Bear Grylls has outlined his determination to help break the mould in the UK when it comes to the stigma surrounding mental health.
The adventurer, 48, has opened up on the importance of moving the conversation forward and insists that while improvements are being made, more has to be done - and he insists that can only come from being more open to each other about our issues.
Speaking to the Mirror, Bear revealed he believes there has never been a tougher time for people mentally due to global issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.
But he admitted that "a problem shared is a problem halved" and claimed by talking about our problems, we can improve our mental health collectively.
"The greatest strength is shown when we share stuff," he said. "When we’re vulnerable we create bonds, we create connections and that’s where our strengths come from."
The dad-of-three was speaking ahead of the launch of his new book titled Mind Fuel, which offers readers a number of daily strategies to build emotional health and resilience.
He revealed he is "really proud" of the new material as it can be used as a tool to help people through their darkest days and also to help better equip the public for any hardships they may face in the future.
The layout of the book sees each short chapter ask a number of questions, an addition Bear thinks will help ignite our thought processes. It also has a section dedicated to mental health stigma.
"It’s so important [to ask questions]," he continued. "Because then it becomes a conversation and so much of it is to spark thoughts and make people think 'ah, that’s interesting. I do do that. I do retreat into myself when I’m confronted with something uncomfortable'.
"Rather than just say that people do that when they’re uncomfortable, to be able to pose a question allows us to make it personal and try and change patterns of behaviour that aren't helping us."
And he added that this ability to share despite feeling uncomfortable can help "train" our thoughts and keep a positive outlook.
The Chief Scout said: "Sharing vulnerability is like a muscle. The more we do it, the stronger it gets, the easier it gets and the better off our lives are and our friends lives are. So, you know, breaking the mould is so important in life and let’s do it by example.
"Talk about it [your issues] and do things that help because it’s just part of being empowered. It’s like going to the gym or eating healthy - you've gotta put tools in place to be strong."
Bear went on to say it's also important the public isn't scared of failure and the impact it could have on their mental health.
"The real ninjas in life go through endless failures and get empowered by them because they get stronger by them," he said emphatically. "They get smarter, more resilient and it's incredibly freeing in our life when we’re not worried about what other people think about our failures.
"To me, failure is a stepping stone. It’s a doorway. You cannot get to the good stuff unless you’ve gone through the bad stuff. You’re stood on those stepping stones, so get through it. Be proud of them, wear them as scars and stripes."
‘Mind Fuel: Simple Ways to Build Mental Resilience Each Day’ by Bear Grylls and Will van der Hart is available now from Bear's official website and Amazon.
