Depression

ADHD (attention difficulties)

Chronic stress

Trauma and PTSD

Postpartum challenges

To wrap up Men’s Mental Health Month and complement the articles 

7 Signs He's Struggling but Won't Say It 

, we decided to listen directly to one man’s experience. 

Soneye Michael, an artist who channels his emotions through drawing, shares his honest journey navigating what it really means to be a man in today’s world: the pressures, the silence, and the hope for healing.

His story is one of many, but it’s a powerful reminder that men’s mental health is deeply personal, complex, and deserving of our full attention.

Growing up, what messages did you receive about what it means to “be a man”?

Honestly, no one really sat me down and spelled it out. I had to figure it out for myself through what I saw around me and what I experienced. Growing up, there were so many things I just didn’t understand about being a man, like  what’s expected, what’s allowed, what’s off-limits. Most of the lessons came from watching others and learning through trial and error.

But there was this constant unspoken expectation and silent pressure that being a man means surviving no matter what. Like, you have to push through hardship and keep going even when things hurt, even when you feel broken inside. That’s what I learned, sometimes painfully, that toughness equals manhood. But that also meant bottling up feelings, not asking for help, because that’s “weak.”

Was mental health ever discussed in your family, school, or community?

Mental health? Not really. But when it's mentioned, it's not in a way that made it feel real or urgent. People would say things like “you’re too young to be struggling” or “everyone goes through stuff, just deal with it.” So when I was feeling overwhelmed or down, those words made it seem like I shouldn’t talk about it or that my feelings weren’t valid.

It’s like the conversation was there but buried under be strong and move on. That made it hard to be open about what was going on inside.

Why do you think many men struggle to talk about their emotions or mental health?

Because society has built this idea that men must always be the rock. We’re supposed to survive, fix things, and never show pain. So when a man starts talking about his feelings, it’s often seen as a weakness or something shameful.

Also, men are sometimes raised to believe that showing emotion will make people look down on them, or worse, that it will cost them respect. That pressure makes many men shut down instead of reaching out.

Picture of Michael, interviewed about his mental health journey.

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Have you ever been made to feel “less of a man” for showing emotion or vulnerability?

Yes, definitely. One time, someone who had more financial power offered help but made it clear there were conditions attached. It was like I was paying a price just for being honest about struggling. That kind of experience makes you think twice about opening up again because it feels like vulnerability is being weaponized against you.

What would you say to someone who thinks “mental health talk is for women”?

I’d say they just haven’t met a man who cries or shares what he’s really feeling. Men have emotions, too. Pretending we don’t only keeps us trapped in silence and pain. Mental health isn’t a gender issue, it’s human.

What’s one myth about men and mental health you’d like to debunk?

That men don’t cry or don’t suffer from mental health issues. That myth is dangerous because it keeps men from seeking help and being honest with themselves and others.

If a young man were reading this and silently struggling, what would you say to him?

Don’t give up. Keep grinding, but don’t grind alone. Find someone you trust; a friend, a family member, a counselor, and talk. Pray if that’s your thing. Whatever works for you, keep working toward getting better. You’re not weak for struggling; you’re human.

Do you think we’re doing enough to support men’s mental health? What more needs to be done?

Some people are trying, but not enough. Men need to feel truly loved and valued. More importantly, we need more listening ears, people who don’t just hear but really listen without judgment or rushing to fix things. That kind of support can make a big difference.

 A close-up of expressive artwork created by Soneye Michael.

I’m an artist. Drawing is my escape. When I put pencil to paper, I’m able to express feelings that are hard to say out loud. It’s my way of making sense of the chaos inside and finding some peace.

Besides art, my faith keeps me grounded. The Word of God and God Himself are my anchors through tough times.

Have you tried therapy? If yes, how was it? If no, why?

I haven’t tried therapy yet. It’s mostly because I can’t afford it right now. But I believe it could help, and I hope to try it when I get the chance.

Any last words you'd like to leave with readers?

If you see someone breaking down, don’t turn away. They need your support more than you might think. Sometimes just being there can save a life.

Michael's story is a powerful reminder that men’s mental health matters deeply and that breaking the silence starts with honest conversations like this one. Art, faith, and connection offer different paths to healing, but the key is that no man should have to carry his pain alone.

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, or other mental health challenges, reach out because healing begins when we break the silence.

It’s not uncommon to hear people say they haven’t tried therapy because it feels out of reach financially. But often, that belief comes from not knowing what options actually exist. At Tranqbay, we’re changing that.

We offer affordable therapy plans tailored to fit your budget, because your healing shouldn't have to wait for your wallet to catch up. You don’t have to choose between getting help and staying afloat.

If cost has been the barrier, it doesn’t have to be anymore. Let’s make healing possible together.

An interview setup featuring a relaxed conversation between a man and a woman.

What men really want you to know about mental health. Raw, honest, and unfiltered. Breaking stigma and redefining strength through a candid interview.

What Men Want You to Know About Mental Health: A Candid Interview

Do you also think affirmations are disillusioning, deceitful, and pretentious? Is that your perception?

Many people assume that affirmations are nothing more than sugar-coated lies or empty phrases people repeat to feel better while their problems remain untouched. To some, it sounds like denial, like standing in the middle of a storm and saying, “

That is untrue. We hope that by the time you’re done reading this, you will come to see affirmations differently. 

Affirmations are positive statements you intentionally repeat to challenge and control negative or unhelpful thoughts. They’re not magical words or instant solutions. They don’t make your bank account fill up or your problems disappear overnight. But what they can rewire how you think. And that changes how you act, how you feel, and how you show up for your life.

You know yourself best, so your affirmations should be tailored to your current situation. Whether you're struggling with a job loss, battling low self-esteem, healing from a breakup, or simply trying to stay afloat mentally — your affirmations can (and should) speak to that directly. 

In the context of mental health, affirmations can be powerful tools. While they might not change anything physically, their effects on the mind are significant. 

Research suggests that affirmations can help reduce stress and promote a more optimistic mindset.

Daily affirmations can really help with anxiety and depression. When we feel anxious, our minds often get stuck in worry and fear. Affirmations break that cycle by helping us focus on positive thoughts that bring calm. 

For people dealing with depression, affirmations can help shift the feeling of hopelessness to a reminder of our worth and strength. Repeating these positive statements each day gradually helps us feel better about ourselves, and over time, it can reduce feelings of sadness. 

When used consistently, affirmations can give you a glimpse of how far you can go even when your current situation is far from perfect. They don’t replace therapy or action, but they do support them.

They work hand-in-hand with techniques used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), where people learn to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more empowering ones.

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Let’s be clear that using affirmations doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It’s not about ignoring reality or avoiding your problems. That would be delusional, and affirmations are not meant to encourage such.

Instead, they help you reframe your reality. They offer an intentional shift from self-doubt to self-belief. When paired with action, affirmations become a support system for your mental and emotional well-being.

You don’t need a fancy journal or morning sun to start using affirmations. What you need is intention, consistency, and your own voice.

Keep Them Visible: Sticky notes on your mirror, wardrobe, bathroom door, anywhere you’ll see them.

Use Your Phone: Set reminders or wallpaper with your affirmations.

Speak Them Out Loud: Don’t just think them, declare them. Saying it with your own voice reinforces the message in your brain.

Be Consistent: Just like exercise, results come with repetition. It might feel silly at first, but over time, your brain starts to adopt the message.

Start Small: Choose 2–3 affirmations and say them daily for at least 30 seconds.

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Many people don’t realize they practice affirmations daily – just negatively. You might not have written them down or said them aloud, but if you’re constantly thinking, “

,” those are affirmations, too, just unhelpful ones.

Affirmations aren’t foreign. They’re familiar. You’ve just got to turn them in your favor.

If you're not sure where to start, here are a few affirmations that support mental health and emotional well-being. You can tweak them to suit your current needs:

I am allowed to feel and process my emotions.

I am not my mistakes. I am learning and growing.

I matter, even when I don’t feel like I do.

I trust myself to make decisions that support my healing.

We’re still in Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to try something that uplifts your mindset. 

Affirmations are not magical fixes, but they are powerful tools. They help you take charge of your thoughts, challenge harmful patterns, and support your healing process.

Start where you are and speak what you need. Also remember your voice is one of your greatest tools for transformation.

 helpful for enhancing emotional clarity and fostering personal growth.

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Discover how affirmations can boost your mental health, reduce stress, and build self-confidence. Learn practical ways to use them daily.

Daily Affirmations for Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is important every day. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference in building resilience, reducing stress, and maintaining emotional well-being. This guide provides 30 simple, actionable ways to care for your mental health, anytime you want to start.

With millions affected by depression and anxiety, consistently caring for your mental health can be a powerful preventive tool, especially when treatment is out of reach for many. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide experience mental health challenges each year. The numbers tell a bigger story that mental health struggles are more common than we often realize.

Mental health often gets overlooked until stress, burnout, or anxiety takes over. Caring for your mental health proactively helps prevent problems before they escalate, and it allows you to show up fully in your relationships, work, and daily life Taking small, intentional steps each day helps you handle life’s ups and downs with more ease and maintain a calm, clear mind.

30 Simple Ways to Care for Your Mental Health

You can approach this as a 30-day challenge or simply pick the activities that fit your lifestyle. These activities are designed to be easy, flexible, and practical, so anyone can start immediately.

Practice mindfulness for 5 minutes in the morning.

Call a friend or family member for a quick check-in.

Take a 5-minute self-check to see if you are taking on too much.

Try deep breathing exercises when stressed.

Take a 10-minute break to step outside and enjoy fresh air.

Practice positive self-talk when you make mistakes.

Prioritize sleep; aim for 7–8 hours nightly.

Unplug from social media for at least one hour.

Engage in a creative hobby like drawing, writing, or cooking.

Share helpful mental health resources with friends or colleagues.

Read a book or watch something that makes you laugh.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and energized.

Learn something new to stimulate your brain.

Be gentle with yourself during tough days.

Take breaks during work or study to avoid burnout.

Find a support group to share experiences and advice.

Reflect on your progress and celebrate small victories.

Choose activities that help you feel grounded and happy.

The goal is not to create a rigid routine, but to encourage daily care for your mental well-being. By committing to even a few of these practices consistently, you can gradually build resilience, wellness, and emotional stability. Your mental health matters, and you deserve to thrive every single day.

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Boost your mental well-being with 30 simple daily activities. Start anytime and take steps to care for your mind, reduce stress, and build resilience

One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a provider to address personal concerns, emotions, and behaviors. 

Individual Therapy

One-on-one support focused on your personal well-being.

Counseling sessions that involve multiple family members to address relationship dynamics, conflicts, and family-related issues.

Family Therapy

Guided sessions to improve family communication and harmony.

Therapeutic sessions conducted with a small group of individuals who share similar issues or goals, 
providing support and shared experiences.

Group Therapy

Supportive sessions with others facing similar challenges.

Therapy sessions involving couples to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance the 
quality of their relationship.

Couples Therapy

Therapy for partners to improve communication and connection.

A consultation session for clients who may be unsure of their needs and would like guidance on the best next steps.

Initial Consultation

Your starting point to identify goals and match with the right care.

Specialized therapy for children and teenagers to address age-specific emotional and behavioral 
challenges. 

News, Insights and Updates On Mental Health Awareness Month

What Men Want You to Know About Mental Health: A Candid Interview

Daily Affirmations for Mental Health

30 Simple Ways to Care for Your Mental Health

Stay Updated

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Find Therapists

Popular Concerns

Assessments

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Find Therapists

Popular Concerns

Assessments

News, Insights and Updates On Mental Health Awareness Month

What Men Want You to Know About Mental Health: A Candid Interview

Daily Affirmations for Mental Health

30 Simple Ways to Care for Your Mental Health

Stay Updated

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Find Therapists

Popular Concerns

Assessments

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Find Therapists

Popular Concerns

Assessments