#8 - Let's Talk Mental Health
Aug 4, 2023
On Monday night, I got an update on my phone that Angus Cloud passed away at 25 years old. If you don’t know who that is, he played Fez on Euphoria, and if you don’t know who that is, he played one of the most popular characters on one of the biggest HBO shows in the past few years.
He was 25 years old. I’m 23. I have lots of friends that are 24 and turning 25. This was a powerful reminder that mental health needs to be talked about, especially for guys in their 20s because it’s simply something we don't talk about enough.
I talk about why I think that is, the reason I started journaling this year, and how it’s affected my life for the better.
Use this as a reminder to check in on yourself, answer the question "how are you" honestly, and check in on your friends and family.
This episode is dedciated to him.
The Guy's Guide to Mental Wellness: How Journaling Changed My Life (And Could Change Yours)
Mental health discussions have become increasingly common in recent years, but when it comes to young men, there's still a deafening silence. While mental health awareness may seem "overexposed" in certain circles, the reality is that guys in their twenties simply aren't talking about their struggles—and the consequences can be devastating.
As someone navigating my early twenties, I've noticed this gap firsthand. We'll do almost anything to avoid discussing our mental health. As one viral TikTok comment perfectly put it: guys will try "anything but therapy."
The Wake-Up Call We Shouldn't Need
What inspired me to finally address this topic? Recently, Angus Cloud—the actor who played Fez on HBO's Euphoria—passed away at just 25 years old. This hit me hard. At 23, with many friends turning 25 next year, seeing someone so young and successful gone too soon was jarring.
It shouldn't take tragedy to remind us that mental health matters for men too, but unfortunately, that's often what it takes to break through our collective silence.
"Guys and mental health don't go together in the same sentence, but they need to."
Why Guys Don't Talk About Mental Health
There are layers to our silence:
Social conditioning tells us that sharing feelings isn't "manly" or "cool"
Discomfort makes these conversations feel cringy or weird
Normalization paradox - with everyone claiming anxiety and depression online, many guys think "well, everyone deals with this, so my problems aren't real problems"
The result? We bottle up our thoughts and feelings until they become overwhelming.
While there are countless resources, podcasts, and influencers for women discussing mental health openly, there's a significant lack of men doing the same. This absence reinforces the taboo and leaves many guys feeling isolated in their struggles.
A Simple Tool That Changed My Life: Journaling
I know what you're thinking. Journaling sounds like keeping a diary, and that's not exactly marketed as a masculine habit. But hear me out—it's been my game-changer.
In January, I started journaling as my New Year's resolution. Initially, it felt like torture to set aside even five minutes to sit in silence and write. But over time, it became an essential part of my routine that has significantly reduced my anxiety.
How I Journal (And How You Can Start)
My approach is simple and pressure-free:
Write the date and time at the top of the page
Use three prompts:
TODAY: Write a paragraph about your day
GRATEFUL: List 1-3 things you're grateful for (doesn't have to be profound—could be as simple as "had a good lunch")
TOMORROW: Note 2-3 goals or things you want to accomplish
The key is removing all pressure. Some nights I write pages; other nights just a few sentences. Some entries are mundane (like being happy I finally cleaned my room); others dig deeper.
What matters isn't what you write but the act of transferring thoughts from your head to paper. It makes your feelings real and valid while creating space in your mind.
Why This Works
Journaling provides:
An outlet for thoughts and feelings you might not be comfortable sharing with others
Visual organization of the mental chaos in your head
Validation of your emotions by acknowledging them
Release from carrying everything internally
For me, journaling has transformed how I process my thoughts. I feel less overwhelmed and anxious because I have a consistent outlet for what's happening in my head.
Taking Small Steps Forward
Mental health discussions among guys don't have to start with therapy (though that's incredibly valuable). They can begin with something as simple as:
Checking in on your friends genuinely
Answering honestly when someone asks how you are
Telling people you care about that you love them
Starting a journal to process your own thoughts
The biggest myth about mental health is that you need to handle it alone. You don't. Whether through writing, talking with friends, or seeking professional help, finding outlets for your thoughts is essential.
A Challenge for Guys in Their 20s
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: try journaling for just five minutes tonight. Don't judge what comes out, don't overthink it, just write using the three prompts I shared.
Even if you're skeptical, what do you have to lose? Five minutes before bed might just change how you process everything happening in your life right now.
Mental health isn't just a women's issue. It's a human issue. And it's time we as guys start acknowledging that we have thoughts, feelings, and struggles too—before it's too late.
Want to hear the full episode? Listen to "Let's Talk Mental Health" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow along on Instagram and TikTok @theguyset for more content.
Looking for more honest advice for guys in their 20s? Subscribe to the GuySet newsletter for weekly tips and insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Timestamps:
3:54 I start talking about the topic, everything before is updates:
BIG update: New episodes of the Guyset will be dropping every TUESDAY instead of Friday.
Send in any questions, things you want me to talk about, or things that should be talked about for guys in their 20s to josh@guyset.com
Click HERE to follow Guyset on TikTok
Click HERE to follow Guyset on Instagram
Click HERE to check out Guyset.com
Subscribe, give this episode 5 stars, and leave a review!
See you next TUESDAY.
