Man Up for Mental Health

Hello, my name is Sean I will be running Swansea half marathon on June 5th to raise money for men’s mental health ‍♂️

 and I’m here to share my story in the hope that it can help others who are struggling with their mental health. Like many men, I’ve faced challenges that I’ve kept hidden for far too long. The weight of anxiety, depression, and the pressures to "man up" left me feeling isolated and powerless. For years, I kept telling myself I should be strong, that I should handle things on my own—but the truth is, I wasn’t okay. I wasn’t strong, and I was struggling.

There were days when it felt like I couldn’t keep going. The mental battles were exhausting, and yet, there was always a voice telling me that asking for help was a sign of weakness. That voice told me to hide my emotions, to pretend everything was fine when I felt anything but. The shame I felt about my mental health was crushing, but eventually, I realized that I needed to take action. I needed to stop hiding and start healing.

I sought help, and with therapy and the support of close friends and family, I began to take steps toward recovery. The road hasn’t been easy, but every day I’m learning that it’s okay to not be okay. And more importantly, it’s okay to ask for help.

Through my journey, I’ve realised how important it is to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health especially for men. Too often, we are told to "man up" and keep our feelings to ourselves. This is why I’ve chosen Man Up as the charity for this fundraiser.

Man Up is a charity dedicated to breaking the silence around men’s mental health. They work tirelessly to support men who are struggling with mental health issues, providing them with the tools and resources they need to seek help and speak out about their struggles. The organization helps to shift the narrative from "man up" to "speak up," encouraging men to reach out, seek support, and prioritize their well-being.

By choosing to fundraise for Man Up, I want to help others who may be in the same position I was—feeling like they have nowhere to turn and no one to talk to. Mental health is a real issue, and it’s time to stop pretending that men are immune to it. This cause is close to my heart, and I truly believe that we can change the way men view their own mental health if we come together.

Every contribution to this fundraiser will help Man Up continue its vital work of offering support, education, and resources for men who need it. Your donation will make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling, helping them find the courage to speak out and seek the help they deserve.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you are able, I would be grateful for your support. Whether it’s a donation, sharing this campaign with others, or simply offering your encouragement, it all makes a difference. Let’s change the conversation around men’s mental health together.