While discussing mental health was once considered taboo, social awareness has increased many folds in contemporary times. However, this does not discount the fact that people of all genders, including men, still struggle to touch base with their softer side. The toxic concept of ‘men can’t cry‘ and ‘men showing emotions is a sign of weakness‘ has pushed them to the point of overlooking their mental well-being. So, when a fan asked bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger to share his thoughts on mental health, The Austrian Oak jumped at the opportunity to give an unfiltered response.
Schwarzenegger believes mental health is as important as physical health. He called out the toxic culture of social media influencers and gurus who equally partake in hampering people’s self-confidence.
Arnold Schwarzenegger holds social media accountable
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In the latest edition of his newsletter, Pump Daily, Arnold Schwarzenegger talked about mental health, taking a break, and being unreal. Schwarzenegger blamed social media for sowing the seeds of insecurities. “Social media has caused a crisis of confidence because people lose their sense of purpose scrolling feeds all day. They’re told to be scared, and they’re told they aren’t good enough,” Schwarzenegger wrote in his newsletter.
To curb this crisis, Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested we need to sign off social media and work towards building confidence in the real world. One can start by taking small constructive steps towards goals that make them uncomfortable and gradually proceed to take bigger ones. Calling out for faking confidence on online platforms, Schwarzenegger said one does not need it. Real confidence takes time and hard work to develop unlike what influencers portray.
Furthermore, Arnie pointed out people’s unwillingness to step out of their comfort zone. He added that life isn’t always going to be comfortable. This is why people tend to go off the rail whenever hit by the slightest inconvenience. Furthermore, Schwarzenegger stressed the importance of seeking assistance for mental health.
Treat the mind the way one would treat their body
Arnold Schwarzenegger states one should deal with their mental health, the way they’d deal with their physical health. “…you should treat your mind no differently than your body. You have to train both,” the Austrian Oak wrote. He implied that if one is mentally struggling with issues one should visit a psychologist or therapist.
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Ignoring the stigmas against visiting such practitioners, one should prioritize their mental well-being. He added, “There is no shame at all in admitting you need help with your mind.” Just like social media, in another segment of his newsletter, Schwarzenegger shed light on the downsides of depending on the internet.
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Throughout the entirety of his recent update, Arnold Schwarzenegger stressed seeking real medical assistance from experts instead of depending on the internet and social media to find solutions or using them as a means to find an escape.