Jen’s Reviews > Modern Masculinity: A Compassionate Guidebook to Men's Mental Health > Status Update

“Male Body Fact 5: Hugging increases leaves of the “love hormone” oxytocin. A hug lasting twenty seconds reduces the effects of stress and blood pressure. …” I like the effects of blood pressure…like blood circulating isn’t a bad thing… I get what he’s trying to say, but I think some words are missing in that sentence. Unless I’m mis-reading it?

“Male body fact 4: Sex is considered one of the least-discussed stress busters for men (and women). It lowers your blood pressure, and the chemical release of orgasm has a calming effect on your body, mind and emotional perspective.” Least-discussed? Depends on who you ask.

“You can’t run away from yourself forever.”

This book is saying that isolation, a lack of male friends for men can lead to all sorts of mental issues, depression, violence, etc. Isn’t that the same for women? I would hazard to say it is like that for humans, for most living creatures, we all need contact and connectivity to others in a face to face and physical way, as well as being there mentally and emotionally for each other.

“Show me your friends and I will show you your future.”

“Since the beginning of time, men have needed a community. Women recognize this fact and are great at creating their own network of support and sisterhood with loving girlfriends. … Men need the same type of psychological connection. The sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself is a transformational experience for a man’s mental health and self-worth.”

“I am not what happened to me. I am what I chose to become.” Carl Jung

“Your feelings matter; the deliberate or unconscious avoidance of them eventually leads to catastrophe, such as the loss of relationships with your children, poor health, isolation, divorce, rage, contempt towards your family or partner, and an overall unhappy life.”

“It is common knowledge in the medical field that women are more likely to seek out medical attention prior to a physical crisis than men. … men tend to seek out medical treatment as a reaction (erectile dysfunction or body part falling off) rather than a preventative measure. When your knee isn’t moving, penis is not working properly or knocked out with the flu, it’s amazing how we suddenly have time make

“Your body awareness is part of your mental health.”