In this solo episode, I’m talking directly to the guys… and to anyone who cares about the men in their life. We’re in the middle of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, but instead of just rattling off stats and moving on, I want to focus on something deeper. I want to help you start a conversation. With others, yes. But also with yourself.

This episode is all about recognizing the weight you’ve been carrying. The silence. The sadness. The pressure to “man up” and keep everything to yourself. I get why it’s hard to open up. Maybe you’ve done it before and it blew up in your face. Maybe you think no one will understand. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself it’s just easier to keep things in. But here’s the truth… those emotions are still there. And they’re going to find a way out eventually.

I talk about what it’s like to sit in your feelings. To really listen to yourself. To consider therapy. To build a circle of people who don’t just tolerate your vulnerability but actually respect it. It’s not easy. It takes work. But you can do it. And I believe it’s one of the strongest things a man can do.

You don’t have to go it alone. There are people who will support you. But the first step is to open the door. This episode is that invitation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is designed to get conversations started around your mental and emotional health. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your medical and/or mental health professional before starting any program. No one on this podcast is a licensed mental health professional.

If you are in the United States and are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact:
- 911
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.

Visit mensmentalhealthseries.com for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.

For comments, questions, topic ideas, or possible collaborations, email daryl@darylperry.com