A Father's Day Message for the Men Who Are Hurting

Father's Day can be a complicated day. For some men, it's a day of celebration. For others, it's a day filled with grief, regret, distance, loneliness, unanswered questions, or relationships they wish looked different than they do today. In this special Father's Day episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, Daryl Perry shares a heartfelt message for fathers, father figures, stepfathers, adoptive fathers, and the men who have stepped into a guiding role in someone else's life. Drawing from the recent loss of his own father to ALS, Daryl reflects on the lessons his dad taught him about love, forgiveness, vulnerability, and the importance of having conversations before it's too late. He also explores the emotional weight many men carry, the burden of unresolved relationships, and why healing often begins with forgiving yourself. In this episode, we discuss: • Why Father's Day can be difficult for many men • The emotional realities of fatherhood and father figures • Lessons learned from losing a parent • Why vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness • The damage caused by resentment, bitterness, and keeping score • How relationships can begin to heal through ownership and conversation • The importance of therapy, connection, and emotional support • Why your presence matters more than you realize This episode is a reminder that many men are carrying far more than they show the world. If you're struggling today, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you, people whose lives have been impacted by you, and people who are glad you're still here. The Men's Mental Health Series exists to encourage honest conversations around mental health, emotional well-being, vulnerability, and the realities men face every day. Because healing starts with a conversation. If you are in immediate danger or considering harming yourself, please seek help right now: United States & Canada: Call or text 988 United Kingdom & Ireland: Call Samaritans at 116 123 Australia: Call Lifeline at 13 11 14 Emergency Services: Call your local emergency number immediately if you are in crisis. You matter. Your story matters. And help is available. Happy Father's Day.