Man to Man Blog
Trusting Your Gut: The Difference Between Anxiety and Fear
Every man knows the feeling—the sudden pounding of the heart, a swirl of racing thoughts, the body bracing for something unseen. But is it fear? Is it anxiety? And why does it so often feel like our own nervous system is working against us? The truth is, your nervous...
The Silent Crisis: Why Male Loneliness Matters and What We Can Do
By Chuck LeBlanc “I’m fine.” That’s often the answer I hear when I ask men how they’re doing. Not because they’re actually fine, but because saying anything else feels unfamiliar—or unsafe. As a psychotherapist who works closely with men, I’ve come to see male...
The Shadow of Childhood: How Early Experiences Shape Our Coping Mechanisms
Have you ever stopped to wonder why certain patterns keep showing up in your life? Why, in moments of stress or discomfort, you respond the way you do—whether it’s shutting down, lashing out, or escaping into self-criticism? These aren’t random behaviours. They’re...
Failure Isn’t the Problem: How to Reframe Setbacks as Steps Forward
Let’s talk about failure. Yeah, I know, it’s not anyone’s favourite topic. Failure feels heavy, personal, and, let’s be honest, a little embarrassing. But here’s the truth: failure isn’t the problem. It’s how we interpret it. For so many of us, failure doesn’t just...
The Tent You Keep Returning To: Why Familiar Coping Mechanisms Feel Safe but Keep You Stuck
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in the same cycle, no matter how much you try to move forward? It’s like you’re walking toward something you want—whether it’s a goal, a relationship, or just feeling better—and then, bam, you hit a wall. Or, more accurately, you...
Grounding: The Key to Moving Forward When Life Feels Overwhelming
Have you ever noticed how, when things get tough, your first instinct is to retreat? Maybe it’s avoidance, self-doubt, or just the urge to throw in the towel. You tell yourself, I’ll deal with it later, but “later” never comes. Sound familiar? This is where grounding...
Emotional Dysregulation: Why Disappointment Feels So Big and How to Stay on Track
You know that feeling when something doesn’t go as planned, and suddenly it’s like the ground drops out from under you? Maybe it’s a project that didn’t pan out, a goal you missed, or just that gnawing sense that you’re not where you “should” be. Before you know it,...
Mental Health and Evolution: Rethinking Anxiety, Depression, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Recently I had the opportunity to read Madness a Philosophical Exploration by Justin Garson and it caused me to as some really interesting and mind expanding questions. When you think about anxiety or depression, what comes to mind? For years, the dominant narrative...
Understanding Avoidance as a Coping Mechanism: Why It Doesn’t Solve the Problem
We all face stress and anxiety at different points in our lives, and for many, avoidance becomes a common strategy to cope with overwhelming situations. While it might bring short-term relief, avoidance doesn’t tackle the root of the problem—it just delays the...