Past few months. It was guys only. Everyone in their early to mid 40s.
One is a group of friends from my neighborhood growing up, the other is a group of friends from graduate school. We got together last night to celebrate 15 years since graduation.
In both groups the conversations have naturally developed into deep conversations
About depression, treatments, suicidal thoughts, conversations about classmates that have been lost to suicide, career struggles, marital struggles, etc. as well as lots about the successes and fun stuff.
All of these guys are top notch men and some of the most skilled and brightest minds I know. you would think are not dealing with any issues from the outside looking in. One of them last night said that me reaching out to him a year ago and putting him in contact with another friend saved him from suicide
Guys like to think they can live on an island, and some can. But it has been eye opening and refreshing to reconnect with these friends and help each other out.
Rambling thoughts with no takeaway, other than that guys need to be better about connecting with each other.