My neighbour and I have had similar discussions in the very recent past. There is still a stigma - for men in particular - that "mental health" is just a way of saying "You're not strong enough." It's not only irritating, it's dangerous. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Your opening statement is bang on. Some of us do put on a happy face, for any of a number of valid reasons, yet still feel like we're dying a little on the inside. Everyone has their own story, and every story, when told, is vibrant, maybe happy, maybe not, but definitely unique, and should not be judged.