Darren Manalo

About My Challenge

Each push-up represents a life lost to suicide—a person, a story, a struggle. It’s a heartbreaking number, and a stark reminder of how urgently we need to talk about mental health.

This isn’t just a fitness challenge for me—it’s personal.

I’ve lived with depression and anxiety for years. At times, these struggles have made it hard just to get through the day. They’ve held me back from living fully, from growing into the person I know I can be. There were moments when simply getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain.

But with support, self-work, and determination, I’ve begun to reclaim my life—and this challenge is part of that journey.

Every push-up is a way of fighting back. It’s a physical expression of the inner battles so many of us face—and a sign of solidarity with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, alone, or unseen.

I’m doing it to help start conversations, break the stigma, and remind people that no one has to face this alone.

If sharing my journey helps even one person feel a little less isolated, then every single push-up will be worth it.