When Strength is Not Enough…

by Shane Allen Salter

I am not the only man whose mental health struggles were ignored and carried in silence. We are often taught to be strong, keep moving, provide, protect, and handle whatever comes our way. Pain gets buried. Depression can look like anger. Anxiety can look like control. Trauma can look like isolation. And asking for help can feel like admitting weakness when, in reality, it may be one of the strongest things we ever do. Getting help means learning to speak honestly about what I am feeling, listening when my mind and body tell me something is wrong, accepting professional support, and allowing other people to walk with me.