Man Up | mental health short documentary

NOTE:
This was a short documentary created for my college course back in 2018. I am by no means an expert on the topics covered in this video and would recommend reaching out to professionals if you are in need of help.
I have grown a lot as a person and as a filmmaker since the making of this documentary and would now consider some language used here to be quite dated. My intent was to never create a divide between Men, Women and Non-Binary people in how we all deal with / talk about our mental health. I simply wanted to get people talking and now realise I could have done and should have done more.
LOGLINE:
Bobby Johnstone opens up about his experience with mental health in order to inspire and provoke society into talking about mental health in men.
Please contact someone if you're in need of help:
CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (UK ONLY)
SAMARITANS: 116 123 (UK & ROI ONLY)
Edited in Adobe Premiere pro CC

[@filipjason3553]

Men's problems are always ridiculed and at best ignored.

[@notion14]

This is the absolute truth, things must change 🙏👍

[@griseldanguyenpham2427]

As a woman myself, your remark encouraged me to care about men's mental health.

[@mrsJJ071]

I think overall men and women's problems are compartmentalized. If we choose to look one way and not the other, then we will not be as informed as possible concerning others. Not only for ourselves, but for others. Caring and compassion can drive knowledge an most of the time people dismiss those aspects.

[@MCPunk55]

@@griseldanguyenpham2427 As a man, I trust you less than I trust a rabid dog.

[@shanefinlay9203]

I had a mental breakdown and exposed my weakness and depression. I lost over half my friends and colleagues which turned out to be the blessing I was most surprised and inspired by

[@Empathy_17]

Sorry to hear that, hope you were able to heal and recover well. Blessings and prosperity follow you

[@Dial8Transmition]

@@venvanman She was not a person you would have wanted to be with anyway

[@adambauer3295]

I have zero people I can call, my wife just asks if I took my meds, my mom just says pray or give it to God. My dad doesn't know what to say. I am not actively planning my demise, but I am not going out of my to avoid it.

[@ricardvs7329]

This is how the cycle goes: 1. Men get conditioned from a very early age that showing their emotions is (to an extent) a sign of weakness, a sign that you can't push through on your own 2. That makes men shy away from sharing feelings, which is a skill most of us don't develop. Most of the time not even realizing that talking and asking for help is an option. 3. Not sharing our feelings makes us, in contrast, become masters at pretending everything is fine. 4. Since we pretend everything is fine, most people consider men to not really have issues because, well.. we don't talk about it. 5. And when men talk about issues they have they are commonly ignored, made to feel weak or refered to misogynists and incels for even daring to take away the spotlight from women. Because remember, as the 4th point states, we have no issues, everything is fine 6. And the cycle continues, we bottle up, don't talk about it and, as it seems, there are no issues. We are good, don't worry.

[@Hybrid_Technique]

Best comment I've read in a long, long time. Spot on!

[@ikilledaman]

real

[@normanquednau]

All the best, brothers. You are.not alone. My condition: clinical depression. Status: alive and ready to help others.

[@ricardvs7329]

Hope you're still here

[@normanquednau]

I am thanks!

[@ricardvs7329]

@@normanquednau

[@deninkorjenic4727]

hey man, same here and I just saw this 2 years later. I truly hope you're doing better, I'm still not but I try to do what I can for others in the meantime.

[@AceManArt]

After watching this short film I had a mental breakdown and I been cutting myself for the past 2 years and I cab't tell my parents but after watching this short film I told my friends. THank you for making this. It's a master's piece of work!

[@Didgeridoomen]

Damn, I never knew about this. I am shocked. Big compliments on making this.

[@bobby_johnstone]

Didgeridoomen Thank you! That means a lot to me

[@izakbrannan7108]

Really admirable that you had the courage to open up - I wish you all the best

[@castilloa09]

This is such a powerful video. I loved it. Mental illness is a thing and we can’t go wondering pretending it’s not. Watching this video gave me the strength to continue fighting to have some stability in my life. Thank you THANK YOU!

[@sestrada74she]

Keep on fighting brother, your not alone.

[@martynilsson4731]

There is not always a happy ending. Apparently it seldomly is. To talk about it doesnt do shit if no one understands. As if talking could solve all problems - sometimes talking makes you understand even more, how alone you are. I have reached out dozens of times, went to therapy. Talking didn't do shit at all.

