There’s a stigma when men talk about mental health, Auburn linebacker Wesley Steiner said. But in the wake of his mother’s death, Steiner had to embrace that it is OK to ask for help.

In an emotional “Iron Docs” video from the AL.com video team, Steiner described the day his mother died. Steiner said her health had taken a turn for the worst as he prepared to play in an Auburn game. He rushed home to Georgia as soon as he could, and soon after, she passed away.

Following her passing, Steiner started a GoFundMe page for help with medical expenses and to support his grandmother who at that point suddenly living alone. Auburn fans flooded the page with donations. Alabama fans did too.

Steiner’s GoFundMe page raised nearly $75,000.

“I knew we couldn’t cover it on our own, but it’s better to ask for help than not say anything at all,” Steiner said. “Auburn pulled through.”

Some fans sent Steiner letters offering him home-cooked meals or a place to stay.

Steiner said it was hard for his teammates to help, because they didn’t always know what the best thing to say was to someone going through something this difficult. But Steiner said his teammates did their best to support him.

After his mother passed away, Steiner started seeing a therapist.

In the documentary, Steiner emphasizes the importance of speaking out, of not having to keep feelings tucked inside and of getting help. He suggested a plan to ensure every player gets to see a therapist or psychologist.

“They are there to help, but I don’t know how well we use them,” Steiner said. “You need to let help help. Let help help. If someone wants to help you, let them help you.”

Steiner is now a senior at Auburn with 35 career games under his belt. He played in every game in 2021 and 2022. His stats have slowly increased every year to a career-high 46 tackles last season.

This year, Steiner is a backup linebacker.

“I know my time is limited,” Steiner said. “There’s only a certain amount of time I get to put on an Auburn jersey.”

“Iron Docs” is a monthly documentary series centered on stories from Auburn and Alabama athletics. More episodes are coming soon, so stay tuned to AL.com.