiant, one of the approaches we use is called Internal Family Systems (IFS). And for many men, it’s the first time therapy actually makes sense. WHAT IS INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS)? IFS is […]
Addiction, Recovery, Relationships, Sex Addiction, Treatment, Uncategorized
When to Step Away: Safety Planning for Wives in Active Addiction
20
Mar
Mar
There is a difference between supporting recovery and surviving chaos. Many wives live in a constant question: “Is this something we work through… or is it something I need to step back from?” That question is not weakness. It is wisdom. Addiction creates instability. When instability becomes unsafe, planning is necessary. WHAT “STEPPING AWAY” REALLY […]
12-Step Programs, Addiction, Gambling Addiction, Recovery, Relationships
Financial Infidelity in Addiction: Steps to Protect Your Assets
20
Mar
Mar
It doesn’t start with bankruptcy. It starts with a hidden charge. A missing statement.A new account you didn’t know existed.A loan you never discussed.Cash withdrawals that don’t make sense. When addiction and secrecy combine, financial infidelity often follows. And by the time it is discovered, the damage may already be significant. WHAT IS FINANCIAL INFIDELITY? […]
05
Jan
Jan
Early sobriety can feel surprisingly good. Many men experience a burst of energy, optimism, and confidence in the weeks following sobriety. Sleep improves. Relationships feel lighter. Anxiety may decrease. Motivation returns. This phase is often referred to as the “pink cloud.” While this experience can be encouraging, it can also be misleading. When misunderstood, the […]
29
Dec
Dec
For many men, alcohol is not just something they use.It becomes part of who they are. The drinker.The fun one.The stress-reliever.The guy who can hold it together no matter what. When a man considers stopping or changing his relationship with alcohol, the fear is often not just about cravings. It is about identity.If I am […]
Addiction, Family, Gambling Addiction, Mental Health, Recovery, Relationships, Sex Addiction
A New Year of Recovery: How Men Can Build a Sustainable Plan for Change
21
Dec
Dec
A new year recovery plan for men begins with structure, honesty, and support, not resolutions. January often feels like a clean slate for men struggling with process addictions such as sex addiction, pornography addiction, or gambling addiction. Many attempt to reset with goals or promises, only to find themselves repeating the same patterns weeks later. […]
30
Jun
Jun
Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition with implications for mental health. Several randomized controlled trials have now shown that raising vitamin D levels in individuals with a deficiency can help mitigate the effects of depression. You obtain vitamin D through food and the sun. With summer right around the corner, spending time outdoors with […]
27
Jun
Jun
We often hear about the importance of self-care in the era of mental health clickbait and an increasing desire for likes on social media. But what about community care? What about putting systems in place so that people don’t feel so alone in the world? It Starts With a Neighborhood Imagine neighbors passing one another with […]
26
Jun
Jun
It is very easy to compare yourself to other people. When you look around, you may start to believe that you are not on the right path. In those moments, it is so crucial to remind yourself that there is no prescription for life. There is no set timeline you can follow that will guarantee […]