Zach F.
If you’re reading this, I want you to know you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
I firmly believe that everything in life happens for a reason. Every person we meet, every challenge we endure, and every experience we go through shapes us into who we become. One of the most defining moments of my life occurred when I was just eleven years old. I faced the heartbreaking loss of my father to suicide. At that age, processing such a loss felt impossible. I watched my father, my role model, carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, never asking for help or sharing his struggles. The silence that he believed made him strong ultimately took him from us.
Today, men's mental health remains a topic many avoid due to the stigma or the common expectation that men should suppress their emotions. We’re often taught that strength means keeping everything inside and that vulnerability is a weakness. I internalized this message and, as a result, became overwhelmed by anxiety and worry, constantly stressed by things beyond my control. I bottled up my anxiety, trying to appear emotionless to protect my mom and brother. My eleven-year-old self naively believed that handling everything on my own was the only way to stay strong. But through my journey, I've learned that true strength lies in embracing vulnerability.
I often found myself questioning everything, searching for answers. Amid this sorrow, I came upon Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." This verse became my anchor. Serving as a reminder that I didn't need to understand everything or carry the burden alone. I could trust God to guide me through the darkness.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how God has placed incredible people in my life to help me navigate grief. I began to lean on those around me—family, friends, and people from my church and community. Each became a source of strength, offering support, love, and understanding when I needed it most. Through these relationships, I realized that God's presence wasn't just in moments of prayer but in the people He had placed around me. Revealing that true strength is not found in isolation but in sharing our struggles with others.
The truth is, you don't have to suffer in silence. Whether it's confiding in family, friends, the Clemson Family, or even me, there are people who want to stand by you. Clemson also offers resources, like CAPS, where you can seek help from professionals who genuinely care. Reaching out doesn’t make you weak—it’s a sign of strength, and it will make you stronger than you ever thought possible. I truly believe God places the right people in our lives to help us grow, heal, and empower us in our most challenging moments.
If you're reading this know that you are never alone in your struggles. We all face challenges throughout life, and while it may feel like the world is closing in, you have the power to overcome them. You may not realize it yet, but there’s a strength inside you that will carry you through. With the proper support, you will rise above it. Every new day brings an opportunity to grow, heal, and move forward. Don't let fear or doubt hold you back. There's no shame in reaching out— it's the bravest thing you can do. You are worthy of support, healing, and hope. Take that first step, speak up, and allow God to place others in your path to walk beside you. Keep moving forward, knowing that your story is still being written, and the best chapters are yet to come.
Zach F., Clemson University
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