Sheridan, USA October 04, 2025 Innovation Times Senior Correspondent
On October 10, the world will once again mark World Mental Health Day, a time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being and challenge the stigmas that keep too many people in silence. This year’s theme, Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health and Access to Care in Times of Crisis, calls attention to a reality often ignored: men are battling invisible wars. Among the voices contributing to this global dialogue is Dr. Ira Roach III, whose chapter “Silent Battles That Shaped Me” in the acclaimed book Men Don’t Cry provides a deeply personal yet universal account of how silent struggles can define, strengthen, and ultimately liberate a man.
Dr. Roach begins with a statement that instantly reframes the narrative of masculinity: “You’re not less of a man for crying; you’re more of a man for healing.” It is a declaration that confronts one of the most harmful lies men are taught from childhood: that tears are a weakness rather than a doorway to restoration. In his telling, crying is not the end of strength but the beginning of true wholeness.
His chapter opens with an intimate reflection on one of his earliest insecurities: his voice. Growing up, he struggled with the belief that his voice was not deep enough to command respect. In a society where manhood is often tied to external markers like physical appearance, tone, or social dominance, this insecurity became a mirror of a much larger fear: not being enough.
While others spoke with confidence, their voices thundering with authority, Dr. Roach questioned whether anyone would ever take him seriously. He admits he tried to overcompensate by speaking louder, trying to sound tougher, and shaping himself to fit the mold of what he thought men were supposed to be. Yet, over time, he discovered a profound truth: authority does not come from the depth of one’s tone, but from the depth of one’s truth.
This realization marked a turning point in his life. What once seemed like a flaw became a source of clarity. His voice may not have carried thunder, but his words carried weight, and weight lasts longer than volume. Through that lesson, he began to understand that the silent battles men carry often conceal the seeds of their greatest growth.
“Silent Battles That Shaped Me” does more than chronicle one man’s journey; it lays bare the hidden insecurities so many men carry but rarely admit. Dr. Roach points out that men are often conditioned from a young age to bury their doubts, hide their vulnerabilities, and perform strength even when they feel fragile inside. The cost of this silence, he explains, is that men grow up fighting wars within themselves that no one else can see.
These battles may look different for each man, whether it is the pressure to provide, the fear of not measuring up, or the constant performance of toughness, but their impact is universal. They rob men of joy, prevent them from living authentically, and often isolate them from the very people who could help them heal.
Dr. Roach’s testimony resonates precisely because it is ordinary and relatable. Many men will recognize themselves in his struggle with identity, self-worth, and perception. What may seem trivial to others, like the pitch of a voice, can become, in the mind of a boy or young man, a lifelong source of self-doubt. By admitting this truth, Dr. Roach validates the unspoken insecurities of countless men who have carried their own silent burdens in shame.
Yet, this chapter is not written to dwell on wounds alone. It is about transformation. Dr. Roach reminds readers that the struggles we hide can become the very foundations of our wisdom, if only we allow ourselves to face them honestly. His journey shows that silence need not define us; instead, it can be broken and rewritten into a story of resilience.
This message aligns powerfully with the wider purpose of Men Don’t Cry. The book is not a collection of complaints but a movement to redefine masculinity in healthier, more humane terms. It challenges the outdated narrative that men must be stoic, unfeeling, and invulnerable. Instead, it calls for courage: the courage to admit weakness, to share pain, and to heal in community rather than in isolation.
Dr. Roach’s contribution stands out because it blends vulnerability with authority. He speaks from lived experience, but also from a place of wisdom earned through reflection and faith. His journey from insecurity to self-acceptance is a roadmap for any man who has ever questioned his worth or felt silenced by societal expectations.
As World Mental Health Day approaches, the relevance of this message could not be clearer. We live in a time of crises: economic, social, and personal, that weigh heavily on men. Jobs disappear, relationships fracture, and the pressure to remain unshaken only grows. Men are expected to be providers, protectors, and pillars of strength, even when their own world is collapsing. Dr. Roach’s words remind us that healing begins not with performance, but with honesty.
His chapter is not only for men. It is also for families, communities, and leaders who need to understand the unseen battles that men carry. By reading “Silent Battles That Shaped Me”, women gain insight into the men they love, children learn empathy for the fathers who guide them, and society learns that strength is not diminished by vulnerability but magnified by it.
Importantly, Dr. Roach frames healing as a spiritual as well as emotional journey. He acknowledges that it was only when God matured him that he realized the true source of authority. This perspective integrates faith with psychology, offering readers a holistic approach to overcoming insecurities and living authentically.
What makes “Silent Battles That Shaped Me” so impactful is that it offers hope without denying reality. It does not sugarcoat the struggles men face, nor does it minimize the weight of silence. Instead, it insists that silence can be broken, and that in breaking it, men discover not shame but freedom.
The timing of this chapter’s release within Men Don’t Cry is significant. As Dr. Roach speaks at this year’s summit, his story will amplify the global call to ensure men have access to mental health care during crises. His voice, once the source of insecurity, now carries authority precisely because it is rooted in truth.
For men reading this chapter, the message is clear: you are not alone in your silent battles. Your struggles, no matter how small they may appear to others, are valid. And in naming them, you take the first step toward healing.
For communities, the lesson is equally clear: listen more, judge less. Do not dismiss the struggles of men simply because they are invisible. Beneath the surface, battles are being fought every day, and the cost of silence is far too high.
By purchasing and reading Men Don’t Cry, readers are not just buying a book. They are joining a movement to dismantle toxic myths of masculinity, to empower men to live authentically, and to foster a culture of compassion that benefits families and societies alike.
Dr. Ira Roach III’s “Silent Battles That Shaped Me” is a reminder that the path to manhood is not about never faltering, but about learning to rise honestly from every stumble. His chapter is a gift to every man who has ever questioned his worth and to every person who longs to understand the hidden battles that shape us all.
The book is available now in multiple formats:
This October 10, as the world gathers to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health, Dr. Roach’s words could not be more urgent. They remind us that strength is not about hiding battles but about having the courage to face them. His chapter is a testimony that silent struggles can indeed shape us, but they do not have to define us.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Ira Roach III, known as America’s Leadership Expert and the driving force behind Life By Design is a renowned speaker, coach, and civility advocate. As the Founder of the Focus Forward Civility Global Community and President of Pastors for Civility, he guides individuals and leaders to move forward with purpose through dynamic consulting, mentorship, and motivational speaking Ambassador Dr. Ira Roach III.
Holding a Ph.D. in Humanities and a D.D. (Doctor of Divinity) in Religion, Dr. Roach also possesses credentials in Counselling, Christian Education, and Organizational Leadership & Development. His academic foundation supports his mission of helping people change their perspectives and envision a better tomorrow.
