Manly Mental Health (The movie City Slickers with Billy Crystal)

 

Manly Mental Health

 

            I recently watched a movie you might have seen. The main character “Mitch,” was going through a mid-life crisis. At the beginning of the movie his boss called him into his office about his job performance.

            In his boss’ office, Mitch asks “Have you ever said this is the best I am ever going feel the best I am ever going do? And it ain’t that great?”

            Mitch’s boss replies in a not so celebratory tone, “Happy Birthday…”

            Mitch’s wife invites their friends over to their apartment for Mitch’s 39th birthday. There Mitch’s adrenaline childhood friends tell him about his birthday present. They are going to take Mitch out west to herd cattle.

            At the end of the party Mitch and his wife were cleaning up their apartment. Mitch’s wife notices her husband’s funk and tells him he should go on his trip and find his smile again.

            Mitch asks, “What if I can’t find it?”

            His wife answers, “We will jump off that bridge when we come to it.”

            Nothing was said about seeing a therapist to talk out what seemed to be missing in Mitch’s life. Nothing was mentioned about what could be causing this down time in Mitch’s life.

            I like this movie, but when I watch it now my mental health journey comes to mind. Personally, I do not think herding cattle would solve my problems for the rest of my life. It might be a temporary fix for a couple of weeks, but a person needs to do something more permanent when they are feeling down in the dumps for an extended period of time. Mitch may need an anti-depressant or some sessions with a counselor or other therapist.

            During the movie there were some funny moments, meaningful conversations, and great adventures. The meaningful conversations were like talk therapy, I guess. During one of the conversations, one friend questions if it is wise to settle down to just one woman… pretty typical for these male issues fueled movie. The movie ended with the trip solving everyone’s problems and they went home whole again. Yes, the problem seemed to the solved by Mitch, but honestly, I think Mitch will experience the same issues on his next birthday a year away.

 I would like to think I do not need one event or adventure to solve my problems. As a man I urge you if you need help get help and that is okay. Often times, men are the last to ask for help if they are struggling with mental health issues. For me, the help of medication, empathetic medical professionals, self-care, and my daily routine have helped me. One thing is for sure, I do not need to herd cattle to be mentally okay. It does, however, sound like a fun adventure!

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