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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Men's Mental Health

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.

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

Grief doesn’t always fade with time. Some losses linger, demanding deeper healing. In this fictional yet heartfelt story, we explore the weight of complicated grief and how therapy became a quiet companion on the path to emotional healing

The sterile smell stayed with her for years. Sometimes, she’d catch a whiff of antiseptic somewhere random, and her chest would tighten. Her husband was lying there pale, fragile, a shadow of the vibrant soul she once knew.

She remembered the way he smiled even through the pain, how he gently squeezed her hand, how he told her to keep going. To live. To find happiness beyond his absence. But how do you do that when every step forward feels like you’re leaving them behind?

It doesn’t always come with daily tears or dramatic outbursts. Sometimes it’s quiet and lingering. The kind that hides in smiles and silences. It’s been seven years, but the pain hasn’t left. If anything, it has evolved and shaped itself into something that silently follows her around.

She still talks to him sometimes. In her head, on empty nights. She wonders if that’s weird. If people would understand. But in those moments, it brings comfort, and grief is selfish like that. It gives you what you need, even if it isolates you.

That was the part no one really talks about. How do you grieve two losses at once? How do you bury the man you love and the child you never got to hold? The world moved on. But she couldn’t. She didn’t want to. Because if she moved on, did that mean she was okay with what happened? Was it a betrayal to keep living?

The months after the funeral were a blur. Well-meaning friends told her to stay strong. Family encouraged her to focus on the future. But what future? Her heart felt like a tomb of what could have been. She existed, but she wasn’t living.

Every object left behind has a story. Some stories we’re still learning how to live without.

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Grief and Loss

Complicated grief (also called Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder) is a mental health condition where the pain of loss doesn’t ease over time. The world expects you to bounce back eventually. But for some people, the sorrow doesn’t dull, it deepens.

They don’t just miss the person. They carry guilt., regret and questions that may never get answered. She had them all.

What if I had stayed hopeful a little longer?

Those questions looped in her head for years. They haunted her in quiet moments. She went to work, smiled at neighbors, even joined a book club once but the ache never left.

She had resisted it at first, thinking it was for people who couldn't hold it together. But one day, the weight of everything felt too much. So she walked into a small office, unsure of what to expect. What she found was a space where her pain wasn’t rushed, where she could speak her truth without shame.

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The sessions didn’t magically erase the pain, but they gave her language for it. They helped her unpack her guilt and understand her grief. Little by little, therapy gave her permission to live again at her own pace.

She realised healing isn’t about forgetting. It’s not about closing the door on what was. But when grief becomes your only companion, it slowly robs you of life. She didn’t notice how she stopped attending weddings. How she avoided baby showers. How she felt jealous of women pushing strollers… and hated herself for feeling that way.

She remembered their long conversations about naming the baby. She remembered the soft laughter they shared during morning routines, the way he’d rest his hand on her belly with quiet pride. Those moments had once been too painful to recall. But now, they began to feel like something sacred. She began to understand finding peace isn't betrayal.

It took her five years to realize that letting go isn’t the same as giving up. That moving forward doesn’t erase the love. If anything, it honors it.

She remembered his voice, not the pain-filled one at the end but the one filled with laughter. The one that called her "Fyne" with a teasing grin. That memory brought tears, yes. But this time, they didn’t drown her. They washed something open.

Maybe it was the beginning of healing. It wasn't a big moment but a quiet shift.

She found herself journaling more. Taking long walks and saying yes to small plans. She didn’t call it recovery. She just called it... surviving better. Then, eventually, she called it living.

Why Talking About Mental Health and Grief Still Matters

This story may be fictional, but the emotions are real. Grief is not one-size-fits-all. And complicated grief deserves to be talked about just as openly as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Because people live with it silently and daily.

If you've ever felt stuck in a loss that others expected you to be over, know that you’re not broken. You’re not alone and healing doesn’t have to mean forgetting.

In grieving fully, we sometimes find our way back to living.

