As we close out this year’s Love Letter to Men conference, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your participation. Over the past three days, we’ve shared powerful stories, deep insights, and transformative conversations—all in the spirit of supporting men’s mental health and well-being.
Here’s a recap of the key themes from each night:
Day 1 – Setting the Stage: Breaking the Silence
- We began by acknowledging that men’s mental health matters now more than ever and that healing starts with breaking the silence.
- The importance of creating spaces where men feel safe to share, express, and seek help was emphasized.
- We heard from Men’s Sheds Alberta.
- We had a panel discussion on the power of Men’s Groups.
- Speakers shared their personal journeys, reminding us that vulnerability is strength and that together, we can change the narrative around men’s emotional well-being.
- We heard from Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Mesler about handling pressure, performance, and the power to choose
Day 2 – Shame, Self-Talk, and the Power of Brotherhood
- Harald Bettger spoke about men and shame, how it manifests in isolation, anger, and self-sabotage, and the power of being seen, heard, and supported.
- Ryan Glasser shared his journey of overcoming addiction and mental health struggles, reinforcing the power of connection and support in healing.
- Allan Kehler encouraged us to reframe negative self-talk, practice self-compassion, and recognize that one voice at a time can create a ripple effect of change.
Day 3 – Taking Action & Building a Support Network
- Josh Beharry from Heads Up Guys shared his powerful story of battling depression and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the need for accessible mental health resources for men.
- Jonathon Reed from Next Gen Men challenged us to rethink traditional narratives of masculinity, helping boys and young men navigate identity, emotions, and relationships in healthier ways.
- Tanis and Chris from CCMF highlighted the mental health struggles that men face in family law and custody battles, underscoring the need for legal and emotional support systems.
- Greg Kettner from Work Happy reminded us that conversations save lives, encouraging men to break through isolation by reaching out and supporting one another.
What’s Next?
This conference is just the beginning of the conversation, not the end. We encourage you to:
✅ Stay connected – Join our ongoing initiatives with the Alberta Men’s Collaborative.
✅ Take action – Apply what you’ve learned, whether that means reaching out for support, joining a men’s group, or checking in on a friend.
✅ Watch the recordings – Once they’re available, we will send them your way.
If you’d like to connect with any of our speakers or access additional resources, feel free to contact us directly. Together, we are creating a world where men feel safe to express, heal, and thrive.
