Real Men, Real Talk: Support group focuses on men's mental health

 

SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Nearly one in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety, but according to a study by the CDC, less than half seek treatment.

This is often due to social and cultural pressures that disproportionally affect men when it comes to mental health.

A group in South Milwaukee is hoping to help that change in their community.

Tanglewood Collective began a free, public support group on Wednesday night, called "Real Men, Real Talk."

It's a safe and supportive space for men to reflect on emotional and mental health.

"It's okay to feel. It's okay to talk about what's going on with you and what's going on in your head," said roundtable host, Sean Liggins. "It's okay to come in here and be real. If you need to cry for an hour, so be it. Come on in."

Liggins is five years into sobriety. His recovery journey made him confront his own mental health.

"I was taught, don't talk about feelings and emotions, you know, walk it off. Rub some dirt on it," Liggins said.

Now, Liggins is using his experience through recovery to support others.

"This time of the year, for myself even, a lot of depression sets in. I want people to know it's okay to come and talk about it," Liggins said.

"Real Men, Real Talk" is hosted at Serendipitous Designs, an artisan shop on 907 Milwaukee Avenue in South Milwaukee.

"I realized we don't really have a lot of groups in this area that focus on mental health," said the owner, Jamie Allard. "So, I thought why not use this space to make it like a community and help people."

The shop has been hosting women's support groups and AA meetings for about six months.

It's a cause near and dear to Allard, as she's currently earning a degree in human services.

"I suffer from depression, I'm in recovery, and those things are just important to me," Allard said. "We're just looking to connect with other people who are dealing with the same things."

Wednesday's gathering is the first male-focused support group at the shop. They hope to continue "Real Men, Real Talk" once a month.

"If somebody that looks like me can be honest about who I am and what I've gone through, you can, too," Liggins said.

Wednesday night's roundtable begins at 7 p.m. at Serendipitous Designs.

Future events will be posted on the Tanglewood Collective Facebook page.