Struggling with overwhelming emotions? Our article on 

offers practical support. You can also learn emotional self-care techniques in this 

A fictional yet heartfelt story on complicated grief, therapy, and emotional healing after loss. For anyone navigating grief that doesn’t just go away.

When Moving On Feels Like Betrayal: Living with Complicated Grief

June 18 is more than just another date on the calendar. It is Autistic Pride Day, a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives of autistic individuals. This day invites us to reflect on what it means to truly embrace neurodiversity, to foster acceptance, and to open honest conversations about mental health within the autistic community

Autistic Pride Day was created to shift the focus away from viewing autism solely as a disorder or deficit. Instead, it celebrates the richness of neurological differences and the diverse ways in which autistic people experience the world. This day honors identity, self-advocacy, and the right to be seen and accepted for who one is.

Celebrating neurodiversity means appreciating that autism isn’t something to be “fixed” but a different way of experiencing the world, with its own strengths and challenges.

Unlike some awareness campaigns that highlight challenges, Autistic Pride Day emphasizes pride and belonging. It reminds us that autism is a natural variation in human neurology, not something to be “fixed” or feared. Recognizing this helps build respect and reduces stigma, making space for authentic conversations about mental health.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects with others, and experiences the world. People often think of autism as one thing, but it's actually a spectrum. This means each person is different. While some may need extra support in daily life, others live independently and have found ways to thrive in their own way. What’s common among them isn’t a fixed list of traits but a unique way of seeing and responding to the world around them.

Simple block letters forming the word ‘AUTISM’, representing awareness and visibility.

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Autism awareness

The term neurodiversity describes the natural range of differences in how human brains function. Just as biodiversity strengthens an ecosystem, neurodiversity enriches humanity by contributing varied ways of thinking, learning, and interacting. Autism is a core part of this spectrum, representing a neurological makeup characterized by differences in communication, sensory processing, and social interaction.

However, society often misunderstands autism through a narrow lens. Many believe autistic people lack empathy or cannot form meaningful relationships, which is simply not true. Instead, autistic individuals may express emotions differently or require different social cues. These differences should be embraced rather than pathologized.

Learning about neurodiversity encourages us to see autism not as a limitation, but as a different way of experiencing life. When we do this, we create a more inclusive environment where everyone’s strengths can flourish.

Despite the progress in awareness, mental health remains a critical issue within the autistic community. Studies have shown that autistic individuals experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to the general population. These difficulties are often compounded by external factors such as misunderstanding, exclusion, and lack of appropriate support.

One major cause is the societal pressure to conform to neurotypical norms which is often called masking. Many autistic people spend immense energy hiding their true selves to avoid discrimination or bullying. This constant effort can be exhausting and lead to feelings of isolation, burnout, and worsening mental health.

It is important to recognize that mental health struggles are not inherent to autism itself, but rather the result of the environment and how others treat autistic individuals. Acceptance, understanding, and tailored support can make a tremendous difference in improving well-being.

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How to Support Autistic People on Autistic Pride Day and Beyond

Supporting autistic individuals means more than just offering sympathy. It calls for active engagement, empathy, and commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

These are intentional steps you can take to create a more inclusive space:

Take time to listen to autistic voices and learn from their experiences without judgment. Respect the language they use to describe themselves and their needs.

Challenge stereotypes and misinformation about autism in your community. Use your platforms to share positive messages about neurodiversity.

Encourage schools, workplaces, and social groups to implement accommodations that respect different sensory and communication needs.

Understand that autistic people may benefit from mental health resources tailored to their unique experiences. Support services should be accessible and compassionate.

By adopting these actions, we create a culture where autistic people can thrive, express themselves freely, and enjoy better mental health.

Autistic Pride Day is a powerful reminder that acceptance should not be limited to one day. Neurodiversity deserves recognition all year round. When we celebrate differences daily, we foster communities that value every individual’s contribution.

Embracing neurodiversity enriches us all by encouraging creativity, innovation, and deeper human connection. It teaches us to be patient, to listen actively, and to appreciate that there is no single “right” way to be.

If there is one message to take from today, it is this that everyone deserves respect and mental well-being. We all have a role to play in making society more inclusive.

