Trouble breathing? Gasping for air? Imagine screaming for help but no one can see you, let alone hear you. An anchor is holding you down as you try to reach the surface. Clawing your way to the light, you’ve finally reached the top, barely scratching at the surface. You’re at ease now. Or so you thought. Piercing eyes judging you because they’re sticking to the social norm society has infiltrated on your demographic. Demons don’t exist for you guys silly. It’s not allowed. So get your act together, dust yourself off, put your mask on and push through. That’s how it’s always been done. Men are tough. Men don’t cry. Men can’t be “soft” or vulnerable. For when has it been okay for them to show emotion?

That’s where your wrong. How do men face such a double standard? Men’s mental health is just as important as women, adolescents and so on. If anything – it needs more attention. So many males face things alone and because of society they surpress it all. The negative stigma that surrounds mental health is insane, especially men’s mental health. Men have the same right to feel all their feelings. They’re able to struggle, they’re able to be depressed, feel sad, feel angry, feel empathetic, and want to get the help they deserve. Acknowleding that times have changed, and that it’s okay to feel your feelings is the first step of accepting that you may need help. The social norm that has been instilled on men needing to be “tough” is quite disgusting if I do say so myself. Men–your feelings are valid… Don’t let a societal “norm” define you. What even defines normal? To each their own interpretation of nornal- so you take care of you. I promise it’s okay to be selfish at times. If you need to talk about it, do so. We should all rise above the old school mentality way of thinking and be there for one another. In one way, shape, or form- we should all in therapy, so why not lean on one another and help each other as best that we can. Your patience and masking of your emotions is unmatched. I pray you men can get the help you may need or find your person you’re able to vent to. You don’t always need to be strong. It’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to get help. You’re not alone. We’re a community, and we’re in this together. Not all heroes wear capes. Men are heros too, especially the ones who advocate for themselves on their wants and needs. Being able to validate that you need help is a beautiful thing. Not all heros wear capes. Some are clawing at the edge of their brains itching to have someone notice the hurt and pain they’re enduring. Until then, end the stigma, get the help, love one another, and don’t be afraid!!