Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month
Whew.
I debated whether I should make this post, especially since just three weeks ago I experienced a mental breakdown—a depression relapse, really. But this is exactly what this month is for... right?
If you're familiar with my platforms, then my mental health journey is no secret. When I started in media six years ago, I made a conscious decision to include conversations around mental health in my content to help reduce the stigma surrounding it.
Six years later, we're not fully there, but we've made progress.
Every season of my podcast, I try to include at least one episode focused on mental health. On my radio show, I make it a point to regularly create space for these conversations. The goal has always been simple: normalize speaking openly and honestly about our experiences.
This journey hasn't been easy.
In 2019, I lost my job and found myself flat on my face—financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
In June 2022, I lost my father. Four months later, I lost someone I loved deeply.
There have been many moments along the way that made me want to throw in the towel.
But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that healing isn't linear. Some days are better than others, and that's okay.
To all the men reading this:
It's okay to not be okay.
It's okay to feel.
It's okay to not have everything figured out.
Society often tells us we shouldn't cry, shouldn't be vulnerable, shouldn't express what we're carrying. But I'm here to tell you that's a lie.
Seek help if you need it.
Talk to someone you trust.
Find healthy ways to cope.
Take care of your mental health the same way you take care of your physical health.
Take it one day at a time.
And breathe.
You've made it this far. You can make it
through the next moment too. 🙏🏾💙
#MensMentalHealthAwarenessMonth