At TranqBay, we are dedicated to providing compassionate mental health support for all, including neurodiverse individuals. We believe mental health care should be accessible, personalized, and free of judgment.

Our services include confidential counseling, stress management tools, and educational resources tailored to diverse needs. On days like Autistic Pride Day, we reaffirm our commitment to listening to and advocating for the mental well-being of autistic people and their communities.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, know that help is available, and you are not alone.

If you’re curious about other awareness days that promote inclusion, check out our article on 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Celebrate Autistic Pride Day by embracing neurodiversity, raising mental health awareness, and promoting acceptance of autistic individuals.

Celebrating Autistic Pride Day: Embracing Neurodiversity and Mental Health

Why Everyone Is Suddenly Talking About Social Anxiety

Over the past few years, online searches for “social anxiety disorder therapy” and “how to deal with social anxiety” have increased dramatically. More people than ever are searching for ways to manage social anxiety, whether it's facing public spaces or coping with workplace interactions. The topic has become increasingly visible in conversations, social media, and online communities. 

While exact figures vary, this rise tells us something important; more people are trying to understand a struggle that often goes unnoticed. But what exactly is social anxiety disorder, and why is it becoming such a widely searched topic?

In this article, we’ll break down what social anxiety disorder really is, explore why it’s gaining attention, and provide practical steps for managing it whether for yourself or someone you care about.

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition marked by intense fear or anxiety in social situations. It goes beyond simple shyness and interferes with a person’s ability to engage in everyday interactions.

, social anxiety disorder is characterized by:

A persistent fear of being watched, judged, or embarrassed in public

Avoidance of social settings such as meetings, parties, or even everyday conversations

Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, nausea, or difficulty speaking

These reactions are not just nervous habits; they are chronic and can severely affect a person’s ability to function socially and professionally.

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Social anxiety disorder affects a broad range of people across different age groups and cultures.

In the United States, approximately 7% of adults experience social anxiety disorder in a given year.

Adolescents are especially vulnerable, with about 9% showing signs of the condition before adulthood.

Studies in other regions, including Nigeria, also show rising numbers, particularly among university students.

These figures, though helpful, only scratch the surface. Many people never seek help, so actual numbers could be much higher. As awareness grows, more people are identifying their symptoms and looking for answers.

Why Are Searches for Social Anxiety Disorder Increasing?

The massive rise in search volume for terms like “social anxiety treatment”, “therapy for social anxiety”, and “how to overcome social anxiety” points to a few key factors:

Mental health is no longer a taboo topic. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are filled with creators and therapists openly discussing their mental health experiences. This has encouraged many people to recognize their symptoms and seek help or information.

2. Impact of Social Media and Comparison Culture

Ironically, while social media is helping people become more aware, it's also fueling anxiety. The pressure to present a perfect version of oneself online — likes, comments, constant exposure has intensified feelings of judgment and self-doubt, especially in teens and young adults.

After months of isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns, returning to social environments wasn’t easy for everyone. Many people reported increased anxiety about going back to work, school, or social events. The pandemic didn’t create social anxiety, but it certainly magnified it.

Social anxiety doesn't just cause discomfort, it has real, lasting effects on quality of life:

People with social anxiety may avoid job interviews, public speaking, or leadership roles. Even day-to-day office interactions can feel overwhelming, leading to missed opportunities and lower productivity.

Students with untreated social anxiety may avoid group projects, skip classes, or isolate themselves from peers impacting both academic performance and mental wellbeing.

3. Emotional and Physical Health Consequences

Persistent anxiety can contribute to insomnia, low self-esteem, depression, and even physical symptoms such as fatigue or digestive issues. Over time, the stress of trying to "appear normal" in social situations takes a toll.

How to Manage and Treat Social Anxiety Disorder

The good news is that social anxiety disorder is treatable. Many people find relief and begin to thrive with the right combination of support and tools.

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CBT is the most effective therapy for social anxiety. It helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns, challenge avoidance behavior, and build confidence in social situations.

This involves gradually and safely facing social fears in a structured environment, helping reduce sensitivity to anxiety triggers.

