Hombres on the Mend

As a Latino man, I have spent most of my life living with the stigma that there are more important things to worry about or focus my energy on than dealing with those feelings that live underneath the surface. Over the years, I have dealt with bouts of depression, burnout, anxiety, and just feeling like I had no purpose and no sense of direction in my life. 

Those who know me have seen a version of me who is always smiling, enjoys being the life of the party, and places an emphasis on making those around me happy. However, behind that smile, I have maneuvered through life on a path full of emotional obstacles. Anxiety, like an unwelcome guest, has often accompanied me on this journey of self-discovery for many years. 

I experienced this unsettling feeling I never quite understood for many years. Rather than face the uncertainty of what I was feeling, I decided to tuck those feelings deep inside at the fear that if I spoke about them out loud, I might be considered weak, or even worse somebody would judge me or ridicule me for having such feelings as a man. 

In the Latino culture, men, for the most part, are raised with the mindset that we are not allowed to show weakness, as we are meant to be the strength of our families. Yet, a struggle can happen in silence for many men like myself. That silence can leave many wondering into an abyss of unanswered emotions as we cannot find our voices to share those pains.  Often, that silence can manifest itself in a manner that can lead to alcohol and substance abuse, self-sabotage, and a genuine lack of purpose. Over the years, I have gone to therapy to uncover the root of these issues that were too difficult to speak up about. Through my healing work, I am embracing vulnerability as I endeavor to forge authentic connections and foster a sense of community, recognizing that in sharing our struggles, we often find solace and strength in solidarity with others. One key insight I've gained on this journey is that our battle transcends the Latino community. Therefore, I encourage all of us who are part of the Hombres on the Mend community to continue sharing our personal experiences within this space to help empower those who may be facing the same struggles.

Through my words, I aim not only to uncover the depths of my struggles but also to shed light on the often shadowed struggles with mental health, particularly in the male community, while creating a safe space for us all to engage in a conversation that has long been missing in our communities. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of mental well-being, fostering a community where vulnerability is embraced, and every voice is heard. Join me on this transformative journey as we cultivate resilience, compassion, and healing, one story at a time.