Marc Andrew opened up to #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about his mental health journey in this candid and intimate interview. He is representing the state of Massachusetts in the 2025 Mister USA competition.
Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle once said: “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” This quote applies to Marc Andrew.
Can you talk about your mental health journey?
I had two lapses of judgement this year where I was face to face with something that could’ve ended my life in a blink of an eye. Two scary nights and a few scary mornings left me lost in life. Playing Russian roulette and hearing being able to only hear a click saved my life.
In that moment, I knew it was time to turn my life around and focus on myself as God gave me a second chance at life.
Can you discuss the significance of mental health in this digital age (especially at a time when social media is so prevalent)?
The significance of mental health in this digital era cannot be overlooked. As someone who portrays a life that seems so perfect and with little wrinkles; my life is actually one with many wrinkles.
I battle everyday with how I’m portrayed on social media. Constant pressure to look a certain way, be in shape 24/7, clear skin 24/7, perfect hair 24/7 and to simply be flawless is one that I force upon myself. This pressure is one that many can’t understand.
My friends and family always say nobody is staring at me, but it’s not about who’s watching me, it’s about me wanting to be reciprocated in person as I am online. And battling with those two personas can be more than challenging, and simply anxiety provoking.
Why is this cause so important to you? Why does it hit close to home?
The battle of mental health is one that hits close to home because I think vulnerability can be a very powerful tool. I am not afraid to be myself and be vulnerable and truthful with people who are around me or follow me.
My daily motivation to be the best version of myself stems from previous mental health struggles in high school as well as a stronger relapse of such in recent months. Fitness and staying active for multiple hours of the day distracts me from hyper focusing on things that give me anxiety.
What is your advice for people that are impacted/affected by mental health issues? What has worked for you (solutions to improve your mental health)?
My biggest advice for people who struggle with mental health is to focus on what success means to them. Each individual has their own definition of success. One way to measure success if by setting yourself goals that are obtainable.
Personally, my goals relate to fitness, health, and being true to all. Finding a daily routine has been the biggest relief to me. I have been stuck in a strict routing for years now.
My routine can be seen as high maintenance but I see it as peace. It includes waking up and immediately showering, making breakfast, and after breakfast stopping at the closest Starbucks for a coffee run before the gym! Need some espresso shots in my life.
Something so simply as a coffee run has changed my life as it is something I look forward to doing every morning before I start my day with a lift shortly after and get into my work mode. Also, finding room for a second workout has been helpful as of late.
The second workout includes cardio which can be me playing basketball at the local gym or going to my apartment gym with a hoodie and sweatpants and getting a nice sweat on. Nothing better than a shower after a good sweat and then winding down for the night.
My nightly routine includes tea. I’m a big tea advocate for many reasons, gut health, skin, and controlling mood. Tea is something I’m passionate about and can’t skip a night of as it heals me from the inside out.
Also, can you talk about the stigma and men’s mental health (and how that used to be taboo… but everyone is impacted by mental health in one way or another)
I feel that as a man many people don’t associate mental health struggles as much with us. There is still a stigma of always being strong, however having emotion and going through life’s challenges doesn’t make you weak. If anything, going over the hill and coming back better makes you stronger as individual.
There is nothing harder in life than an internal battle and if you can beat that naturally and organically without medical aid, that speaks loudly for your character, drive and immense strength.
What would you like to say to your fans and followers about the importance of mental health? What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it?
I want my followers and friends to know that I’m very much still figuring life out, but as someone who has had difficulty staying alive, the extra breath is always one worth taking.
Life is worth living. And that expression is not overused as many may think, it’s one that many people should try to explore.
Is there anything else you would like to say or add that we did not cover?
I would like to add how I started off with nothing, and by growing closer to my inner self I am becoming proud of who I currently am. I never thought I’d succeed but some small accomplishments I’m proud of and can be a testament to my hard work is becoming a campaign partner with skims, an athlete with EHP labs, and a director of operations for Fenway Nights ( Fenway Nights is the leading independent promotional hospitality group in Boston. With weekly programmed nights at Fenway’s best venues and large scale holidays events).
I have found a way to incorporate all aspects of the love I have found in life to my daily life and occupations.
My love for health and fitness has helped me find a home in Skims. My consistent behavior and dedicated drive in the gym has led me to a family at EHP labs. My love for enjoying night life has allowed me to watch fellow friends and peers smile in the city I call home as I work hard to ensure Boston people a great time when they choose to explore my events and hometown bar (Gameon) I love working with.
For more information on Marc Andrew, follow him on Instagram.
