Taking Action on Men’s Mental Health
A partnership and fundraising initiative between UBC's Sigma Chi Fraternity and HeadsUpGuys, including a virtual forum on men's mental health.
"Breaking the Silence."
HeadsUpGuys is honoured to have the support of UBC’s Sigma Chi fraternity chapter.
Together we are launching a fundraising initiative to support our work at HeadsUpGuys.
Current members and alumni of Sigma Chi are coming together to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health and to support men to reach out when they need a hand, especially during these challenging times we’re facing with COVID-19.
Unique Opportunity for Matching Donations
We are excited to announce that an anonymous donor, a fellow UBC alumnus and Kappa Sigma member, will be matching every dollar contributed to this fundraising initiative, up to $50,000!
Please spread the word and share this important fundraising initiative with your family, friends, colleagues, and community!
Donate and Support Fundraiser
Virtual Men’s Mental Health Forum
Join us on March 4th, 2021 (5:30-7:00pm Pacific Time), for a virtual forum and discussion about men’s mental health.
Webinar ID: 814 3669 0540
Or iPhone one-tap:
- Canada: +15873281099,,81436690540# or +16473744685,,81436690540#
Or Telephone:
- Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
- Canada: +1 587 328 1099 or +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588 or +1 778 907 2071 or +1 204 272 7920 or +1 438 809 7799
- US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592
- International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdkXGB1lfz
Panel Speakers
- Din Thomas – Retired Mixed Martial Artist and Mental Health Advocate
- Theo Fleury – Former Professional Hockey Player
- Dr. John Ogrodniczuk – Founder of HeadsUpGuys, Director of UBC Psychotherapy Program, Professor of Psychiatry
- Connor LaRocque – CEO of a Toronto-based marketing firm (called SocialRise), TedX Speaker, former professional kick-boxer
- Eddy Hernandez – Capture Specialist, Youth Committee at Anxiety Canada member, UBC and Sigma Chi Alumni
- Zac Abelson – Sauder School of Business Student, Top 6 Leadership Team for Sigma Chi UBC
- Niko Andrianos – Engineering Student, Sigma Chi UBC Member
Stories from our Panel:
Theo Fleury
I am a former professional hockey player who, as a victor over abuse and addiction, now serves as an advocate and facilitator to those who are still trying to find their way through trauma. Without controversy or blame, I focus on helping and leading others down a path of healing.
WHY IS BREAKING THE SILENCE ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR YOU?
I work to destigmatize the shame associated with trauma by encouraging men to tell their stories without shame, without fear.
WHAT ARE THREE WAYS YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
I practice mindfulness, compassion, and humility daily.
– Theo Fleury, Calgary, AB, Canada
Din Thomas
I am a retired MMA fighter. Now I coach, train, and mentor MMA fighters. I am also an actor and radio personality.
WHY IS BREAKING THE SILENCE ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR YOU?
Men must learn to take care of themselves in a healthy way. We must remove the stigma of the bravado, macho attitude. We are creating and reinforcing a culture of weak, erratic, and insensitive bullies.
In order for us to take care of others, we must be able to take care of ourselves.
WHAT ARE THREE WAYS YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
- I’ve learned to avoid all negativity regardless of my history with that person.
- I’ve created a network of friends that I can share with.
- I engage in hobbies that keep me in the right mental space.
– Din Thomas, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
Connor LaRocque
I am the CEO of SocialRise Inc, a digital marketing firm that specializes in taking massive attention online and converting it into leads and customer acquisitions. SocialRise, along with myself, have been recognized by Yahoo Finance and Business Insider as “One of the Sought After Marketers in Canada.”
I am a TEDxSpeaker.
Host a show on Eastlink TV called Life on the Rocques, where I interview entrepreneurs, influencers, and peak performers. We have over 100 episodes.
I published two books (one-bestseller) before the age of 23 years old. My second book “Mindset is Everything” ranked 43rd on the bestseller list on Amazon in one of the deepest categories (under success).
I’ve been blessed to work with thousands of students over my career and coach many in relation to battling adversity and developing the proper mindset.
I am a former national level kickboxer (hold a silver medal).
We are currently in the process of launching a new company called RentBubba that allows you to rent everyday items instead of buying them. We are creating a new economy with this company
WHY IS BREAKING THE SILENCE ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR YOU?
