by Kayla Myers, Peer Support coordinator

June 24, 2025

I’m a mom of boys, loud, messy, hilarious, curious, deep-feeling boys.

And if I’m honest, one of my greatest hopes, besides them eventually learning to do their laundry and clean up after themselves, is that they grow into men who feel safe being whole. Not just strong or stoic or successful. But soft when they need to be. Honest. Vulnerable. Supported.

Because here’s the truth, one I’ve heard from every mom of boys and quietly carried myself: the world still struggles to let our sons be fully human.

We tell our kids, “It’s okay to cry,” but somewhere between kindergarten and manhood, that message gets lost. Replaced by phrases like “man up,” “don’t be soft,” and “real men don’t talk about their feelings.” And those words don’t just bounce off; they sink in. They settle deep.

As moms, we see their hearts before the world tells them to hide them. We see the quiet anxiety before the tough-guy mask forms. We know the pressure they carry in silence, the self-doubt buried behind humor, the frustration when they don’t have the words to explain what’s going on inside.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. And if it reminds me of anything, it’s this:

We don’t just need to raise good men.
We need to raise whole men.

Men who know it's okay to ask for help.
Men who’ve had practice expressing what they feel.
Men who’ve seen someone care about what’s happening beneath the surface.

Here’s what I’m doing, or I should say, what I’m trying, daily:

• I ask them how they’re feeling, and I try not to rush past the silence.
• I talk about therapy like it’s normal, because it is.
• I praise emotional honesty just as much as achievements.
• I work on asking for help myself, because they’re always watching.

In my eyes, no boy should grow up believing his feelings make him weak.

So, whether you're a parent, an aunt, a coach, a teacher, or a friend, be part of the voice that says:

You don’t have to pretend you're okay when you’re not.
You’re not less of a man for needing support.
You’re more of one for knowing when to reach out.

To my sons, and all the boys growing into men:
Your mind matters.
Your emotions matter.
You matter.

Let’s raise them to believe it.

(Edited and Enhanced with ChatGPT)

Generated by Open AI ChatGPT
Edited by Andi Daniel

December 31, 2024

Reflecting on mental health accomplishments can be an empowering and enlightening exercise. It not only allows you to see how far you’ve come but also provides motivation for continued growth. Here’s a guide to help you recognize and celebrate your mental health milestones over the last year and set a positive tone for the future.

Recognize Your Progress

One of the most significant steps in acknowledging your mental health accomplishments is to recognize your progress, no matter how small. Mental health improvement is not always linear, and even minor victories deserve celebration. Consider these areas of progress:

• • • Overcoming Challenges: Think about obstacles you faced this year. Did you navigate a difficult situation or cope with stress more effectively than before?
    • Improved Coping Mechanisms: Have you developed healthier ways to deal with anxiety, sadness, or anger? For instance, practicing mindfulness, journaling, or reaching out to a trusted friend instead of bottling up emotions.
    • Breaking Patterns: Reflect on whether you’ve identified and interrupted negative thought patterns or behaviors. These shifts indicate significant growth.

Reflect on Your Emotional Resilience

Emotional resilience is your ability to bounce back from adversity. Over the past year, think about how you’ve demonstrated resilience. Ask yourself:

• • • Did you recover from setbacks more quickly than in previous years?
    • Were you able to maintain hope or optimism in challenging situations?
    • Have you become better at self-soothing or seeking support when needed?

Recognizing these moments can help you appreciate your strength and adaptability.

Evaluate Your Relationships

Healthy relationships play a crucial role in mental well-being. Reflect on the quality and depth of your connections:

• • • Improved Communication: Have you become more open and honest in expressing your needs, feelings, or boundaries?
    • Strengthened Connections: Did you nurture or deepen relationships that matter to you?
    • Letting Go: Have you distanced yourself from toxic relationships or those that no longer serve your well-being?

These changes can signify a major step forward in prioritizing your mental health.

Acknowledge Your Self-Care Habits

Self-care is a cornerstone of mental health. Over the last year, think about how you’ve incorporated self-care into your life:

• • • Routine Practices: Are you regularly engaging in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, or energy, such as exercising, reading, or meditating?
    • Physical Health Improvements: Have you made strides in nutrition, sleep, or physical activity? These are foundational to mental well-being.
    • Time Management: Have you become better at balancing work, personal life, and downtime?

Even small adjustments in these areas can have a profound impact on your mental health.

Celebrate Your Boundaries

Setting and maintaining boundaries is a powerful mental health accomplishment. Consider these questions:

• • • Have you become more comfortable saying “no” when needed?
    • Are you protecting your time and energy from overcommitment or negativity?
    • Have you communicated your boundaries more effectively to others?

Recognizing and enforcing boundaries is an act of self-respect and self-care.

Reflect on Personal Growth

Personal growth often accompanies mental health achievements. Think about:

• • • Learning Opportunities: Did you acquire new skills, knowledge, or hobbies that boosted your confidence or happiness?
    • Overcoming Fears: Have you faced a fear or stepped out of your comfort zone?
    • Personal Values: Did you gain clarity about what truly matters to you and align your actions with those values?

These developments contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Note Your Emotional Awareness

Emotional awareness is a key component of mental health. Over the last year, have you:

• • • Become more aware of your triggers and how to manage them?
    • Identified and labeled your emotions more accurately?
    • Learned to accept your feelings without judgment?

These skills can enhance your overall emotional intelligence and well-being.

Highlight Your Support Systems

Recognize the role of support systems in your journey:

• • • Have you sought professional help, such as therapy or counseling, and found it beneficial?
    • Did you lean on friends, family, or support groups during tough times?
    • Have you expanded your network of support, creating a stronger safety net for future challenges?

Building and utilizing support systems is a testament to your strength and resourcefulness.

Practice Gratitude for Your Achievements

Gratitude can amplify your sense of accomplishment. Take a moment to appreciate:

• • • The progress you’ve made, even if it feels incomplete.
    • The resources, opportunities, and people who’ve supported you.
    • The resilience and determination you’ve shown.

Writing down your gratitude or sharing it with someone can deepen its impact.

Set Intentions for the Future

After reflecting on your accomplishments, consider how you’d like to build on them in the coming year:

• • • Specific Goals: Identify areas where you’d like to continue growing, such as developing healthier habits or deepening relationships.
    • Learning Opportunities: Explore books, courses, or practices that can support your mental health journey.
    • Self-Compassion: Commit to being kind to yourself, even when progress feels slow.

Setting realistic and meaningful intentions can provide direction and motivation.

Recognizing your mental health accomplishments is a powerful way to celebrate your journey and inspire continued growth. By reflecting on your progress, resilience, relationships, self-care, and emotional awareness, you can see how far you’ve come. Remember, every step forward—no matter how small—is an achievement worth celebrating. As you move into the next year, carry the lessons and strengths you’ve gained, and continue nurturing your well-being with intention and care.