First off, throwaway

Second, Happy International Men’s Day! I love that we get a day, when did this start?

First off. Depression, suicidal thoughts, body image issues, seasonal depression, self harm, social anxiety, sensitivity, emotional/verbal bullying, and eating disorders are usually associated with women and girls right? Yes, and usually that stereotype is true, but I go against the grain. I have experienced everything on that list minus having an eating disorder. I have had not one, but TWO bouts of depression, a severe one at ages 10-11 (with suicidal tendencies) and a moderate one at age 15 (with no major suicidal thoughts). I have had reoccurring body image issues since age 9, mild social anxiety a majority of my life but worse at ages 14-15, and mild seasonal depression from August-January for a few years now. I self harmed a lot (no cutting) at ages 14-15, was a sensitive kid, and I have faced bullying since literally my first day of preschool. This isn’t just a girl thing. I’m also a shy person, but boys aren’t supposed to be shy so I’m misunderstood. I want to tell my story but am afraid that I will be ignored. Girls can talk about this shit far more easily than boys can. We have to be strong and aloof. Well, sometimes that’s easy, but often it’s hard. I’ve been through so much in my life, I want to be able to tell my story. I can’t now. I’m in therapy and only recently have I opened up. My pediatrician and my psychologist are the only ones who know about my 5th grade depression, my psychologist asked me why I never opened up, and maybe this is why.

Honestly, boys are more of a problem with the bullying, and likely also telling my story too. I feel like girls will be more understanding. Our student body sucks but the boys are AWFUL to each other. Mean boys is a prevalent issue in my school. Introverted me gets made fun of by boys and those stupid smirks and smiles from girls.

But I want to tell my story, I NEED to. I don’t ever want a little boy to go through what I did and then have to suffer in fear because of the stigma he knows he’ll face. If you think “the girl who cuts” is ostracized, imagine “the boy who cuts”. FAR worse. I want to give mental health awareness talks in my part time in my 20s. Kids deserve it. Boys absolutely need it.

Guys, talk to your sons about mental health, let them know that daddy won’t judge them. Teachers tell your boys that it’s okay to be sad and to speak up. You don’t have to conform, be you, no matter how sensitive you are. This society comes down hard on boys, it’s hard for us in schools.

You know how we have girl power? We need boy power. We need a male role model to tell our boys that it’s okay, you can be open, let your guard down. I hope my kids and grandkids get that.

Cheers! Spread the word!