An Australian writer has faced backlash after criticizing Nedd Brockmann’s 1,000-mile run, which raised millions for homelessness, claiming it reflects a broader trend in which men are “turning the fight against mental health care into expressions of mental toughness’.
Jill Stark, an award-winning journalist, argued that Brockmann’s challenge reflects a broader trend in men describing mental health problems as expressions of mental toughness.
While she applauded Brockmann’s “admirable job” of raising money for charity, Stark said she was concerned about his display of mental strength.
“There has always been something that concerns me about the philosophy he espouses and the message he conveys about what it means to be ‘mentally strong.’
“It’s a uniquely masculine approach to wellness that involves less self-care and more self-flagellation,” she wrote.
‘In this worldview, the tougher the challenge and the more performative the suffering, the more psychologically robust you are.’
She added that activities such as endurance running, ice baths and paleo diets are examples of how men pursue self-improvement, questioning whether these activities truly represent “mind over matter.”
“Or is the blockification of mental fitness just another name for toxic masculinity.”
The now-deleted social media posts by Jill Stark (pictured) described the charity drive as a wider trend in which men’s self-help activities took on a ‘toxic masculinity’.
An Australian writer has targeted Nedd Brockmann (pictured) for his portrayal of ‘what it means to be mentally tough’ as he ran 1,600km for charity
Many Australians were quick to criticize Stark’s comments, sparking a backlash that prompted her to deactivate her social media account.
“Your portrayal of Nedd Brockmann’s performance as ‘toxic masculinity in a new guise’ completely misses the point,” one person stated.
‘Endurance challenges are not about performative suffering, but about cultivating resilience, discipline and emotional regulation, qualities that are essential for dealing with mental health problems.
‘Research shows that these activities release endorphins and improve mental health by reducing anxiety, preventing depression and promoting mental clarity.
“Physical challenges offer a path to healing that is as valuable as reflective practices, and dismissing them as mere ‘blockification’ not only spreads misinformation but also risks alienating those who actually benefit from these practices.”
“The cheek to advocate for mental health and tear down Nedd Brockmann, you’re all set,” a second added.
Another added: “I see her points but she is completely wrong. Miserable wretch for thinking and doubling down on that and posting that.”
Brockmann crossed the finish line at 6.15am on Wednesday, having covered the distance by running 4,000 laps of Sydney Olympic Park’s running track in just over 12-1/2 days.
He started his epic run on October 3, aiming to break the world record for running 1,600km in 10 days, while raising money for the homeless charity We Are Mobilise.
Brockmann raised more than $2.5 million for homelessness charity We Are Mobilize while running more than three marathons a day for 12 days
Although injuries and the resulting crippling pain prevented him from breaking the world record, Brockmann has still managed to raise more than $1.8 million for the cause.
He burst into tears as he completed his final lap around Sydney Olympic Park before hugging his mother Kylie and father Ian.
After running the equivalent of more than 38 marathons in less than two weeks, the cult hero fell to the ground shortly afterwards.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” he said as he lay on the court.
‘I’m damn proud of that.’