How I Faced Depression Head-On: My Story with HeadsUpGuys & LGBTQ+ Mental Health
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be sharing my struggles with depression publicly, I would have laughed (or more likely, ignored you). Like many men, I grew up believing that mental health was something to deal with privately—push it down, keep busy, move on. But when life threw more at me than I could handle, I had no choice but to confront it. My story was recently featured on HeadsUpGuys, a fantastic resource dedicated to supporting men through depression, and I want to take a moment to talk about that experience, as well as the broader issues of LGBTQ+ mental health.
When Everything Fell Apart
For most of my life, I’ve been the kind of person who thrives on movement—physically, emotionally, and creatively. Music has been my outlet, a way to process emotions that I couldn’t quite put into words. But grief and depression don’t care about outlets. They don’t care how resilient you think you are. After losing three family members and surviving a car accident, I found myself unraveling in ways I had never experienced before. I couldn’t run from it anymore. I needed help.
Finding the Right Support
That’s where therapy came in. I used to think therapy was a sign of weakness, but I quickly learned that it’s actually a sign of strength—of facing things head-on instead of letting them consume you. Music helped me too, but I had to shift my mindset. Instead of using it as an escape, I learned to use it as a tool for healing. Slowly but surely, I built a routine that worked for me: therapy, music, exercise that wasn’t just punishment for my body, and (most importantly) open conversations with the people who care about me.
The Unique Struggles of LGBTQ+ Mental Health
As an LGBTQ+ individual, mental health comes with its own set of challenges. Discrimination, internalized negativity, and societal pressure can weigh heavily. Studies show that LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a reality for so many of us. I know what it feels like to question your place in the world, to feel like you don’t belong. But here’s the thing: you do. And there are resources and communities out there to remind you of that.
Why HeadsUpGuys Matters
I was fortunate enough to have HeadsUpGuys share my story, and I believe in the work they do. They provide practical tools, self-check assessments, therapist directories, and real-life stories from men who have been through it. If you’re struggling, or if someone you love is, I highly recommend checking them out. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to not be okay. What matters is that you keep going.
What Helped Me (And Might Help You Too)
Music as Therapy – Instead of using music to escape, I started using it to process emotions in a healthy way.
Therapy – Talking to a professional helped me untangle thoughts I didn’t even realize were holding me back.
Exercise (But in a Balanced Way) – I moved away from high-pressure sports and focused on movement that made me feel good.
Talking About It – Breaking the silence was one of the hardest but most healing things I did.
Routine and Structure – Even small daily habits helped create a sense of stability.
Spending Time in Nature – It sounds cliché, but fresh air and open spaces gave me perspective.
Allowing Myself to Grieve – Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it’s okay to sit with it sometimes.
Final Thoughts
Depression doesn’t have a simple fix, and healing isn’t about ‘winning’—it’s about consistently showing up for yourself. I’m still on this journey, but if my story can help even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth sharing. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. And if you’re looking for a place to start, HeadsUpGuys is an incredible resource.
Remember: You are not alone. You are worthy of support. And most importantly, you are enough.
