You might be thinking, “Why is this only Chapter 5?” Fair call. But here’s why: before you sit down with a professional, you need to start getting honest with yourself. You need to begin showing up as you. Because honesty is what makes therapy work. Without it, you’re wasting your time. Now let’s state the obvious—getting professional help is one of the smartest things you can do for your mental health. Think of a mental health professional as a blacksmith—they’re there to help hammer out the dents in your battle armour and strengthen the structure beneath. But—and this is crucial—not every blacksmith is the right one for you.
Finding the Right Fit
Therapists, counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists—they’re not one-size-fits-all. It’s like dating: the first one might not be your person, and that’s okay. This is one of the most important bits of advice I can give you: If something feels off, if you don’t trust them or feel heard, keep looking. You’ll know when you’ve found the right one. It might take a couple of tries. I got lucky early on and then had to try again later. I’ve had more therapists than I’ve had ex-wives—and I’ve had a few! You’re not looking for a friend. You’re hiring someone to help you build your strength, sharpen your tools, and hold you accountable. If you don’t feel like they’re genuinely helping you forge better armour—move on.
Why It Matters
Professional help is about getting the tools to understand yourself better, improve your mental clarity, and manage whatever challenges you’re facing. That could be anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, anger, burnout, or just that lost feeling a lot of men get but don’t talk about. These professionals are trained in real, evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), EMDR, or mindfulness-based techniques. They know how to break down your thinking patterns, help you navigate emotional terrain, and build systems that actually work in the real world. The point isn’t just to “feel better”—it’s to build something solid under your feet. That’s why it’s so worth it.
Building Mental Armour: One Session at a Time
Mental health struggles don’t make you weak. They make you human. But getting help? That’s strength. It means you’re showing up for yourself. And every time you show up—even if it’s messy—you’re adding another layer to your armour.