In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to manage symptoms. These are typically used alongside therapy and are prescribed based on individual needs.

Mindfulness and meditation to stay grounded in the present moment

Breathing exercises to manage physical symptoms of anxiety

Positive affirmations and journaling to build self-awareness and confidence

Limiting social media exposure, especially when it triggers comparison or insecurity

Online therapy platforms like Tranqbay now make mental health services more accessible. Mobile apps also offer guided meditations, mood tracking, and therapy sessions with licensed professionals, all from the comfort of home.

When Should You Seek Help for Social Anxiety?

If social anxiety is interfering with your daily life; keeping you from opportunities, straining your relationships, or affecting your mood, don’t wait. Help is available.

Talking to a mental health professional on 

Visiting your local clinic or hospital’s counseling unit

There’s no shame in asking for help. In fact, taking that step is a powerful act of courage.

Social Anxiety Is More Common Than You Think

The growing conversation around social anxiety is not just a trend. It’s a necessary shift. For too long, many people have struggled in silence masking their fear of social interaction with avoidance or overcompensation.

But things are changing. If you’re dealing with social anxiety, know that you're not alone, and you're certainly not broken. You deserve to be heard, understood, and supported.

The first step? Acknowledging what you feel. The next? Taking one small, steady step at a time.

If you want to learn more about depression, check out our article 

https://tranqbay.health/blog/news/depression-by-the-numbers-what-the-stats-really-say.

https://tranqbay.health/blog/providers-corner/therapist-insights-on-anxiety

Social anxiety is rising fast: here’s what it means, why it’s trending, and expert-approved strategies to overcome it and reclaim confidence.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Why It’s on the Rise and What You Can Do About It 

Supporting Mental Health Without Overstepping

Mental health is a sensitive and complex issue. A small miscommunication or the wrong choice of words can unintentionally trigger or escalate a difficult situation. It’s common to feel confident offering advice on careers, relationships, or finances, yet feel unsure and inexperienced when it comes to supporting someone facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD. Unlike many everyday problems, mental health challenges require a special kind of care, one that balances empathy with respect for boundaries.

Many people struggling with mental health issues might need support implementing what their therapists suggest, or they could be waiting to begin therapy and seeking understanding from friends or family in the meantime. Having a dependable support system is invaluable during these moments, but knowing how to offer support without overstepping can be tricky.

Why Support Systems Matter for Mental Health

The role of support systems in mental health recovery cannot be overstated. When someone is going through a crisis whether dealing with self-harm urges, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, or depression, feeling alone can worsen the situation. A strong, compassionate support network helps reduce feelings of isolation and provides a lifeline during dark times.

While professional therapists provide the primary care, friends and family often serve as the first responders emotionally. Just knowing there’s someone who understands and accepts them without judgment can bring hope. This understanding aids resilience and can encourage the individual to continue their healing journey.

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It’s crucial to recognize that mental health struggles are real and not exaggerated or attention-seeking behaviors. Although it might be difficult to fully grasp what a person is experiencing, validating their feelings is essential. Mental illnesses like depression or PTSD involve complex symptoms that affect emotions, thinking, and behavior in profound ways.

While it’s not the role of a non-professional to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, offering compassionate support means acknowledging the reality of these struggles. Avoid minimizing their experience or making comparisons like “others have it worse.” Such remarks, even if well-meaning, can deepen feelings of shame and loneliness.

8 Ways to Support Someone Struggling with Mental Health

One of the most powerful ways to support someone is through active listening. This means fully focusing on what the person is saying without interrupting, judging, or rushing to offer advice. Often, people don’t need immediate solutions but to feel heard and understood.

Instead of rushing to give advice, reflect on what you have heard. This approach helps you show empathy and the individual feels validated.

Active listening requires patience and presence. Avoid distractions such as checking your phone or looking around the room. Sometimes, the simple act of being there without trying to “fix” anything provides comfort.

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Learn 8 effective ways to support someone facing mental health struggles with respect and care. Help without overstepping boundaries or causing harm.

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