In less than 3 weeks, I'm running my first Olympic Triathlon. It's crunch time for training and I wanted to put this out there before I run out of time.

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month... I know, there's a month for everything... but this cause is something that has become very important to me. Its no question that men's mental health and the stigma surrounding it are in need of drastic change. Our society has put shame on men battling depression. We're forced to swallow it, to "man up" and carry on with a smile on our face... we're encouraged to just bury it deep down... but roots take hold when the seed is buried deep.

Men account for 75-80% of deaths by suicide. Over 36,000 male suicidal deaths occur annually in the US alone. Globally, 60 men die from suicide every hour. That means every minute, someone's son, father, or brother loses his battle with suicide.

On June 22, I will be running my first triathlon in Pleasant Prarie, Wisconsin. I'm hoping to raise $3200 ($100 per mile) to contribute to the Movember Foundation, a charity organization thats been commited to improving men's mental health and spread suicide awareness and prevention across the globe. Armed with extensive resources, esteemed professionals, and selfless volunteers, this organization is truly making a difference across the world. If you can help contribute and donate to this cause, awesome!! I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If not, the simplest gesture can make all the difference for someone in the depths of depression. Whether it's being a non-judgemental ear, or just someone they don't have to hide their pain from. It was the non-judgemental acceptance of a couple dear friends and even the simple kindness and compassion of complete strangers in a foreign country that helped me through some of my darkest of times. The simplest of gestures can have the largest of impacts.

And if you are one of the countless men silently battling with depression or suicidal ideation, I encourage you, I beg you to please reach out to someone. If not a friend or family, then a professional or one of the numerous suicide hotlines. And if none of those are an option, then my inbox is always open.It doesnt matter if you've known me for decades or if we're complete strangers. By no means am I a therapist, but I get it, I sure as hell won't judge, and I'm in it with you. Reach the fuck out, brother!!

Thanks for taking the time to read and for giving me that little extra encouragement in training. Much love to you all!