@@simonablokeinthewoods Second that, Uncle Hazey has a heart bigger than his northern balls {except when he is swimming in freezing cold water like an arse in his latest vids lol)
This has moved me so much. - I have suffered badly from Depression over the years. Congratulations on bringing it to peoples attention, especially Men. thank you from the bottom of my heart...I realise you did this a few years ago, and I have only just seen your vlog...Thank you for doing this, and loads of love from a village in south Oxfordshire xxxxxxx
Excellent presentation. My husband has been struggling with bipolar disorder now for over 25 years. It's not been an easy road for us. The whole family had to deal with it. Your loved ones trials are your trials. The meds do help. They help a lot. Don't ever be ashamed of taking meds to treat your mental health condition. If you took meds for high blood pressure or diabetes you wouldn't feel ashamed. Sometimes you have to try lots of different ones till you finally hit on that one that works for you. Be patient and keep trying. It's worth it!
Thank you and thank you for sharing yours and your husbands personal struggle! You are quite right about the medication - nobody is ashamed of taking tablets for other physical conditions - it shouldn’t be any different for mental conditions - hopefully raising awareness might go a small way to chipping away at the taboo! Thank you and all the very best, Simon
Thanks Simon. I only just saw your video. I’m a teacher too and completely understand the part where you considered all your options. I’m taking your advise and talking to people. Thank you
Wow Simon, 13 quid of steak straight onto the embers - you took that tag seriuosly ;-) Thanks for also sharing your story with us. One small observation is that it seems like you still enjoy the act of teaching/sharing as you regularly do on your channel :-) And given your sub-count...quite successfully so. Nice though to combine it with one of your favorite passtimes. On the note on mental health - i read somewhere that in Scandanavia doctors can now officially prescribe spending time in nature (next to medication and other formal treatment). Just like talking, it seems so obviuos. Yet sometimes in a hectic world, it is good to have someone remind you about that. Tnx.
Haha, that’s the only way to cook a steak - in the dirt on the ground 😂 Thank you, I do like to share what I learn and do, not sure I’ve ever been a very good teacher though haha! The Scandinavians are always leaps ahead of the rest of the world in attitude and ideas! that is a wonderful initiative and I bet the results are impressive! I love that in Sweden you can only buy alcohol (other than weak beer) from government stores that have strictly controlled opening times - reducing alcoholism and antisocial behaviour - a simple but effective step that I’m sure has had a positive effect on depression too. Cheers, Simon
My dear British Bloke, Thank You! A great video. A greater purpose! I truly appreciate all you Bush Crafters Tag Challenge on Men's Mental Health! Absolutely awesome dawesome! Again, thank you! Blessings!
Simon, great video. I had to retire from the Prison Service after 20 years with PTSD, I came within an hour of hanging myself and without the help and support of family, friends and the medical profession I wouldn’t be here now. Talking about our hidden problems is paramount to help us move on. Spending quality time within nature is wonderful aid to recovery on dark days. Thank you once again, I sincerely hope that your dark moments pass quickly, take care.
Thank you Mark! I’m really glad you got the help and support before it was too late!! I really hope these videos will help to encourage people to talk. Like you, I find being outdoors surrounded by the tranquility of nature a huge help when things get hectic - it’s my reset button! Cheers and Atb, Simon
@Mark Woodward Thank you Sir for your service in the Prison System ! It can be a stressful, dangerous and thankless job. But we need good people like yourself to make sense and organization out of chaos. Thank you. I do hope you were able to instill hope and improvement in some of the inmates and they changed their lives around. We can hope too. Cheers !
Thank you for addressing such an important subject. I am one of those men who struggles with poor mental health. Immersing myself in the wild outdoors is my salvation as is the incredible support I receive from professionals, family and friends alike. I've just discovered your channel and I'm pleased I have! best wishes.
Thanks Nick! It is a big issue - one that needs talking about - break down the walls so to speak! I’m really glad you have got the support you need and the therapy from nature to help! Atb and good luck! Simon.
Thank you Simon. As someone who is currently affected by depression your video means a lot to me and many more in the same situation. Steak looked awesome mate!
