My story
I came to journaling after over 30 years of suffering general anxiety and depression, including social anxiety, self-doubt, and a lack of self-esteem. This affected my mental and physical health spending most days with some form of symptoms from mild to severe.
I had ‘dealt’ with my issues internally in shame and silence. I grew up at a time when mental health issues weren’t talked about; where a man would be told to ‘Man up!’ or ‘Get a grip!’; where you had to be ‘strong’ and not show emotion or pain as a man. I hid it behind a facade and internal walls I had built to ‘protect’ myself. To the outside world, I was generally projecting an impression of calm and control, underneath was turmoil and self-doubt.
I wanted to help raise awareness and provide information to others, to help them find their own paths. My vision for Journalise is based on the intent to help raise awareness of Mental Health Self Care. Everyone will benefit from our tools and advice, but I particularly wanted to focus Journalise towards men, who are traditionally expected by society to be ‘strong’ and not to be emotional. I want to see us help men become aware that their feelings are normal. These things can be acknowledged, they don’t have to be bottled up, and help and support are out there.
Our journaling products and site aim to provide tools and information that will enable anyone that needs them (regardless of gender), on a journey of self-discovery and understanding of their drivers, motivations, goals, and aspirations, in order to care for their Self and positively influence their lives.
Mark Morton, Journalise founder & owner
