Mental Health: It’s Time to Talk
Discover How Vulnerability Equals Strength
Session Description
The relationship between men and mental health has often been referred to as a silent crisis. In an effort to avoid being perceived as weak or vulnerable, many men have a tendency to bury their emotions deep within.
Based on Allan’s bestselling book MENtal Health: It’s Time to Talk, this keynote features men who have persevered through their own mental health challenges. These lived experiences will provide a better understanding of topics relating to: masculinity, mental illness, addiction, sexual abuse, suicide, and ultimately wellness.
Audience members, of all genders, will benefit from this timely message in various ways. Men will be able to relate to other men’s lived experiences, recognize that vulnerability is often met with compassion not judgement, and understand the freedom that comes from reaching out for help. Women will gain a new perspective on this issue and receive the confidence to reach out and connect with the men in their lives.
This keynote is guaranteed to break the silence surrounding men and mental health, and is a powerful reminder that the time to talk is now.
Takeaways from MENtal Health: It’s Time to Talk:
- Identify barriers that prevent men from seeking help
- Inspire men to embrace vulnerability as their superpower
- Understand how men react differently to mental health issues than women
- Redefine what it means to “be a man’’
- Learn how to better support the men in our lives
Speaker Biography
Allan is a mental health advocate, international keynote speaker, and best-selling author of four books. His writing has been published in countless national magazines and he has been featured on several television and radio programs. He has also instructed various mental health related courses at the college level, and spent years working as an addiction counselor and clinical case manager.
Allan is one of Canada’s most sought-after speakers when it comes to the topic of mental health and wellness. He has stood on more than 500 stages and is recognized for his engaging style and captivating approach.
Having persevered through his own mental health issues and addiction, Allan speaks from a place of experience. His moving stories tug on heartstrings, inspire a new perspective, and allow people to connect with themselves and others at a deeper level. He uses humor and compassion to create a safe space where people feel seen, heard and supported.
Allan has developed a genuine appreciation and passion for learning and working with Indigenous people and communities. This has played a key role in his own recovery and these cultural teachings can be found in his presentations.
Allan currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He shares his life with his beautiful wife, four boys, four dogs, and a tank of fish.