[@LumbeeNative]

I lost both parents in a short time now there is nothing keeping me teathered to this place. When people ask me if im good a lie throw on a smile and say I'm Okay. But i am fighting my demons and depression every single day. I dont know if ill be here next month. My heart hurts

[@championofash9548]

Are you still with us

[@rupertadam414]

Hope your okay my friend n still here 😭 I totally understand and please keep going... It's hard but the only thing we can do is keep doing it...

[@embee9607]

Depression destroys you in every way imaginable!

[@Kevin-tt5ey]

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

[@mulfie4749]

Trust me.. in society it ia seen as a sign of weakness!!! I have been called weak by my wife, my mother, my children, mocked by family friends, work colleagues even doctors and mental health professionals so be very careful who you trust with this issue!! So many malevolent people out there to the point i trust no one now, lost a dear friend to suicide 5 years ago!! And feel i am heading the same way? Its no joke!! Some people have passed away who mocked me for not being with it!! Sadly tho i felt no sadness about that!! I am broken as fed up with trying to keep calm in certain situation which all seem choreographed !!!

[@chowrimeze6416]

Tbh the only reason why I haven't taken myself out is because I know it would crush my momma,she gone through all and the last thing I want is to her. Anytime my ask if I'm okay I always said yes because I know if talk to her about it,she would start to cry. I have a rare type of epilepsy I unknowingly live with it for 10yrs, had adults,kids,crushes and family who made front of me cuz of it. Life been unpleasant for me, but it could have been worse. But the things I hate the most is not being part of the things I want to do especially my dream career. Now I'm just trying to live life with trying to find a purpose

[@anshulsingh8326]

Same, I try to help my mom as much as I can. I try to think what my mom would think if I'm no longer al!ve. That stops me.

[@sestrada74she]

I dealt with severe depression and mental health for over 2 years. Add that my wife asked me for divorce at the beginning of the year; the whole world was weighted on me. My only escape was to keep working; my job was my therapy. I didn't told anybody I was fighting my own demons. Please my brother's in pain, seek help as soon as posible before everything is lost. .. woman, children and dogs are loved unconditional, MAN.... well only when they provide. Wise words from don't know who.

[@deninkorjenic4727]

hey man, same happened to me like 6 months ago and Idk how to deal with it. Are you doing any better now?

[@jamesellison6154]

I contemplate taking my own life every day... It doesn't really make me feel sad exactly, (diagnosed with ptsd in 2018, but this doesn't feel necessarily linked), I literally just plan it out. I see trains go by and think 'ah maybe like that, that'd be quick, but then not really fair on the driver.. .' I weigh it up..but at no point do I ask myself why. Its a given its the correct thing to do. Just my experience. Do others get this?

[@dimensionc1377]

It's been a week and no replies, so here i am! I think i understand what you mean, maybe we've been told to neglect our emotions so much that we suppress them, even from ourselves. So we maybe should be sad but most of the time its emptiness and then heavy releases at certain moments?

[@bobby_johnstone]

Firstly I just want to thank you for commenting and opening up about this! I think the way in which people go through the sorts of emotions and thoughts definitely varies by huge amounts but I think we do share a deep understanding of what others are going through. As odd as it may sound I feel like for some it may just feel natural to have those thoughts of what if so and so happened. Because us humans like to constantly think about what could happen rather than what is happening. Maybe for you it’s your brain trying to escape your everyday life? Perhaps you’re not happy with how your day to day is going? And if so then that’s perfectly natural! The main thing I’d recommend is to talk to someone in your life about these thoughts and see if they can help you explore the potential reasons you have them. If there’s no one you feel comfortable talking to then if you feel up to it, reach out to a charity or service that offer chats or counselling. I’d recommend you some services but I’m not too sure whereabouts in the world you’re from but one quick google search will definitely give you some options! Again thank you for opening up!

[@jamesellison6154]

@@dimensionc1377 thankyou for your reply

[@jamesellison6154]

@@bobby_johnstone thankyou

[@notion14]

No don't bugger off, everyone's relying on each other for where you are now, hang in there.. 🤔👍

[@normanmacfarlane6724]

I am having a "down day " today. I've been living like this for over 35 years , i am now 66 . I have gad 2 open heart surgeries, two strokes and now i am involuntarily unemployed. I will not find any work as no rational employer would take on such a great risk and i do not blame them. I make my bed , i shower but do not shave and i put on fresh clothes. That is it for my day. I have used alcohol to numb the pain and it doubles the pain . I have used drugs. Again the pain is doubled. As long as i do these three things . . . shower , make my bed, put on fresh clothes then my day consists of resting. It works for me. I hope you find a path .

