Kevin's Story
Filmmaker Kevin Watts shares how having a man in his life share their struggles allowed him to confront his own mental health difficulties head on.
"Know this: you're not broken, and you're not alone."
Breaking the Silence: Why I Made Connect:
Hey everyone, I’m Kevin Watts. I’m a writer, director, and producer. I was born and raised in Birmingham, England, but now reside in Los Angeles, California.
I recently completed a short film titled “Connect.” It’s a deeply personal story that shines a light on an issue we don’t talk about enough: men’s mental health.
At its heart, Connect explores the relationship between a father and his son. Frankie, the son, spirals into depression after losing his father. After crashing his car, he wakes in a surreal, purgatory-like realm where he must play his favorite childhood game, Connect 4, against his father to save his own life.
This film was inspired not only by stories around me, but also by my own experiences. Mental health struggles are more common than we realize, yet so many men suffer in silence. I’ve seen it in friends, in family, and myself.
Growing up, my father, like many South Asian men of his generation, taught me that to be a man meant being tough, stoic, and fearless. Vulnerability wasn’t an option. Talking about feelings was something we were taught to bury, not express.
But something changed. A few years ago, my dad opened up to me about his struggles. He told me about a time in his late twenties when he felt like the world was closing in on him — so much so that he had suicidal thoughts. That moment changed everything for me. Hearing that from him permitted me to be honest with myself. It brought us closer. And it inspired me to share this story because I know there are so many others who need to hear it.
What Was the Major Turning Point in your Recovery?
For most of my life, I carried a quiet weight, the kind that builds when you don’t feel good enough, or confident enough. But the real turning point came when I realized I wasn’t alone.
When my dad spoke about his mental health openly, it shattered the illusion that men have to suffer in silence. It reminded me that behind our different stories, the emotions are often the same. That human connection, that shared vulnerability, it helped me feel seen, and a little less lost in this massive world.
What Helped the Most?
Talking about it. Saying the words out loud.
Taking care of myself in small ways helped too. Things like going for a hike, taking on a new hobby, grabbing coffee with someone I hadn’t seen in a while. It’s amazing how these simple acts of kindness to yourself can shift your whole mood.
Because in the end, life is for living. Even the smallest effort to reconnect with nature, with others, or with yourself – is a step toward healing.
What Advice Would you Give to Other Men Facing Depression & Anxiety?
Know this: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
Working on your mental health isn’t a quick fix. It’s a lifelong journey. But every small win matters. Celebrate those wins. Be proud of them. Over time, those tiny steps lead to big changes.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to be human. To feel. To talk. To ask for help.
Because strength isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. Real strength is in the courage to say, “I need help.”
And trust me – that one step can change your life.
–Kevin Watts, Los Angeles, California, USA
