Are we losing connection with our young men?
“Mom, you’re beautiful.”
When my son Jon Robbie said those three words, I was reminded how deeply human connection affects us.
We encourage our sons to become strong and independent. Yet independence doesn’t have to mean disconnection.
According to a 2026 report by GreenShield and Mental Health Research Canada, 44% of Canadian young men aged 16 to 29 who needed mental health support in the previous year did not access it.
We need to listen. We need to be present. And we need to remind young men that they matter.
I’m Lisa Watson, a functional medicine and mind-body practitioner, hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner trained by Paul McKenna.
Within my Changemaker Program, I’ve developed my own approach called Humanitarian Hypnosis™.
It explores how hypnosis, mental imagery and sensory awareness can help us practise:
- Self-compassion instead of self-judgment
- Greater emotional awareness
- Listening and understanding
- Compassionate relationships
- A shared intention of care, kindness and goodwill
See what you see. Hear what you hear. Feel what you feel.
My vision is to encourage personal connection, social coherence and collective compassion.
Because the images we create can influence how we experience ourselves and how we connect with the world.
To every young man:
You don’t have to have your future figured out today.
Be yourself, not perfect.
You matter. You are loved. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
THE WORLD NEEDS YOU.
Share this video with a young man who needs to hear it.
Explore Hypnosis, NLP and the Changemaker Program.
Research: GreenShield and Mental Health Research Canada (2026), From Silence to Support: Building Better Mental Health Supports for Young Men.
Hypnosis and guided imagery may complement well-being practices but do not replace appropriate mental health care. If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 9-8-8 in Canada, any time.