[@ajmaeenmahtab8456]

It is not about showing signs of weakness, it is about workability of expressing of feelings. What good will it bring or what can it change if I share my thoughts.

[@carlostommybaggs5763]

I have always told other men not to let others tell them how to express their emotions especially women. Women express themselves very differently to men and for a number of reasons it's OK for them to do so. It's often important for men to take a breath, step back, see what's really going on, then wise up rather than just man up. However depression is different, and requires external help to put right. If it's your brain that is broken then you can't fix it with your brain.

[@kjy05]

Great work and motive

[@georgestarman]

Thanks Man! Takes another's perspective to help understand your own some times!

[@TheMrrobustus]

You know it's either an important video if Hans Zimmer wrote the music

[@neurowolf7594]

I found the solution, stop feeling. You cant be sad, lost or anything negative if you can't feel. No comfort needed for no emotion.

[@TheOneTrueGhostyBoi]

Sadness is far better then apathy I’d rather feel hurt than empty

[@Uteria_888]

​@@TheOneTrueGhostyBoifacts.

[@Rick..989]

Is there nothing that can help us overcome the this plague. I pray to God, I attend church, I try to understand my brothers point of view. I treat everyone with respect

[@lukasflechl6550]

Respect brother

[@jvgjnhhnvgb3477]

The views on this shows just how ignored men mental health is.

[@jackhoffmanhoffman35]

Men are supposed to be strong

[@tomasv8732]

Go to gym or a sport and start excelling at it, conquer yourself, avoid temptations of drugs, porn and alcohol, save money, get a career. Mental Health issues are gone at that point. Talking about mental health helps noone, you start reminding yourself everyday how miserable you are. Actions are what define you.

[@Ahmn2250]

My mental issues are thoughts that prevent me from being fit, wealthy, successful etc. It's kinda hard to explain but it's like "You can't be better than anyone". I don't give a shit about it but the constant negative thoughts coming from it and the lack of appetite and sleeplessness they cause me make my life hell and render my progress almost impossible. It gave me a breakdown of anxiety in the last two months when I started to go to the gym and I'm still in bed for it. It caused some heart issues. At first I didn't think it was a mental health related issue but only when I got sick did I realise it's a real mental issue needed to be dealt with. Knowing your issues, mental or physical, and as well as knowing yourself are very important to your development in all aspects as an individual.

[@tomasv8732]

@@Ahmn2250 Same. But doing stuff solves it instead of sitting at home, i know it sounds stupid but it works. Think less, do more.

[@Ahmn2250]

@@tomasv8732 Absolutely, motion and grind shall NOT stop, homie. I started going to the gym even thou I'm sick and get 1-2 hrs of low quality sleep a night. I already started seeing some difference and started putting on muscles. No excuse at all. This anxiety breakdown made me know more about myself and about my weakness, it exposed me to myself wholly. It was a blessing I can say.

[@wessmith7461]

Had a suicide attempt in 2014. Now I'm just angry and feel everything so much worse than I used to.

[@humanbeing4945]

:/ hope youre ok

[@Gryffin1319]

Whenever i reach out for help, that person hurt me even more badly than my past. I need someone

[@stripeparlato8188]

I know how u are felling mate u are not alone u don't have to suck it up I understand u so much u can talk and say what u want to I am blessed with other men talking to others u are so amazing and cool dude 💖

[@owenespiritu5480]

Can I copy your script for school purposes only cuz i really related in to your story :( and I dont know how to speak english well

[@GAMEZZ3322]

Every morning I cry in the bathroom I don't sob but I shed tears the My son and my partner a totally unaware I'm so ashamed I teach my son to talk about emotions but I hide my own from people who love me I don't want to be seen a less or a failure 💔

[@DarshanGajjarFilms]

This was really good.

[@alexter2o2]

I understand

[@nightsky8012]

I can relate a lot. Thank you.

[@dutchguy-ot2mb]

what is the music in the background? it's so beautiful

[@AlternicityBlogspot]

Don't show weakness in front of women if you can help it.

[@Uteria_888]

How bout no

[@bahniluvian5821]

the funny thing is every online service available in my country isn't free.

