Behind the Silence: Supporting and Healing Men’s Mental Health
By: Emily Brick, NCC, LPC, Therapist—Mount North
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When we talk about mental health, it’s often in broad strokes—depression, anxiety, stress, trauma. But what we don’t talk about enough is how mental health affects men, and how societal expectations, stigma, and silence create barriers that can be deeply harmful.
As a counselor, I work with men from all walks of life—fathers, professionals, students, veterans, retirees. Many come into therapy overwhelmed and unsure how to even describe what they’re feeling. Others don’t recognize their experiences as related to mental health at all. This isn’t due to a lack of awareness or capacity—it’s because they’ve been conditioned not to talk about it.
It’s time we shift the narrative. Men’s mental health deserves focused attention, and it begins with understanding the unique challenges many men face.
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What Impacts a Man’s Mental Health?
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While mental health challenges are universal, the ways men experience and respond to them are often shaped by a combination of social, cultural, and internal factors. These influences include:
1. Societal Expectations and Masculine Norms
Many men are raised with messages that discourage emotional openness. Phrases like “tough it out” or “real men don’t cry” may seem harmless on the surface, but they reinforce the idea that vulnerability is weakness. Over time, this messaging can lead to emotional suppression, disconnection, and internalized shame.
2. Work and Financial Pressure
Men often feel pressure to succeed professionally or be the primary breadwinner. This weight of responsibility—especially when paired with job instability, long hours, or financial strain—can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and diminished self-worth.
3. Relationship Struggles
While many men desire deep emotional connection, they may lack the tools or experience to navigate emotional conversations or intimacy. This can cause friction in relationships and feelings of isolation or inadequacy.
4. Lack of Support Networks
Men are more likely to struggle with social isolation, especially as they age. They may not have friendships where emotional vulnerability feels safe or accepted. This absence of meaningful connection can be a major risk factor for depression and anxiety.
5. Unaddressed Trauma or Grief
Many men carry unspoken grief, childhood trauma, or emotional wounds that were never given space for healing. Without support, this can show up later in life as anger, substance use, emotional numbness, or relationship difficulties.
How Men’s Mental Health Can Look Different
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Men often experience and express psychological distress in ways that may not fit traditional definitions of mental illness. Instead of talking about sadness or fear, some men may report:
Irritability or anger
Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue
Increased use of substances, like alcohol or drugs
Overworking or distraction as a coping mechanism
Social withdrawal or isolation
Engagement in risk-taking behaviors
Difficulty concentrating or restlessness
These signs are important to recognize because they can mask underlying issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. If left unaddressed, they can escalate into more serious mental health conditions or lead to crisis.
Importantly, many men don’t seek help until their symptoms have begun to significantly impact their relationships, careers, or physical health. That’s why early recognition and open conversations are essential.
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The Importance of Dialogue Around Men’s Mental Health
The silence around men’s mental health has consequences. According to the CDC, nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the U.S. are men. Yet, men are far less likely to seek mental health support. This isn’t because they don’t need help—it’s often because they’ve been taught not to ask for it.
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Talking about mental health breaks the cycle of silence and shame. It:
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Validates men’s emotional experiences
Encourages early intervention
Normalizes seeking support
Builds healthier, more emotionally connected lives
Healing starts when men feel safe enough to speak—and supported enough to keep going.
The Transformative Impact of Therapy for Men
One of the most effective tools for improving mental health is therapy. Many men are surprised to find that once they step into a therapeutic space, they begin to feel a sense of relief—finally having permission to speak openly about thoughts and emotions that may have been suppressed for years.
Therapy offers:
A nonjudgmental space to explore stressors, life transitions, and emotional pain
Concrete coping strategies to manage anxiety, anger, depression, or burnout
Enhanced self-awareness and emotional regulation
Guidance in strengthening relationships and improving communication
Support in processing trauma, grief, and unresolved experiences
Therapy is not about weakness or failure—it’s about gaining insight, building emotional resilience, and creating lasting change. Whether short-term or long-term, the therapeutic process can help men live with greater clarity, purpose, and peace.
Many benefit from structured, goal-oriented approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, or Trauma-Informed Care.
How to Encourage and Support Men’s Emotional Health
We all play a role in supporting men and encouraging a culture of care. Here’s how:
1. Start Conversations That Matter
Don’t wait for a crisis. Ask thoughtful questions like, “How have you really been feeling lately?” and “What’s been on your mind?”—then listen without judgment.
2. Normalize Seeking Help
Reinforce the idea that going to therapy is strong, not weak. Share positive stories about therapy or emotional growth.
3. Foster Safe and Nonjudgmental Spaces
Create environments—whether at home, work, or social settings—where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions without fear of judgment or ridicule. Encouraging openness in everyday conversations helps break down barriers to vulnerability.
4. Be Consistent Support
Offer check-ins, empathy, and time together—even small gestures help build trust and connection.
5. Advocate for Change
Encourage workplaces, schools, and communities to create mental health initiatives that include and reflect men’s experiences.
Final Thoughts
Addressing men’s mental health isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about challenging long-held beliefs, creating supportive environments, and making space for authentic connection. When men are encouraged to speak openly and care for their emotional well-being, it benefits not only the individual but also their families, workplaces, and communities.
If you’re someone navigating the weight of unspoken stress, grief, or emotional pain, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to carry it alone. Taking that first step toward support, whether through conversation or therapy, is a powerful act of courage.
Let’s continue breaking the silence. The more we listen, the more we learn—and the more we can build a world where emotional health is a strength, not a secret.
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