Important Topic

Men's Mental Health

A personal story about loss, depression, recovery, and the importance of talking about mental health.

A Personal Story

This is a difficult but important topic that needs to be discussed openly.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, my world was shattered. A close friend from my friend group took his own life. The shock and grief were overwhelming, but the worst was yet to come. Shortly after, another friend from the same group also ended his life. Two friends, gone within a short period, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill.

The weight of these losses crushed me. I fell into a deep depression that consumed every aspect of my life. I abandoned social media, stopped programming - something I had always loved - and completely neglected my life. The darkness felt inescapable, and I couldn't see a way out. The pain was so intense that it felt like it would never end.

This wasn't my first experience with depression. I had struggled with it before, even during my school years. At one point, it got so bad that I had to talk to the school administration and was granted a leave of absence for a period of time. That was one of the hardest but most important decisions I made - recognizing that I needed to prioritize my mental health over everything else, even if it meant stepping away from my normal routine. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary, and it taught me that it's okay to ask for help and to take time for yourself when you need it.

Prioritizing your mental health is crucial, and I want you to know that many schools understand this and are willing to work with students who are struggling. If you're in school and dealing with mental health challenges, don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor, teachers, or administration. Many educational institutions have policies in place to support students' mental health, including accommodations, leaves of absence, or modified schedules. Your education is important, but your well-being comes first. You can't learn effectively if you're struggling to survive. Taking time to focus on your mental health isn't giving up - it's investing in your future and ensuring you have the foundation you need to succeed.

Somehow, I managed to find a way back. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen overnight. Recovery is a journey, not a destination. But I learned something crucial along the way: you don't have to go through this alone. Talking to someone - whether it's a friend, family member, therapist, or support group - can make all the difference.

I want to be honest with you: recovery isn't linear. Even recently, I found myself falling back into depression. It's a reminder that mental health is an ongoing battle, and it's okay to struggle. What matters is that we keep fighting, keep reaching out, and keep moving forward - even when it feels impossible.

The Most Important Message

Always talk to someone when you need help. Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness. They're a part of being human, and seeking help is one of the bravest things you can do.

Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, or any other mental health challenge, remember: your feelings are valid, and you deserve support. There are people who care about you, even when it doesn't feel like it.

Important: Depression Doesn't Always Look Like Sadness

There's a common misconception that depression always means being extremely sad or crying all the time. That's not always the case. Depression can manifest in many different ways:

  • Irritability and anger - Sometimes depression shows up as being easily annoyed, frustrated, or even angry
  • Emotional numbness - Feeling nothing at all, like you're disconnected from your emotions
  • Physical symptoms - Headaches, body aches, fatigue, or changes in appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating - Brain fog, trouble making decisions, or feeling mentally "slow"
  • Loss of interest - Things that used to bring joy now feel meaningless or empty
  • Feeling "fine" on the outside - Many people with depression can function normally and appear okay to others

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, even if you don't feel "sad," you might still be dealing with depression. Your experience is valid, regardless of how it presents itself.

If you're reading this and you're struggling, please know that your life has value. The pain you're feeling right now is temporary, even if it doesn't feel that way. Reach out to someone - a friend, a family member, a mental health professional, or a crisis hotline. You don't have to face this alone.

The harsh reality: Approximately 75% of all suicides worldwide are committed by men. That's nearly 600,000 men every year (~1,650 per day, ~50,000 per month). These aren't just statistics; these are fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and partners. Each number represents a life cut short, a story that ended too soon. This is why talking about men's mental health is so critical - every life matters, including yours.

You Matter

This topic is close to my heart because I've lived through it. I share this story not to seek sympathy, but to let others know they're not alone. I've been through the darkness, I've felt the weight of depression, and I know how isolating it can feel. Even recently, I've struggled again - mental health is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

If my story can help even one person reach out for help, then sharing it is worth it. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here. Even with everything going on in my life, I will make time to listen. Your mental health matters, and so do you.

Take care of yourself, and take care of each other. We're in this together.

Statistics

75%

of all suicides worldwide are committed by men

~600,000

men every year

~1,650

men per day

~50,000

men per month

These aren't just statistics; these are fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and partners. Every life matters, including yours.