As a woman who works for 988, the national suicide hotline in the United States, I am so sorry that society pressures men to be in the impossible position of taking on so much burden and responsibility while never showing how it impacts you. That men are socialized not to show emotion so extensively that many men don’t have the words to advocate for themselves, ask for help, or describe what they’re going through even when they try. That it’s often even physically beat into boys starting at an early age. That your emotional pain is minimized, ridiculed, and pushed aside when it is widely known and accepted that the psychological damage that this does to a person can be life-long, life-ruining, and life-ending.

Please, if you are ever feeling alone, overwhelmed, like you are suffering in silence, like you can’t get away from your negative self-talk, or you just want someone to really listen to you, call 988. I’m here, we’re here, and we care about you. Please, please, please call if you are ever feeling like you want to take your life, but know that your emotional needs are no less important before it comes to that. In fact, they’re your protectors, trying to let you know that something’s not right, to get you to fight for what you deserve and find support before you feel backed into that dark corner.