Friday Feature: "You're Allowed to Say You're Not Okay" (Men's Mental Health Special)

Delfino had been quieter than usual that week. Not distant. Just... dimmer. Slothy didn’t push. He waited until they were both sitting by the slow river, watching the clouds pass above the tree line.

Slothy: “Delfino, you okay?” 

Delfino: “I’m… functioning.” 

Slothy: “That’s not the same as okay.”

Delfino: “Yeah. But saying 'I’m not okay' feels... heavy. Like it needs a reason. A story.” 

Slothy: “You don’t need to explain your sadness to earn the right to feel it.” 

Delfino: “It’s just hard, you know? I was always told—stay strong. Keep moving. Don’t fall apart in front of people.” 

Slothy: “And how’s that been working out for you?” 

Delfino (half-laughing): “Honestly? It builds up. Like a dam holding back a flood I haven’t named.” 

Slothy: “You don’t have to hold it alone. And you don’t need a dramatic breakdown to justify letting some of it out.” 

Delfino: “But where do I even start?” 

Slothy: “Right here. You just did.”

🌟 A Feature from Soulamore: This Men’s Mental Health Month, we’re reminding ourselves—and each other—that strength isn’t silence. You don’t need to tough it out. You don’t need the perfect words. You’re allowed to say, “I don’t feel okay.” Soulamore is here with spaces that don’t rush, judge, or expect you to be anything but real. Start small. Start with our Confession Box, or talk to someone who’s been through it—on Our Peers.

Soulamore is building soft spaces for emotional wellbeing—online and in real life. Learn more at soulamore.com or follow along at Instagram @soulamore_