Hello, everyone! I’m excited to present the third edition of The Coal Face, coinciding with Men’s Mental Health Month this June. This important topic has gained traction on social media platforms like Instagram, yet mainstream media has largely remained silent. I view this not as a setback, but as a powerful reminder that if we are to effect meaningful change, it is up to us as a community to take the lead.

Self-disclosure about mental health is often discouraged, leaving issues like trauma, depression, and anxiety to fester in silence. However, in the realm of sports, self-disclosure is not only accepted but encouraged. Men frequently share their thoughts and feelings during games, often without fear of judgment from their peers.

Think about it: how many times have you seen athletes openly discussing their emotions with journalists right after a match? Is there any other arena where men are encouraged to express themselves so freely, without the weight of societal judgment?

One reason for the lack of self-disclosure may be avoidance, a common coping mechanism among men, arguably a favourite pastime. While avoidance might provide temporary relief, it is rarely effective for addressing the deeper impacts of trauma. Those experiencing PTSD often exhibit avoidant behaviours, which can initially reduce anxiety but ultimately exacerbate symptoms in the long run.

Avoidance is closely linked to withdrawal, offering short-term comfort at the cost of valuable opportunities. By avoiding challenges, you miss out on (1) the chance to fail, which leads to (2) no lessons learned, (3) no experiences gained, and ultimately (4) no mastery of new skills. This long-term strategy not only robs you of personal growth but also deprives future generations of the wisdom you could share.

Let’s explore a unique perspective on PTSD that you may not have encountered before. Researchers have investigated whether an internalisation/externalization personality model can explain a person’s PTSD symptoms and their comorbidities. Comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one disorder, such as PTSD alongside anxiety or depression. Essentially, personalities can be divided into two main subtypes: the Internalisation subtype, characterised by avoidance, withdrawal, and feelings of shame and guilt; and the Externalisation subtype, marked by substance dependency, acting out, anger, and physical violence.

Another critical aspect to consider is the type of trauma experienced. We can broadly categorise trauma into two groups: personal and impersonal events. Impersonal events include natural disasters, while personal traumas encompass experiences like physical and sexual assaults, combat, and robbery.

Interestingly, not all traumatic events carry the same weight. Personally dictated events are more likely to lead to PTSD than impersonal events such as cyclones or floods. Often, it’s not the physical harm that triggers PTSD symptoms, but rather the emotional impact of someone trying to hurt you.

There is also a “dose-response” relationship, meaning that the more traumatic events one endures, the higher the likelihood of developing PTSD. Many individuals may not realise the absence of positive emotions until they feel that silence. One of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD is avoidance, which can lead to feelings of isolation and diminished self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for PTSD. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a trauma-focused talk therapy that encourages individuals to discuss their traumatic experiences. CBT is widely recognised as one of the most effective treatment approaches for PTSD.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a talk therapy that targets five cognitive areas affected by PTSD: trust, intimacy, esteem, safety, and power/control.

Research has shown that levels of hope correlate with recovery outcomes. The primary role of therapy is to instil hope, which catalyses symptom reduction. The real question should not be, “Will I develop PTSD?” but rather, “How will I recover?”

As we wrap up this edition, I encourage you to keep pursuing new experiences and to embrace the possibility of failure. If you want to achieve your goals as desperately as you want to breathe, you will find success. Expanding your capabilities requires expanding your knowledge, and that often means being open to failure. Remember, failure is simply a stepping stone to experience, and experience leads to knowledge, which in turn fosters wisdom. This wisdom can empower you to shape future generations by sharing your insights and can assist you in communicating your thoughts, feelings, and desires. In closing, let’s strive to talk more and judge less. The fear of judgment can stifle open discussion and sharing. You live in your mind 24/7—make it a welcoming place.