Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health with Tiago
In a world where endurance sports often symbolize strength and resilience, Purpose athlete Tiago Valente is using his platform to champion a cause that goes beyond physical prowess. The NOSHAME Movement, founded by Tiago, is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the importance of mental health awareness, especially among men.
The role of Endurance Sport and Triathlon
Tiago Valente's journey to founding the NOSHAME Movement began long before he crossed his first triathlon finish line. Growing up in a household shadowed by his mother's severe depression, Tiago faced challenges not just in school and social interactions, but also within his family. By the age of 36, despite a successful career in Dubai, he found himself grappling with his own mental health issues, eventually being diagnosed with mild depression and anxiety.
"Endurance sports, especially triathlon, became a refuge for me during a period of isolation," Tiago shares. The structure and sense of accomplishment he found in crossing the finish line provided him with a much-needed glimmer of hope. This experience taught Tiago the value of "active recovery" and inspired him to integrate physical activity into mental health recovery, emphasizing its role in combating depression.
The NOSHAME Movement: A Beacon of Hope for Men’s Health
The NOSHAME Movement was born out of Tiago's personal experiences and his desire to combat the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men. "The core goals of the NOSHAME Movement are to create awareness about depression and mental health among men, combat the stigma associated with these issues, and provide tools and support for those affected," Tiago explains. By encouraging open conversations about depression, the movement aims to change societal perceptions and elevate mental health literacy.
NOSHAME Movement partnered with ONGs focused on mental health causes, with special focus on depression, in order to have not only their scientific support but also be able to donate funds through crowdfunding campaigns that Tiago is doing to donate for these ONGs.
Endurance sports play a crucial role in this mission. Tiago believes that these activities help combat the stigma by promoting physical and mental resilience. "Endurance sports provide a structured way to channel emotions and stress, offering a positive outlet for those struggling with depression," he says. Through personal stories and community engagement, the NOSHAME Movement highlights how sports can be a vital part of mental health recovery.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance With Triathlon
Advocating for mental health awareness has not been without its challenges. "One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming the deep-rooted stigma and misconceptions about depression, particularly among men," Tiago admits. Balancing his own mental health journey with his advocacy work has also been a delicate task.
Yet, Tiago has found a way to integrate both aspects into his daily routine. "Endurance sports provide me with the mental clarity and energy needed for my advocacy efforts," he says. Many of his ideas for the NOSHAME Movement come to him during his training sessions, a testament to the close connection between his athletic pursuits and his advocacy work.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NOSHAME
The impact of the NOSHAME Movement is already evident. "We've seen a growing acceptance and understanding of mental health issues, leading to a supportive community," Tiago notes. However, he acknowledges that there is still much work to be done, particularly in the corporate world where stigma remains strong.
The future plans for the NOSHAME Movement include expanding outreach through awareness events, collaborations with other organizations, a digital platform and community, developing more resources and tools to combat stigma around depression and support men's mental health.
Tiago remains motivated by the positive impact the movement has had on individuals and communities. "If I'm able to help one person to seek help, it's already a huge victory," he says. This drive to break the cycle of depression in his own family and create a more supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues continues to fuel his dedication to the NOSHAME Movement.