Hello Simon, I'm 4 years late with my comment, but thank you for sharing your personal story and sharing awareness, as this topic is very important. Unfortunately, this disease is not "visible" as other diseases and people are hesitant to talk about, but it's good that you and others talk about it. Thank you 🙏
Just when I think I can't love this channel anymore, I fall in love with it all over again. Does NHS provide mental health as well? I really wish the US had universal healthcare like all the other developed countries in the world. I know you probably won't see this Simon, but thanks so much for the work you do with your videos and sharing your story and life with us. I see so many comments about how your videos helped people get through their mental health issues.
Trying to live up to other's ideals is never an easy business. And cultivating an alternative can have its own kind of stress. Sometimes solitude works, but certain are the moments that require a reaching out. Bravo to all your courage. I'm sure we are all glad of your self-control behind the wheel that fateful day. Living for adventure is a great foundation. Peace, Brother.
Obviously, I'm watching this about a year and a half late, but I want very much to thank you for your comments. I'm a 60-year-old man who struggles with life from time to time, and I cried as I watched this. It helps to know I'm not the only one who struggles. Thanks again.
Atta-kid! Right on the coals! Beautiful. Thanks for telling the message on a personal note. More of us deal with those game stoppers more than we like to admit. May all remember in these times that ending it never gets rid of the pain, just passes it on to the ones who love us most. Don't cheat yourself out of the possible tomorrow. Something awesome could happen and you'll miss it.
Good on ya! In the last 2 days I have watched the "steak segment" on may channels! Great job! I am a veteran with PTSD.. That said, not an excuse, but a reason for some events in my life/ family life... Now that I know , I have begun a new path.. This program is needed.. Keep on the good foot! Thanks for sharing, ATB from sunny Wintergarden, Florida😎👍!
Thanks Bill! Really glad you’re on the path and hopefully getting all the help and support you need! Good luck! Send us some of that Florida sunshine would you? 😎 Atb, Simon
Another great video, and a terrific cause. A lot of us have been in that dark place you referred to - I certainly have, but came out the other end, like you. Keep up the good work, mate.
An amazing video mate, thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I’ve had my struggles recently with health anxiety. Thankfully I’ve been looked after really well by my nearest and dearest and a brilliant GP. Health is our true wealth guys and never afraid to admit you are struggling. Keep up your amazing work Simon from another Simon. I would add I’ve recently become a Christian and my faith is growing all the time. Take care all.😀
Bravo for you talking about depression. My husband first had it in 1991. He was hospitalized and had ECT treatments. Hr cycles about every 7yrs. We find the best treatment is going camping and let nature work. We've been married for 55 yrs so I know this disease well and know how to support him.
NICE ONE SIMON, in a day and age when so many people are pushing the latest jacket or knife, it's heartening to see people trying to get a message across that really matters I've had 2close friends over the years who have taken their own lives , so this really struck a cord . Well done.
AWESOME...You guys are doing a great community/worldly service...means so much to hear it from someone who knows what it is like. THANKS for sharing Simon.
thank you for keeping it real, your canine friend was a joy to watch, every one at some point in their lives deals with issues of mental health, nice presentation, oh ya, greetings from New Mexico!!!
A brilliant vlog Simon, I personally have had issues with mental health and considered taking my own life at one point. Like you I kept things bottled up and felt that talking about it was wrong and that I was being weak. I was crying on my own because I felt worthless. My outbursts of temper and frustration impacted on my family and nearly destroyed me. The medication prescribed by my GP didn't work because I couldn't function when I was on them and all I wanted to do was sleep. My weight went up and up and as a result caused other health related problems. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I actually have an illness. I say have because mental health does not go away, it is always lurking on the surface and can be triggered at anytime. I am learning how to cope with it and getting outdoors is one of the ways I like to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. I have been an active person all my life even though i was born with a disability which affected my mobility. I was a boxer for 22 years and boxed internationally. I have been a professional snooker coach and referee. Now I spend my life writing plays novels and short stories. I cannot wait to get outdoors again Simon. lets hope this lockdown ends soon.
I’ve watched you from the start. This one I’ve possibly glossed over because it touched a nerve. I’ve just rewatched it and all I can say is thank you mate. Just thank you for being so honest. Lovely stuff X
*"In so far as the mind is stronger than the body, so are the ills contracted by the mind more severe than those contracted by the body."* - Marcus Tullius Cicero ...in light of this -- and I believe it to be true -- I am continually surprised at society's general lack of interest in the matter.