Breaking the silence is absolutely vital because we all get inside our own heads. The best way to work through our problems is to talk about them and get perspective from others; in doing this we realize we are all struggling with some form of adversity.
The old school mentality is to suppress our emotions which can be detrimental psychologically, when the reality is if you don’t fight against the current, you can actually thrive. Move and let your emotions flow through you.
I live by the mentality that fear is just a thought, and thoughts can be changed. When you talk with others about your problems and mental health it helps you heal and relate. It helps you build a self-awareness that can center you in your mind.
WHAT ARE THREE WAYS YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
- I work out at least 5 to 6 days a week. Whether that be weight lifting, running, or Muay Thai. This is one of the best solutions.
- I focus on what I can control. I accept the fact that I cannot control my external environment; however, what I can control is my mentality, attitude, and perception on any given situation. I have an extreme ownership approach to this. I take full responsibility for my actions and go all in when I am doing tasks.
- I give back! This is absolutely vital! When someone falls, we pick them up! This is one of the best ways to work on your mental health, find a way you can give. Giving centers you, allows you to grow, and is something that will change your life for ever!
– Connor LaRocque, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Eddy Hernandez
I currently work at EA as a Capture Specialist and I am on the Youth Committee at Anxiety Canada focusing on raising awareness on the various Anxiety Disorders that affect young people.
WHY IS BREAKING THE SILENCE ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR YOU?
I am passionate about raising awareness for Men’s Mental Health because through my personal experiences I’ve found dealing with mental health struggles as a man can be extremely isolating and daunting.
Society constantly encourages men to keep their feelings to themselves, and this forces men to internalize their feelings and only makes it harder for them to recover.
I believe that by raising awareness and encouraging men to share their feelings and get help when things get hard, I can make a difference in the lives of others and help put them on the road to recovery.
WHAT ARE THREE WAYS YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
- Socializing with friends. During COVID, I socialize by playing video games, FaceTime, and other virtual mediums.
- I also enjoy getting some fresh air outdoors, on walks or hikes with my dog.
- Watching my favourite movies and TV shows.
– Eddy Hernandez, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Zac Abelson
My name is Zac and I am a third-year student studying Commerce at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. I moved to Canada from South Africa when I was eight years old and have grown up in Vancouver ever since.
I am a member of the Top 6 Leadership Team for Sigma Chi UBC, helping build awareness for mental health and sexuality and aiding where I can in the Men’s Mental Health Initiative.
WHY IS BREAKING THE SILENCE ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR YOU?
My brother was once a girl! Yes; my older brother is transgender. Applying my understanding of the LGBTQ+ community I have volunteered in various initiatives to help educate and build awareness.
Being a member of a Fraternity, I have seen first hand the negative impact silence can have out of fear of the ‘male ego,’ ‘locker room banter’ or ‘suck-it-up mentality’ that may come from speaking one’s truth.
WHAT ARE THREE WAYS YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
- Start my mornings with meditation and journaling.
- Surround myself with people who I feel comfortable and trust opening up to.
- Take care of my physical health, getting stress and anxiety out through sports.
– Zac Abelson, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Niko Andrianos
I’m a third year Integrated Engineering student at the UBC. I love to find ways to stay active. From playing soccer, basketball, lifting weights in the gym, or going for hikes.
WHY IS BREAKING THE SILENCE ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR YOU?
Growing up in a society where showing affection or talking about how you feel is perceived as unmasculine, I think it is essential to try to do the opposite and share our feelings. I can recall some of the most impactful moments in my life when I’ve opened up about my hardships to family and friends. I have found talking aloud to others about my struggles instead of holding them to be the best remedy to manage my stress.
My goal is to provide a safe environment for men in my life so they too can feel comfortable to share their hardships.
WHAT ARE THREE WAYS YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
- I take care of my mental health with outlets such as:
- Physical training at the gym
- Spending time with friends – having a positive social outlet keeps me grounded in times of stress.
- An essential factor that has improved my mental health is maintaining a routine sleep schedule and getting eight hours of sleep. Being able to feel well-rested regularly has noticeably improved my overall mood.
– Niko Andrianos, Vancouver, BC, Canada