EPISODE OVERVIEW In this raw and powerful episode released on World Mental Health Day, host Marlouke sits down with Nasser, a mental health advocate who transformed a childhood of severe trauma into a mission of hope and healing. From surviving abuse and kidnapping to battling high-functioning depression and PTSD, Nasser shares his journey through intensive therapy, EMDR, and his ultimate "rebirth" moment. This conversation breaks down the walls of male mental health stigma and proves that asking for help is the ultimate act of strength. CONTENT WARNING This episode contains discussions about suicide, self-harm, childhood abuse, and mental health struggles. Crisis Resources: Netherlands: 113 Suicide Prevention - 0800-0113 (free) or 113.nl International: findahelpline.com KEY QUOTES "I didn't have a childhood. I had a survivalhood." "Being alpha doesn't mean that you have to be strong 24/7. It means that you have to show weakness. I find that more strong than saying I'm okay when it's not true." "I was thinking, if I get hit by a truck now, I'm fine. I had a lot of friends, but deep down inside, I felt like the most lonely person in my life." "What can we do to get rid of this before I start raising my kids? I cannot raise my kids knowing that I have this in me, because I will transmit it to them." "When I passed the finish line, I was crying and I said, 'I know where I'm ready. I'm reborn.'" "Behind every smile lies a deeper truth, a relentless battle where shadows attempt to overshadow the light. I choose to rise above the challenges, embracing the light that guides me, because I will not give up." PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS Change Your Question: Ask "How are you feeling?" instead of "How are you doing?" - feelings are emotions, and this question opens real conversations. The 5-5-5 Grounding Technique: When overwhelmed, identify 5 objects you can see, 5 sounds you can hear, and 5 things you can touch. Repeat with different items until calm. Body Scan for Safety: When panicking, scan your body - are your feet working? Legs okay? Heart beating? You're safe. This brings you back to reality. Give Recognition, Not Comparison: Never say "others have it worse" - pain isn't a competition. Validate what someone is feeling in that moment. Teach Emotional Intelligence Early: Ask children why they're crying and help them name their emotions - frustrated vs. sad, overwhelmed vs. angry. Create Safe Spaces: Let people know "I'm not going to hurt you" and mean it - psychological safety is essential for healing. GUEST INFORMATION Nasser is a mental health warrior, personal trainer (MILO certified), and father of two who transformed severe childhood trauma into a mission of hope. After surviving physical and emotional abuse and years in survival mode, Nasser rebuilt his life and now dedicates himself to breaking the stigma around male mental health. Connect with Nasser: @nasser.parislima KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED Childhood Trauma & Survival Mode Growing up in an abusive household Kidnapping and abuse in Tunisia at age 7-8 Living in constant survival state from birth to adulthood The Mask of High-Functioning Depression Looking strong on the outside while broken inside Passive suicidal thoughts and feeling alone despite having friends The question that changed everything: "Are you following me into depression?" The Therapy Journey Diagnosis: high-functioning depression, uncomplicated PTSD, ADHD traits EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy Choosing intensive treatment: 90-minute sessions, twice weekly Tools that saved his life: body scans and grounding techniques The Rebirth Moment Completing Hyrox as physical and mental test The "I'm ready" moment inspired by the film Southpaw Finding strength through his inner child and his son's support The Samurai Philosophy Living by the way of the samurai (Hagakure book) The seven pillars of Bushido: respect, honor, courage, compassion, honesty, loyalty, self-control "You have two lives - the second begins when you kill your ego" Breaking Generational Curses Teaching sons emotional intelligence and creating safe spaces Why "you're a man, get over it" is destroying men The importance of accepting emotions without judgment Mental Health Advocacy Why men avoid therapy and how to change that Being an advocate means helping one person at a time The difference between listening and proactive helping RESOURCES MENTIONED Mental Health Support: 113 Suicide Prevention (Netherlands): 0800-0113 or 113.nl International Crisis Lines: findahelpline.com Therapy & Treatment: EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for trauma Grounding Techniques: 5-5-5 method and body scanning Books & Philosophy: Hagakure: The Way of the Samurai - Japanese philosophy on resilience and living fully Bushido: The seven pillars of the samurai code Film: Southpaw (2015): Boxing film about resilience and rebuilding after loss Other: Brave Men Talk: Initiative by the Barefoot Dutchman NEXT STEPS Subscribe to Louk on Life wherever you listen to podcasts Leave a review and share how this episode impacted you Follow @louk.on.life on Instagram for more inspiring content Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they're not alone Start the conversation - ask someone today "How are you feeling?" If you're struggling: Reaching out is a sign of strength. Help is available wherever you are. EPISODE CREDITS Host: Marlouke (Louk on Life) Guest: Nasser Paris Lima (@nasser.parislima) Music: Mixkit_co | Can’t get you off my mind by Michael Ramir C. DISCLAIMER This episode contains discussions of suicide, abuse, and mental health struggles. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or crisis helpline immediately. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Louk on Life. This content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.
