#143 Why Men Suffer in Silence… And How We Change It

What happens when grief, creativity, masculinity and mental health collide?In this powerful episode of the Different Hats Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Simon David Eden for a deeply moving conversation about childhood trauma, creativity, suicide, emotional expression, education, and the healing power of storytelling.Simon shares his extraordinary journey growing up in Moulsecoomb, being expelled from school at 12, finding refuge in writing, drawing and music, and navigating the devastating loss of his brother to suicide. We also explore his upcoming exhibition Shadow Light: Songs My Brother Taught Me, a profoundly personal body of work exploring grief, brotherhood, masculinity, and emotional inheritance between men.This conversation goes far beyond Simon’s creative career. It’s about what happens when boys and men are never given the language to express what they feel. It’s about the mentors who change our lives. It’s about why creativity matters. And it’s about the urgent need to create spaces where men feel safe enough to ask for help.A truly honest, heartfelt and important conversation.In this episode, we explore:How Simon defines success through love, integrity and hopeGrowing up in Moulsecoomb and the trauma that shaped himBeing expelled from school and feeling failed by educationHow creativity became a lifelineThe loss of Simon’s brother to suicideWhy men often struggle to express what they feelHow art and storytelling can help us process painWhy schools must nurture creativity and emotional literacyThe hope behind Simon’s exhibition Shadow Light: Songs My Brother Taught MeIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who might need it.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:40 Reflecting on the You Alright Mate? gathering02:09 What this conversation explores04:20 “You alright, mate?” check-in05:22 Simon’s definition of success07:26 Success, integrity and living true to yourself12:39 Why external success can feel hollow13:33 Poverty, pain and choosing a different path18:36 Growing up in Moulsecoomb25:24 Abandonment, trauma and survival31:23 Being expelled from school37:48 Creativity as escape and expression42:13 Why education often stifles creativity49:14 The power of mentors and being truly seen01:00:55 The purpose behind the exhibition01:03:59 Can creativity help prevent suicide?01:08:19 The gift of helping others01:09:53 Processing grief then and now01:13:59 Will the pain ever leave?01:15:33 The message Simon hopes the exhibition leaves behind01:19:50 Holding space, hope and the next hour01:21:23 Depression, demons and getting through dark moments01:26:10 Integrity, self-doubt and staying true01:30:44 Following dreams despite the voices that doubt you01::34 Final reflections on hope, suicide prevention and legacy01:41:37 Storytelling card: legacy beyond career01:43:19 Closing thoughts🎧 LISTEN TO MORE DIFFERENT HATS EPISODES:👉 https://www.different-hats.co.uk/podcast🔗 Connect with Simon David EdenExhibition details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadow-light-songs-my-brother-taught-me-tickets-1983767367598?aff=ebdsoporgprofileWebsite: https://simondavideden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-david-eden-83168817/💡 If this episode resonated with you, please like, share, and comment below. Your support helps us spread this important message and change the narrative around success and mental health.⚠️ Support note (please read)This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, addiction, and mental health crises.If you’re in the UK & Ireland and you need someone right now:Samaritans (24/7): 116 123Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK, 24/7):If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.NHS guidance on urgent mental health help: CLICK HERESPONSORED BY:Rivervale – https://www.rivervale.co.ukBrown Bear Studios – https://www.brownbearstudio.co.ukCarpenter Box – https://www.carpenterbox.com🎬 PRODUCED BY:H2 Productions – https://h2productions.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.