The Grief Good Men Carry

When you are a responsible man, you are not allowed to falter. Once your role is established, you are expected to fulfil it. Every day. Every damn time. Regardless of how you are feeling. Regardless of what you are feeling. Depression then becomes a luxury. You only get empathy insofar as it keeps you functional. If your functioning is impaired, you don't get any. That's why there are men out there who are suffering but cannot speak of it. Because who would listen. They silently endure their mental ordeal. Trying to make sense of the world with a broken mind. With their absence of love, warmth and care. Because if they stop, somebody will sleep hungry. That's the most haunting weight to carry. Mix it with ingratitude from the very people he's providing for, and you are looking at a deeply disturbed man. This goes deeper than it appears. You are expected to sacrifice your desires. If there is ever a moment where someone must give something up, it has to be you. Nobody forces you to.…