The Chronicles of Alex

The strength of a man.

They tell him to be tough

              – the toughness destroys him

Weathering his body and taxing his mind

But, he must be tough.

              – it is critical to success

Burying his emotions and crippling his relationships

He carries the weight of himself and the world on his shoulders

              – his shoulders begin to buckle 

So, he stands taller 

If he is tough, the man may die

              – with honor of course

But if he is not, than he most certainly will die but with none.

The standards on men relating to mental health are cruel and unrelenting. Men are expected to never have emotions aside from anger, naturally. Men are to not have needs, especially emotional ones, because that is feminine. But, that seems to be the farthest thing from reality in my perspective. Needing extra support or additional help is necessary and okay. The pressure internally and externally put on men to provide everything for other people is daunting and unrealistic. Men have needs as well, and it doesn’t make them any less of a man. 

As a man, – but more so as a human – men were made to need other men, other humans. People were made to need people. To be a part of a community that supports. 

The toll of trying to do everything by oneself is heavy. It is unsustainable. Creating shells of men. Retreating from the front lines, because they were too tough. Some of the best are lost, because they feel there are no other options and have no one to turn to. 

Even if Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t this month doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Tell the men in your life you love them. Sit in silence with them. Do yard work with them. Let them know you appreciate what they do for you. Because we need them. As brothers. As uncles. As fathers. As boyfriends. As cousins. As nephews. As friends. As people. 

AMS 3, 04/17/2025