The alarm screams at 5:30 AM. Another day begins and I lay there contemplating whether to actually get out of bed or to curl up and say no to “adulting” today. School starts at 7:00, ends at 4:00, but my workday doesn't stop there. Online classes fill the hours until 9:30 PM. By the time I collapse into bed after a late night video game stream, it's well past 10:00. Rinse and repeat. Anyone feel like this sounds familiar?

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. I love teaching. But this constant grind... it's exhausting man- and not just physically. There's this mental weight that never seems to lift. This feeling that no matter how hard I work, it's never enough. I see it in other men too – this drive to be the best, to provide, to control every outcome and the feeling of inadequacy when we can’t control every aspect. We push ourselves to the limit, sacrificing sleep, relationships, and even our own well-being. But why? Why do we feel like we have to conquer the world, single-handedly?

Maybe it's the message that has been instilled in us since boyhood. Be strong. Be the provider. Don't show weakness. So, what do we do? We bury our struggles, put on a brave face, and keep pushing, even when we're running on fumes.

The problem is, this constant striving for control is an illusion. Life throws curveballs. Students have bad days. Lessons flop, and when things don't go as planned, we blame ourselves. We feel inadequate, like we're failing. It's time we give ourselves permission to be human, to struggle, to ask for help- and that means giving ourselves permission to feel. To cry when we need to, to talk about what's going on inside. We've been told for so long to "man up" and hide our emotions, but that just bottles things up and makes them worse.

Think about it this way: when you have an EKG, do you ever take note of those peaks and valleys on the readout? That's your pulse. That's proof you're alive. It's the same with life. Those ups and downs, the challenges and triumphs? That's the rhythm of a life truly lived. It's all part of the journey.

I've been there. I used to obsess over every lesson plan, every student's progress. If one kid looked bored, I'd take it personally. If a parent suggested a change, I'd spiral into self-doubt. Even before becoming a teacher, I had feelings of inadequacy.

Here's what I'm learning: We can't control everything. And that's okay. In fact, it's liberating.

Letting go of that need for perfect control is a process. It means challenging those ingrained beliefs about what it means to be a man. It means accepting our imperfections and embracing the messy, unpredictable nature of life.

It also means recognizing that "good enough" is often enough. We don't have to be superheroes. We don't have to have all the answers. We just have to show up, do our best, and be kind to ourselves in the process.

If you're reading this and nodding along, know that you're not alone. We're all in this together. And it's time we start talking about it. It's time we give ourselves permission to be human, to struggle, to ask for help.

Why is it so important to talk about men's mental health?

Well, it's because the stakes are high. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, and yet, we're more likely to die by suicide. That's not okay. We need to break down the stigma, create space for vulnerability, and let guys know it's okay to not be okay.

It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to feel sad, angry, scared, overwhelmed. Those emotions are all part of the human experience, and they don't make us weak. In fact, allowing ourselves to feel those emotions can actually make us stronger, more resilient. Talking about our feelings can be tough, especially for guys. But it's one of the most important things we can do for our mental health. Whether it's with a friend, a family member, or a therapist, finding someone we trust and sharing what's going on can be a game-changer.

When we open up, we break down the stigma. We show other guys that it's okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help. And that can have a ripple effect, creating a culture where men feel supported and empowered to take care of their mental well-being.

I have been streaming video games for a year now, and one thing that I have always made a priority is being there for the people in my life. There are men that I have never met in real life, let alone been on the same continent as them, but I would go to war for them. Supporting each other does not mean taking their troubles away from them, but it means to give them a shoulder to help them carry the weight of everything.

How can we support the men in our lives?

Listen without judgment. Sometimes, just having someone to hear us out can make a world of difference.Check in. A simple "How are you doing, really?" can go a long way.Encourage them to seek help. Let them know there's no shame in talking to a therapist or counselor.Let them know they're not alone. Remind them that they're loved, valued, and supported.

Here are a few things that have helped me on my journey:

Mindfulness: Taking a few minutes each day to simply breathe and be present can work wonders for anxiety.Setting boundaries: Learning to say "no" to things that drain my energy.Connecting with others: Talking to friends, family, or a therapist about what I'm going through.

It's not easy, but it's worth it. Because when we let go of the need to control everything, we create space for joy, peace, and genuine connection. And that, my friends, is more than enough.

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