June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and for the first time in years, I haven’t said anything about mental health.
I don’t know why I haven’t said anything, maybe I feel like I don’t have anything to add. Or maybe I just don’t know what to say anymore. Right now, I just know I can’t let this month end without speaking my mind.
I think I’ve been quite open about my mental health over the last few years, and I’ve always tried to encourage my fellow men that it’s okay to have these struggles. If you don’t know, I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety for a few years now. The way I’ve always dealt with it probably wasn’t the best.
I always thought that advocating for it might help me get better, and at times it seemed like it helped, but then after a while, it was back to square one. I used to write my feelings and thoughts out. It helped, but I knew I had to do more. I had to talk about my struggles—like really talk.
When you open up to someone you trust, even if it’s just a little, it feels like a weight is taken off your shoulders. Unfortunately, as men, being vulnerable never feels like the right option. You either think it makes you look weak, or you’re scared someone might use it against you.
I’ve been there. I opened up to someone, and they used it to manipulate or degrade me, which makes it hard to trust again. So, talking to someone might not seem like the easiest first step, but once you do it, everything else gets easier.
If you can, then try seeing a therapist—or maybe a pastor or someone you know who can listen and not judge. The next thing is kind of the same but different: communicate the way you feel, especially to a partner. You don’t have to deliver a long speech—just be honest when you don’t feel like yourself.
I’ve learned that I should just straight-up tell people when I’m in a bad space. Not everyone will understand, but those who care definitely will. And at the end of the day, the people who care about you are the ones who truly matter.
Now, I’m not a mental health professional, so I can’t really give advice, but I’m speaking from my own experience. This is how I’ve been healing myself. This is how I try to keep myself grounded and not get lost inside my own head. Depression and anxiety can feel like an everlasting storm, but it can calm down when you get the right help.
I’m sorry for being quiet all month. I guess I still had some things to sort out within myself. I know I’m not 100% where I want to be, but I can’t let my struggles stop me from at least encouraging one bro out there.
If you’re a man struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone.
Please reach out to one of these free, confidential helplines and support groups:
NAMIBIA
Lifeline/Childline Namibia (24/7)
📞 +264 61 232 221
🌐 www.lifelinechildline.org.na
Windhoek Mental Health Centre – Windhoek Central Hospital
📞 +264 61 203 9111
🌐 www.lifelinechildline.org.na
SOUTH AFRICA
SADAG Suicide Crisis Line (24/7)
📞 0800 567 567
📱 SMS 31393
🌐 www.sadag.org
Lifeline South Africa (24/7)
📞 0861 322 322
🌐 www.lifeline.org.za
Brother’s For Life – Men’s mental health advocacy
🌐 www.brothersforlife.org
