At some point after, I dunno, maybe the 12th time that the pandemic did not in fact "end," my Hot Vax Summer got so compounded by a stress-another kid on the way, dad in the hospital, cross-country move-that I felt almost blind. A tic, which began with occasional blinking, had devolved into a full-on facial contortion, all squinting and snorting and-ahem!-a socially awkward clearing of the throat. Strangers asked if I was okay, then shuddered. I wore sunglasses in the shade.
The eye doctor deferred to Therapist No. 1, also known as my judgmental analyst, and her weekly hour of couch-bound guilt, but rambling about my mother was no cure for a case of the blinks. For a second opinion, I turned to my second mental-health regular-aka Therapist No. 2, aka my psychiatrist, aka the overpriced drug dealer for my anxiety medication then asked her to refer me to a third opinion. And a fourth. And a fifth. If you could expect a menu for your mouth, I figured, why not a buffet for your brain? Why order the usual when you could try it all and choose a new favorite?
My shrink suggested three additional options: a solo specialist in a different, more interactive brand of therapy; a self-help group; and a textbook featuring 422 pages of mental-health workouts. Indeed, I was assured that any one of these referrals could function more like a new personal trainer offering exercises in cognitive jujitsu-no Xanax required, no couches allowed. Determined to outsmart the tic at any cost or insurance premium, I signed up for all of the above. These new modalities might take at least a month or two to rewire my worst instincts, but then, as Therapist No. 3 soon promised, "You become your own therapist."
THERAPIST NO. 3:
THE RADICAL
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Men's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Men's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"Everything You Want is on the Other Side of Fear."
Ryan Gosling and David Leitch are the star and director of The Fall Guy, the romantic-action-comedy blockbuster stunt-fest you'll see at least twice this summer. But they've also built a bond over stunt work, pain, and purpose.
6 A.M. With...the Olympic Fencer
Miles Chamley-Watson's workouts are filled with jokes-and rapier-sharp intensity.
WHAT MAKES A FATHER TOUGH
Social-media wormholes, political tensions, planetary peril-who would WANT TO RAISE A KID in this world, anyway? Well, these guys. Here's what BEING A DAD has TAUGHT EACH OF THEM about HAVING GRIT right now.
FRAUD-PROOF YOUR FINANCES
Scams are everywhere, and money is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for American men. Protect your money (and peace of mind) with these moves.
WHEN CANCER COMES FOR YOUR NUTS
Testicular cancer rates are rising, and it's most common among young men ages 20 to 40. Here, one guy describes his shocking diagnosis when he was just 24-and the warning signs that other guys should never ignore.
THE SEMI-COMPLETE USER'S GUIDE TO...THE PANCREAS
For a small, blow-dryer-shaped organ deep in the abdomen, the pancreas has a lot of power. Here's how to keep it happy so you stay healthy.
THE NEW SCIENCE OF HIP MOBILITY
Own the weight room, crush backyard football, and beat back pain by strengthening and stretching your hips.
GOT L-THEANINE ON THE BRAIN?
Supplement makers claim this amino acid focuses the mind and calms the nerves. We have questions.
THE MOVEMENT + MUSCLE WORKOUT
Get stronger and faster with this two-part session that packs on muscle-and primes you for light-speed runs, too.
THE NEW PLYO POWER-UP
How modern takes on an old fitness favorite can calibrate your training for an insta-boost of athleticism and strength.