I agree buddy, I think societies interest is improving......slowly! Lots of good media exposure and lots of high profile people doing good stuff (Prince Harry for one!) and smaller stuff like this initiative will hopefully help! Atb, Simon
you one hell of a bloke mate. ive been watching your videos religiously! then i came across this one and i have a new found respect for you. Im a young man dealing with PTSD and depression from my brothers death and i am a strong advocate of the speak up campaign. If it wasn't for it i would have taken drastic actions myself. thank you for the support and keep pumping out great videos!!
Thank you Jordan! Glad you’re enjoying the videos! Hopefully this campaign will help people to see that’s it okay to talk - if it only helps one person then it’s a good thing. Sorry to hear about your brother mate, I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that is to cope with - really glad you spoke out! All the best, Simon
I enjoyed this video. I struggled with mental health after my son’s cancer treatments. I left my law enforcement career as well as a result. Don’t bottle it up, it will eat at you.
Great video for a great cause. Well done for your candidness. I did some training last year with the Samaritans and we (blokes) are the least likely to seek help - a trend which happily is improving, I'm sure through efforts like this to make it OK to talk about.
I am a fairly new subscriber to your channel. Thank you for talking about this. I have dealt with my own issues of mental health. My dad took his life back in the 1970’s. So there wasn’t really any help back then for mental health issues. So again, thank you Simon.
What a beautiful video Simon. It takes courage to speak from one's heart. Thank you for doing so and Maggie, good on you for being by your friend's side for such an important message.
Good on ya Simon , this is so important we reach as many as possible, my doors always open for mates to call in for a cuppa or a whiskey or even an ale. Keep talking, a vicar friend of mine has just told me a 40 year old man took his life today leaving 3 kids and a wife and he has to organise his funeral.
Great video. As someone who has suffered from mental illness, I can safely say that this type of exposure is quite good. It's a challenge that needs to be dealt with. Spot on 👍
Great addition to the 'Show us your steak' vids and for telling us some very personal things that you have gone through. I have a friend, that I've known since infants, who is sectioned every 18 months or so for the past 20 years and we all can see he is not going to get back to how we all knew him. It's very sad and upsetting, especially for his family, to see. Mr Haze has a kind soul and it also helps that he's hilarious. Thanks for the uploads and looking forward to the next!
Thank you! And thanks for talking about your friend, must be devastating to see somebody you know so well going through such a crisis - I hope he gets the assessment, treatment and help he needs! Haze has started something so Important here! Atb, Simon
Thanks Simon, there cant be enough said about this subject. July this year was when all the pressure and stress caught up with me, up to that time i thought i was handling it. Driving to work that morning i just stopped the car, i just couldn't face work, home anything. Later that day i went to the Docs, talked and started on tablets. I thought give it a few weeks and ill be back on form. I was paid off in Sept which was a blow and knocked me back abit (was on six month trial). Its now nearly November, I am still struggling with confidence and motivation. I know relies its not a case of "pull yourself together and get on with it" ,Its time, taking small steps, talking to people, and never give up. Thank you to everyone helping to push awareness of mental health
Thanks Iain! Sounds like you’d been building up to that day, but did a good thing by having the courage to speak to your doctor! I’m sure the road ahead is long and bumpy, but with every step, you get closer to getting back to your normal self! Good luck and look forward! Atvb, Simon
I have been following different folks on this challenge and have to say your video was excellent. I think it is a great subject and hope others gain from it as have I. Thanks and looking forward to more from your Chanel. Regards LT
Awesome video Simon!! Im glad to see people bringing awareness to mens health. Sometimes we feel like there is no one to speak with or we either to strong to tell anyone. Thanks for sharing !
very good im a big fan of haze but now im getting to see all these interesting people cooking steak and talking about a subject very close to my heart wonderfull stuff thankyou
Very good Simon👍 I'll hang it out there for everyone to see. Three years ago I lost my mom and two best friends in a matter of a few days. You talk about crisis. Luckily my mom taught me focus and how to deal with these kind of things. But , I hear you about "options ". My wife who is also my best friend and my kids are very supportive and strong. I know a lot of people out there don't have that. Great video 👍 and bless you
Thank you! And thank you for sharing your story - a dark time, I can only imagine how tough that was! Having close ones to talk to is so important, but as you say, not everyone does. That’s why organisations and charities such as Mind here in the UK are so important - even simply as an understanding ear to listen to you. And of course, there is us all - we are one big outdoors minded community and if we can all talk to each other, that’s got to be a good thing! Thanks mate! Simon
Looked a loverly steak mate, Rib eye is certainly the best cut. Well done with 'the talk' some great points made. Thanks for taking part :) I nearly tagged Pinetree line too :p happy to see you did.
Cheers Andy! It did tasty goooood! All three that I tagged are up for doing it which is great - I wasn’t sure if Buschpirat would, but he’s stepped up to the mark for European mental health unity! Thanks again for the tag mate!
Thanks for sharing your story & for your advise on warming the steak before cooking. Take care my friend & keep enjoying the great out of doors. - Marco
Watch a lot of your tube... First time watching this one. Felt compelled to share. Ive jad social anxiety issues for years... Now have good people around me.. Really helps. Brave Simon cheers..
Hi Simon. I thought this video was inspiring. I've followed and shared allot of your vids. I myself have suffered in the past with mental health. I share the same passion for nature and the wilderness. Nature and the wilderness is probably the best cure for a multitude of mental problems. Keep up the good work with the how to vids and cooking great Steak 👍👍👍Huw
Hey Simon awesome thanks I'm going try that cooking Steak right on the coals never done that before cooked perfectly! Really Love the channel I have been Binge watching every minute and or hours ! I get
Simon, appreciated the sincerity of the mental health comment - like you, I also had an episode in the past and share your opinion re the importance of getting help. Loved the video and especially the dynamic between you and Maggie. Great job!
God Bless You!! I too have my demons. But I have gained greater relief from not hiding them. Always talk to someone, anyone, it will help! Don't suffer in silence. I know from personal experience how fucking scary this journey is. Just always reach out! And never forget the incredible psychological value of Caveman Steak!
Thanks and well done for talking about this issue. I know from experience it's not easy to discuss this but knowing there are other people out there helps everyone. Thanks again!
Thank you! It’s definitely not easy, but hopefully these videos might help to break down some barriers and get a few of us talking about our feelings. If it helps just a few then it’s all worth it! Atb, Simon
Wonderful! Simon, I was watching Smeegz Outdoors on RU-vid talking about how he uses hiking and wild camping to help his mental health. He suffers from depression and anxiety and finds it really helps. He’s very open and talks at length about it. He also brings his lad out to get him away from the PS, etc. Please check him and support. I myself have problems with depression through my MS and cycling has helped a lot, and I know the wild camping will help too. Bring on the Spring! My wife is a secondary school teacher and it depresses her too. Now she’s part time and a Bikeability Instructor and it’s helped a lot, as does the cycling!
Thank you Steven! We all need a bit of outdoors therapy I think! It’s what’s missing in modern life! I’ll check out Smeegz, thank you! I hope the wild camping adds to the cycling and helps! Both for you and your wife! Atb, Simon
Thank you! I was out last night and thought I'd have a go at making one as I simply don't have enough interaction to ever get tagged but, as you say, it's too important to just leave. I'm still in teaching and can resonate with virtually every word you said. It can be, in fact often is, remarkably tough and lonely despite being surrounded by kids and staff. Glad you made a positive choice when it was time to. Thanks for this and all the other videos. Chris.
@@simonablokeinthewoods Well, you did say to mention it when it's up. Am currently Googling cheap lights to film with :-) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UpUZevLJyF0.html
This is my favorite video thus far. Thank you for sharing your personal experience and trusting the viewers to take part in spreading the word. I really enjoy learning about the people who produce these You Tube videos and this was brilliant. Thank you. I’ll be sharing this with many of my buddies as well as my own son. Keep up the great videos and more importantly....maintaining your happiness and mental health. Your family is very lucky 😎. Safe travels and God bless. ⛺️🥩👍🏼
Great stuff Simon, I suffered with mental health issues a few years ago and had the very same thoughts as you about driving my car off the road to avoid facing my job! I’m glad that it’s all behind me now but I still have a challenge as my little girl is autistic and really struggles with social anxiety and depression. The outdoor lifestyle has become our refuge as father and daughter. I really love the outdoor RU-vid community, it’s wonderful to escape into these videos. Keep up the good work! 👍🏻
Thanks Alex! Glad you hear you are past your dark times too - the outdoors is the best therapy there is, in my mind!! I totally agree with you about the RU-vid community and also the bushcraft community in general (well, 99% of it any way, there are always a couple of numpties in any community 😂) My boy is also on the spectrum, so I know how hard that can be!! 🙂
Simon, a bloke in the woods I spotted so many similarities between your son and my daughter with body language! It becomes a life mission to understand how they feel and try to make life better. I try and educate as many people as I can about autism. It was heartwarming to watch your video.
