THE BREAD WINNER

eadwinners are told to "be strong" so often that they begin to internalize it, building walls around their emotions and lo

d to believe that expressing pain is a sign of weakness, that vulnerability is shameful, and that emotions are a luxur

r becomes mechanical. When the light in their eyes slowly dims. It is not because they no longer care. It is because the weight has b

n. The breadwinner's mental health is the cost no one counts. Depression, anxiety, burnout-these

the family is called selfish. Breadwinners are not allowed to say, "I'm tired." Not allowed to say, "I need help." Their silence is

ling internal demons, but still shows up smiling at family gatherings, still sends money for emergencies,

their success but don't know their story. Family sees only what they can give. Romantic partners may depend on them withou

toxic lessons. Boys are taught not to cry, even when they are hurting. Girls are taught to endure, even when

readwinners often begin to lose sight of who they were before the responsibility consumed them. Their dreams d

istance, through sudden mood changes-but their cries go unnoticed. Because society

eeking momentary escape. Some spiral into mental health crises. Some take their own lives, unable to see a way ou

not chosen but forced. A silence that protects

re must be space for the breadwinner to cry, to rest, to say, "I need you too." Because stren

to suffer in silence-unseen, unheard, and slowl