There is nothing for you to prove. It won't make you less of a man if you shed a tear. Crying is a healthy way to release emotions which are trapped up inside of you.
Crying doesn't always demonstrate sadness it can be caused by joy, inspiration and happiness like the time you watched that heartfelt TV commercial or seeing your daughter or son get married. Watering the oceans isn't a sign of being weak or 'gay', it is a completely natural bodily reflex.
You are human. Yes, you may be a man but that doesn't classify you under certain restrictions. Be you, that is the most important thing to do.
This month Huffington Post UK will be shinning a light on the pressures men face around identity, talking openly about suicide and mental health concerning men.
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK, that's before cancer, heart disease and diabetes. But why?
I believe some men feel to ashamed to seek help and support. Depression can affect anyone but it's so important to talk with someone as soon as you have a lack of energy, low sex drive, and unexplained aches and pains. These are all typical signs of depression. There are so many networks out there which can support individuals with mental health disorders, you will not only be treated but looked after and have the opportunity to meet other people just like you.
Being the 'alpha male', the leader in the family or to demonstrate your indestructibleness is a completely false impression of what men have to be. You are not made of stone, you are made of heart and warmth and sometimes things get a little cold and that's when you need to speak up.
For you to be there for your family, you need to be healthy and strong in more ways than one. Whatever is on your mind speaking out about the issue can relieve so much stress and pain.
Communication is another aspect which must be explored further. Men, you need to talk more to your friends and close family. Maybe others your age are going through similar feelings. This can really help you understand that you are not on your own.
In secondary school I spoke with a counsellor and did the same in college. The benefits were great. My moods had lit up and things seemed all that less darker. I am only 18, I have no children and a family to provide for so I can most definitely imagine the pressures a middle aged man goes through.
Instead of focusing your life around the responsibilities remember to smile, be happy and spend time with people you love and care.
Never be scared to show emotions. Like I said, you are human. Crying is natural.
HuffPost UK is running a month-long focus around men to highlight the pressures they face around identity and to raise awareness of the epidemic of suicide. To address some of the issues at hand, Building Modern Men presents a snapshot of life for men, the difficulty in expressing emotion, the challenges of speaking out, as well as kick starting conversations around male body image, LGBT identity, male friendship and mental health.
To blog for Building Modern Men, email ukblogteam@huffingtonpost.com. If you would like to read our features focused around men, click here