Mending Piece By Piece Newsletter

A Personal Note from Linda

Hi friends,

It’s been a while since I last connected through this newsletter, and I’ve truly missed it. Over the past few months, I found myself juggling a lot — filming new YouTube videos, recording podcast interviews, and continuing to navigate life with a long-term traumatic brain injury.

It’s been 14 months since my concussion, and I’m still learning what it means to live with and adapt to these ongoing challenges. I had every intention of staying consistent, but life has a way of reminding us to slow down. When my symptoms began to worsen, I realized something had to give — and the newsletter was what I had to set aside for a while.

I’ve learned that healing — whether from loss, injury, or burnout — requires rest, grace, and patience. Thank you for your understanding and for staying connected through other platforms while I gave my brain (and body) the space it needed.

Now that I’m back, I’m so grateful to reconnect with you and share new reflections, projects, and stories of hope. Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and patience as I continue to heal and find balance.

This Month’s Focus: Men’s Mental Health — Breaking the Silent Struggle

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as Movember. This month calls us to break the silence surrounding men’s emotional well-being and to challenge the stigma that vulnerability equals weakness.

Men experience mental health struggles just as deeply as anyone else, but they often show it differently — or not at all. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA):

• Nearly 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression each year, yet less than half receive treatment.

• Men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women.

• Over 6 million men in the U.S. experience depression annually, and more than 3 million live with anxiety or panic disorders.

Because of cultural expectations around masculinity, men often cope through “escapist” behaviors — working excessively, using substances, or withdrawing — rather than expressing their pain.

🧠 Signs That a Man May Be Struggling

Men may not always say they’re hurting, but you might notice:

• Anger, irritability, or aggression replacing sadness

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Risk-taking or reckless behavior

• Increased alcohol or drug use

• Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite

• Loss of interest in hobbies or daily activities

• Persistent fatigue or unexplained physical pain

If you notice these signs, start a conversation — with compassion, not judgment. Sometimes, simply saying “I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately, are you okay?” can open a door to healing.

💙 3 Ways to Support Men’s Mental Health

1. Foster Dialogue
Let’s encourage open conversations about men’s mental health, dismantling the stigma around seeking help. Whether it’s checking in on a friend, posting on social media, or simply offering a kind word, every action helps build a safer, more supportive community.
Consider using hashtags like #MenTalkMind, #BreakTheStigma, or #MentalHealthTriumphs to spark dialogue and solidarity.

2. End the Silent Struggle
Vulnerability is not weakness. Men face complex emotional challenges while navigating expectations to appear “strong.” This month reminds us that sharing pain takes courage — and it creates healing.
Schools, faith groups, and communities can host storytelling nights, poetry slams, or art exhibits that give men space to express their emotions creatively and authentically.

3. Encourage Help-Seeking Behavior
Seeking support is a strength. Whether it’s therapy, peer groups, or simply talking to someone who listens, help is available. Let’s normalize reaching out — for men, for fathers, for sons, for all who carry silent pain.
If you know a man who is struggling, let him know you see him and that it’s okay to ask for help.

🎙️ Mending Piece by Piece Podcast — Season 3 Launch

I’m excited to share that Season 3 of the Mending Piece by Piece Podcast launches today, and this season focuses on men’s grief and mental health — an often-overlooked conversation that deeply matters.

To start the season, I’m the first guest, sharing my own reflections on why men’s mental health deserves attention, how grief often looks different for men, and the importance of breaking the silence around emotional pain.

Next week, I’ll be joined by James Rinere, author of There’s Coffee in the Fridge, who shares his personal story of living with anxiety and depression since childhood, the moment his family saved his life, and how vulnerability became his greatest strength.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch the full video on YouTube: Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health Matters

🌼 30 Days of Gentle Grief Support

If you’re struggling or need a daily moment of comfort, I’ve created a free 30-day video series called 30 Days of Gentle Grief Support. Each short video offers reflections, grounding techniques, and journal prompts to help you navigate your emotions with grace and hope — especially as we move through the holidays.

▶️ Watch on YouTube: 30 Days of Gentle Grief Support

Mending Moment

💗 Support Mending Piece by Piece and Make a Difference

If you’ve found comfort, inspiration, or support through our podcast and newsletter, consider helping us continue this important work by shopping at Mending Piece by Piece Store or making a one-time donation here Buy Me a Coffee.

You’ll find meaningful items such as t-shirts, mugs, blankets, tote bags, and more — each designed to raise awareness for mental health and grief. Whether you’re looking for a comforting gift or something to keep for yourself, every purchase helps sustain the Mending Piece by Piece Podcast and newsletter, allowing us to continue sharing stories, resources, and support for those navigating grief.

What’s even better? 10% of all profits from the store go directly to a local mental health organization, helping provide essential services to those in need. By shopping with us, you’re not only supporting your own healing journey but also making a positive impact in the community.

Take a moment to browse the store and find something that speaks to you — knowing that every purchase helps create a space for healing, hope, and awareness. Your support allows us to continue producing meaningful content, hosting courageous guests, and holding space for those who need it most.

Thank you for being part of this community and helping us make a difference — one step, one story, one heart at a time.

💙 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

As we recognize Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s make it more than a date on the calendar. Let’s check in on our sons, fathers, friends, and partners. Let’s remind them that strength is found in honesty, connection, and care.

If you know a man who could benefit from hearing this message, forward this email. You never know whose life it may touch.

Thank you for walking this path of healing with me.
Until next time, continue mending piece by piece...

With gratitude,
Linda Falasco, LCSW, LICSW

Looking for additional resources to assist with the grief process? Check out Mending Piece by Piece Workbooks & Journals.

📌 Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (U.S.)

• ADAA Men’s Mental Health Resource: adaa.org/mens-mental-health

• Therapy Locator: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists