One in five adults experience a severe mental illness that throws them off course. Whether or not the illness is properly tended to is the real question. Several men across the globe tend not to acknowledge or get treated for the mental illness that's holding their life back. Luis Trivino, a fairly new author, calls acknowledging, accepting, and treating mental illness the process of becoming a man.

The mental illness could spring from several issues, including childhood abuse, adulthood traumas, and genetics. However, being able to handle the illness is the real art. Luis Trivino, in his book, A Notebook of Love, stated the following, "Abuse comes in many forms, and we can inflict that just by being a manly man. We come home from a long day at work, tired frustrated, and the questions from the family come, and we snap. Are we the problem?"

Dealing with mental illness can be stressful, and more so if a man is dealing with this set of emotions. To shed the acceptable patriarchal standards set for men, you must take note of these 7 valuable tips to become a real man:

1. You need to learn how to handle uncertainty with absolute bravery; you simply cannot anticipate every move, every change, and aspect of what life throws your way. Being open to change, and embracing it, is the first step.

2. Accepting that mental health illness is everywhere. One in every five adults is affected with one or more mental illnesses, which means you are just as much at risk as the next person. Accepting that you're facing an issue is a huge part of the journey.

3. Mental illnesses often instigate hopelessness, which can result in suicide. It's important to become aware and try to help as much as you can. It won't always look devastating; sometimes, it's a good day with the family, just before the tragedy strikes.

4. Communication is the sole key. Men are often expected to keep their feelings hidden, sheltered, and unaffected. The biggest step in becoming a man is to use your words as weapons to fight your battles.

5. Sitting around and sharing feelings will only get you so far – you must do something about it. Talk to someone, visit friends, make plans, and execute them. Something as little as moving in the right direction will help.

6. Another great way to become a man in the fight against mental illness is to remove the stigma from the emotional struggle. Remember, it's okay for men to have mental breakdowns and seek help.

7. Bread-winning isn't the only thing you are responsible for – making sure you are actively involved with your family.

Luis Trivino had traits that he wasn't proud of and has actively made changes to remedy the wrongs from his past. He has talked about his struggles with PTSD, and bipolar disorder, meanwhile trying to rebuild his marriage and undo the damage of the former years in his book A Notebook of Love.