A Victoria author is hoping to de-stigmitize masculine mental health problems by talking to men in vulgar “dude” language as part of a new book.
Make Sure Your D*** Doesn't Fall Off Before You Die Drunk and Alone is described by the author as an extremely vulgar book about domestic violence and mental health.
The roughly 225-page book blends hyper-masculine language, mental health, domestic violence and comedy to talk about how mental health treatment is a good thing for a man's sex life.
It includes chapters such as Sex Before Suppertime, Hygiene and Other Bad Habits, Earning Things and Avoiding Hypocritical Entitlement, the Workplace Sex Snafu, the Infected Penis and Whimps and Jerks Don't Get Self Esteem.
Author Ryan Levis, who has worked in mental health and addictions for the past four years, said when referring to domestic violence, universities, government organizations and citizens groups are using politically-correct that is “acceptable” to the community.
“When I saw that this language was not meeting its maximum audience, I figured as an artist, author and a comedian, I could use an alternative, de-institutionalized language to send a similar message with a more accurate vernacular to their intended audience,” said Levis, a feminist who studied at the Canadian College of Performing Arts and the University of Victoria.
He said society is moving towards a more progressive and equality-based world and if men don't get on board with the feminist evolution, they'll be “left out in the cold,” increasing their isolation and likelihood for being aggressive and angry.
Another topic the book focuses on is the biggest inhibitor to men seeking treatment — being emasculated by other men.
“The benefits of pursing mental health treatment and physical treatment are quite astounding,” he said. “There's a lot of male inhibition inside of male-male peer groups where we go “oh, if you get treatment, you're going to get emasculated by your male peers and if you're going to discuss your problems they're going to stigmatize you'.”
Levis has had his own share of problems that led him to seek help. He now credits his treatment with him being a more happy, approachable and healthier person.
Make Sure Your D*** Doesn't Fall Off Before You Die Drunk and Alone launches on Friday, Nov. 13 at The Papery (669 Fort. St) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and can be purchased through Friesen Press at 1-888-378-6793.