[@willy2but]

I've tried to take my own life. Many times. It's hard to talk about it

[@notion14]

I must forward my respects and thanks for making and supporting men where there exists much Dickendian attitude toward men's lot as it were. It angers me that "society" has maintained this conceited high risk opinion where its accepted such as men don't cry crap. It's like it's built in their genetics and the boy birth child is groomed that way😖🤮Yes men/youths are stigmatised and this labelling has to Stop yesterday! Sorry but I am not a feminist and never allowed myself to be massaged to be so, I believe in Equal Rights.. Sorry if some people /women or parts of society , not all but some may not see or agree same but as a woman I have seen and dealt with the casualties where the male is not recognised enough to sway society and even health professionals, Gov and whomever else holds the power to effect Change.. There has to be a unified 50/50 open door policy for men too,!! This will require males mind sets to stand together and march for justice⚖️, a Movement needs to be created Now.. Good luck guys x

[@yomrwhite607]

funny thing is woman were saying "that is a true sign of being a man" i smell bs

[@Nathstaffi1997]

Thank you

[@Eli-pp9bo]

I would talk to someone but nobody truly cares.

[@Ms_Ohime]

Bobby I know you probably won't see this but can I message you about something

[@MikeStanza]

Talking doesn't help. If anything your words are used against you.

[@moletamotswaiso671]

I love you

[@lawrencebishton9071]

my man me myself like hers and his and their own me i the father of this land yet not accountable unaccountable can or cant tally but now the woman that did tally it are counting endless points to me infinity im glad that their happy with time and nhs funds spent doing the counting of a man by tallying as alec once said tally oh and a way old chaps now ! march for ward 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RigGames4]

Stop cutting the onions!

[@bobgray1226]

nice work buddy👍 and now in 2023 it's the worse now then it ever was for a man especially a white man.... and as God as my witness? I don't mean this at all in a racist way😢 because I'm 61 and have way more black friends then I have white friends.... and this dates back to since I turned 18.... sorry too ramble on

[@lawrencebishton9071]

me member i i went to eat on you no 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@daneoriatti5009]

Jesus Christ is the way! Just open the bible and He will show you. If you want to know peace, turn to Him and you will find it. He died for you, yes you! Run to Him now if you think the world is against you and you lack hope. There is always a hope with Jesus. I pray for anyone who reads this.

[@mrsJJ071]

While I commend your honesty to speak up I do notice the lack of diversity in this piece. It is important to gather experiences from multiple backgrounds as this could help to further improve awareness. It would be nice if you can or already have expanded upon your piece to include people of various ethnicities and social backgrounds.

[@cowdashoenuts]

I dont know If you still respond to comments but do you mind if I use this a source for my Awarness of Mens Mental health essay?

[@bobby_johnstone]

Yeah go ahead! Best of luck with the essay!

[@TypicalRussianGuy]

This video made me cry starting with the 1st minute! I haven't seen such a powerful video in a while! P.S. And I'm saying it as a Russian man who was always told that a man should never cry. And yet, here I am, proudly saying how I cried while watching this video not only because it is very well done, but because it touches a real problem that faces millions of people!

[@eliasarianas5613]

I’m in awe on how this was presented and it makes me feel as if I’m not alone cause you’re right when you say how men aren’t allowed to show emotions it makes it that much harder and I would just like to thank you on this video and the psa to everyone to speak up about life

[@carsonreynolds5989]

It’s a constant struggle but we have each other thank you for making this it’s sad how little videos there are on this subject society treats young men like a problem to be worked around and the male suicide rate is unbelievable but we gotta hold on I wish the rest of you guys a good fight and maybe tomorrow will be better

[@robertmarkold3408]

Been battling depression and anxiety and PTSD for 4 years now tried to commit suicide twice

[@HolyLegendz]

Stay strong my brother, you have a higher chance of winning the lottery 10 times in a row than being born. I don’t know you but please get help seek counselling. Much love and power to you brother.

[@robertmarkold3408]

@@HolyLegendz thx brother ive quit drinking and trying to stay positive

[@HolyLegendz]

action figure guy We all gotta start somewhere keep it up! 🙏

[@robertmarkold3408]

@@HolyLegendz thank you

[@notion14]

What great supporting comments you have received, people want to help you so join them in the fight for men's rights.. I agree with the rest.. You Can do it big man.. 👍🤔

[@matthewlotts5978]

First few seconds in and hit me hard with Robin Williams quote this will be tough!

[@garewahcrood6425]

Thank you for the video. While I'm not suicidal, I feel horribly alone sometimes. And through reaching out to the wrong people, I've learned to bottle it and hide out until it passes. It has caused havoc in my mental health. I get mean and push people away when I slide into depression because the last thing I need is to be kicked when I'm down. It's a lonely existence. But necessary until I can get back up again. I've survived the shame and laughter from reaching out and learned harsh truths. Nobody wants to hear your feelings. Man up. Nobody likes a sissy. Harsh words for someone who just needed a little compassion. I found solace in your video. Thank you.

[@shakeob]

How do I go to my parents and tell them I want therapy? I know I need it but I feel like the words just can't come out. 05/08/22 update: I told my teacher that I was having suicidal thoughts and she told my counselor who told my parents and now my mom says she's been looking for a therapist but they're really expensive and we don't know if our insurance will cover it but if I end up getting a therapist I'll let you guys know. Thank all of you 🙏🏻💗

[@notion14]

Tell them, believe me, they would want and need to know.. You need to get your GP to give you a call to organise something.. "THIS" is why men suffer in silence because society says male's shouldn't complain, cry or whatever,.. Don't sit on it, DO IT and then join your fellow sufferers by Any means to push for Action for Men 🤔👍

[@shakeob]

@@notion14 okay. I'll think about it. I'll let you know :)

[@allthatgliters020]

Also you can seek help without telling anyone

[@timharper4246]

If you are still in school, there are resource counselors that you can go to, free of charge

[@kimmichszn8900]

As a man with social anxiety the step where you're suppose to talk is too hard for me. I know i have to but i can't and i know nothing bad will happen if i just talk. But i can't

[@TheEliminator1992]

Death is warmer than the coldness of society. I don't want to be here anymore.

[@mikelim752]

Hey bud, I hope you're fine and got the help that you needed. Prayers

[@bybeccamae]

Amazing and important xx

[@bobby_johnstone]

Becca Billis Thank you very much!

[@TeapotDaz]

You are so strong in making this film. Many thanks.

[@chromatika67]

thank you for making this beautiful piece of work

[@HumanbeingonfloatingEarth]

Those suicide stats are horrific😢

[@byronyadao5550]

No man is an island. Be proactive and join your local community for support and to serve the needy. Pray to Jesus for guidance and deliverance from suicidal thoughts. Spiritual warfare is a reality. Satan wants you to destroy your life. Count your blessings. Others are not so lucky.

[@jamietaylor5383]

84 men per week take their lives because the health system really doesn't care. The health systems world wide need a good shake up

[@DiemChauTranthi-sw4oi]

Why do humans like to harm each other by making non-existened rules that limits themselves? Please do not start a war to further confuse me...

[@Yo-n2751]

once I tell anyone about my weakness i lost them all that social media posts this fake influencer had made most of the men weak, pornography is worse than death i cant explain i feel foggy mind everyday from last two years somedays i am very much happy but there is a constant fight with myself i want to be happy i fail in most of things, aa constant talk with myself i dont know what it is i just wanted to talk to anyone. but who

[@lawrencebishton9071]

man tally can be low if putting up with him its a 2 man job and putting it man is building up sum1s wedding dep ends means your not fucked now later thou who knows

[@SaltieEmil]

I love this cinematography and symbolism used in this documentary.

[@Gryffin1319]

I talked to my classmate girl and i got hurt even more.

[@FlawsomE999]

That was crazy man.

[@Keybord_sound_enjoyer]

In the usa the suicide rate of men to women in the age range of 10-14 is 265 males and 171 females and for the age range of 75 plus it is 3291 for men and 510 for women yet for every 100 females in the us there are 97 males the difference in suicide to population is absolutely horrific

[@pulkitninenine]

Bless you brother lad, keep going for yourself and for us all :)

[@TheNotoriousFonzy]

Thank you so much for this ♥♥♥

[@남기만기만]

좋아요 기만기만1004up

[@hopeyouhaveagoodday3900]

00:9 when man had enough man return to monke and go wild

[@johneaston918]

Just speaking from my own experience. No one cares. You can talk about bad times problems and no one wants to hear it. It drives people away family friends etc. If I really want to end my life I will. To talk about it is just wasting time. Just my thoughts take it as you want.