I watched this yesterday morning, but I had to come back to say I truly appreciate your thoughts here. Hearing your personal backstory was a substantive pleasure.
Thanks Simon for a great video. So true what you say, something we all should talk about. There is no shame in asking for help, talking about how you feel and even cry. I’ve been affected too and at times I really, really dark places. Fortunately I’ve managed to get myself out, but not without all of the aforementioned. I have like so many, loving wife and family and friends who have been there to help and support me in those times I needed it. Thank you. I need to try cooking a steak like that some time, looked amazing. Love the channel. Kindest regards. Mark
Thanks Mark! Really glad you had the help and support to get through your dark days mate! I really hope these tag videos help a bit to break down the barriers an get people talking about their feelings and problems without shame or embarrassment. I see the government are going to spend more money in the budget on mental health this year - good move! Atb, Simon
Great job Simon. I struggle with depression and anxiety and know first hand it’s so important to seek help. Took me ages so hopefully Hazes ‘Show is your steak’ can give others a nudge to speak up quicker. I think getting outside is a super way of improving ones overall feeling of wellbeing. Linking the two things like this is awesome. Cheers.
Ahoy Simon. A good steak grilled on coals is simply something delicious. Thank you very much for the honest words on this serious subject and my nomination. I accept them gladly! As already written I will certainly need a little, but I am happy to be a part of this topic. Stay healthy and enjoy yourself outside. Azze
Well done indeed. I only discovered your site and videos during the lockdowns (confinements en français) and looking at bushcraft/spoon making led me here. That video was inspirational, but of course the problem of mental health especially in men is only exacerbated as we ‘come out of covid’ and have the Ukraine war & climate crisis not being dealt with properly, in 2022. Thanks for doing that. Our French confinement regulations here restricted us to 1km distance and for 1 hour a day… that’s enough to do anyone in and I question whether it actually made matters worse for a lot of people. Luckily I had some beech/pine woods within easy reach of my door and could immerse myself before coming home and learning how to rub two boy scouts together to make a simple fire. Well done & grateful thanks for the enjoyment you give to so many.
Thank you so much for this video Simon. Watched last night at 2:30am when I was "struggling", i find your videos incredibly calming.. Been ill for a while now and I have been trying to make myself better without letting anyone know. Your video pushed me to do something and I'm going to the doctors today, Hopefully the start of the journey of recovery. Take care mate and thank you.
I subrscibed for the calming affect of your videos of wild camping, As sufferer of extreme anxiety and trying to fight it, this video ment alot, thank you for your content👍🏻
Only started subscribing to you about a month or so ago, so along with all your new videos I've been watch all your old ones too. I must say at this moment in my life this was just a great video. Thanks.
Great video am following all you guys. I spoke to my GP a month ago (22 years in the Army doesnt help) am now on phone and on line therapy appointments and all is helping :)
Amazing to see these videos and this was beautifully done. My other half and I have loved discovering your channel and have binge watched them obsesively! He has serious envy over the land rover! This is a great message. It was clearly from the heart and so eloquently put. I truly hope we all live to see a world where men understand the value of off loading their day. There are always people that are there if you simply let them in. I can't speak for all wives or gilfriends etc but we see the pain our men our are in and desperately want to help ease it, if only they would let us. Thank you for taking part in something so powerful. Can't wait to watch the rest! Keep going, you are doing great😍xx
Powerful, powerful words Simon. Thanks for sharing your experiences and raising such an important cause. Mental illness affects many men. BTW - I love your videos - Inspirational.
STEAK TOUR!!!! Tuesday afternoon, really awesome all you guys out there cookin' yer steaks and talking about mental health! Good on you! I'm inspired. Also, listen peeps! I've have a mental health pro in my, laik, rolodex (as it were) for... well... the last twenty years as it happens - whenever I feel I need a bit of tuning, off we go for a consult, get that tune-up! Keeps things ticking over smoothly. No stigma, peeps. It's just like knowing a good veterinarian, or a good mechanic, or a good dentist, or a good neighbourhood butcher or brew-pub. All part of a good life.
Thank you! Well said - I like the comparison you made of your consultant to any other service you might need to use! Glad youre getting the help when you need it! Cheers, Simon
