Unmasking Strength: Supporting Men’s Mental Health

For generations, men have been told to be strong. But in many cases, “strength” has meant silence, suppression, and suffering in isolation. As a result, millions of men live behind emotional masks: brave faces that hide pain, fear, and unmet needs. June, recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, offers a much needed invitation to explore and support men’s emotional well-being.

While the conversation about mental health is expanding, we must acknowledge that not all men experience it the same. Black men face a unique set of challenges that are rooted in systemic racism, cultural expectations, and generational trauma. These particulars make accessing mental healthcare more complicated and emotionally fraught for some Black men. It’s time to talk about that, too.

The State of Men’s Mental Health

Mental health conditions don’t discriminate, but cultural conditioning does.

Across the board:

• 1 in 10 men experience depression, yet less than half will seek help.

• Around 1 in 5 men will experience significant anxiety

• Men are 3.9 times more likely to die by suicide than women.

• Substance abuse is more prevalent among men as a coping strategy.

  
  

Why? Vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness in masculine social norms. Men are frequently discouraged from expressing emotional vulnerability and cultural norms encouraging stoicism and self-reliance. Boys are told not to cry, to “man up,” and to carry emotional burdens in silence. This stigma can delay seeking help and worsen mental health outcomes .

The Unique Struggles of Black Men

For Black men, the story gets heavier. In addition to gender expectations, there’s the weight of racism, intergenerational trauma, policing, and economic instability. All this takes a toll on mental health.

• Black men are less likely to seek therapy due to stigma, cost, lack of representation, and mistrust in healthcare systems.

  
  

• Roughly 74% of Black men who have experienced traumatic events report unmet mental health needs

  
  

• They are more likely to experience misdiagnosis or be criminalized for symptoms of mental illness.

  
  

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Black men aged 25–34 (and generally for Black youth aged 10–24)

  
  

• Many are socialized to carry their family’s burdens while navigating societal bias with no safe emotional outlet.

  
  

As a result, pain becomes normalized, and healing becomes elusive.

Why Therapy (and Talking) Matters

Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you; it’s about giving you tools to live well, name what hurts, and heal in community. For Black men, especially, therapy can be a radical act of reclaiming humanity in a system that often denies it.

Talking to a mental health professional, a mentor, or even a trusted friend can:

• Reduce isolation

• Improve mood and sleep

• Help manage anger or anxiety

• Strengthen relationships

• Shift long-standing family patterns

  
  

Healing is not a betrayal of masculinity; it’s an amplification of unity.

Resources for Men’s Mental Health

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your mental health or you’re ready to dive deeper, these resources can help:

For All Men:

• HeadsUpGuys – headsupguys.org: A global resource for men with depression, including self-checks, stories, and tools.

• Man Therapy – mantherapy.org: A humor-driven yet clinical site that helps men explore mental health in relatable language.

• Therapy for Men – therapyformen.org: A directory and resource hub for men’s therapists and groups.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call or text 988: Free, confidential 24/7 crisis support.

  
  

For Black Men Specifically:

• The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation – borislhensonfoundation.org: Founded by Taraji P. Henson, this organization offers free therapy sessions and culturally competent resources for Black men and boys.

• Therapy for Black Men – therapyforblackmen.org: A curated directory of Black male therapists, plus articles and community stories.

• Black Men Heal – blackmenheal.org: Offers free therapy for Black men in select areas and community healing programs.

• Brother, You’re on My Mind – nami.org: A NAMI initiative addressing the mental health needs of Black men through education and partnerships with Black fraternities and churches.

• BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) – beam.community: Provides education, training, and healing justice resources.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Strength Looks Like Healing

If you’re a man, or someone who loves a man, know this: Mental health is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. For Black men, especially, healing is a deeply personal and deeply political act. It’s a way to honor your story, your ancestors, and your right to joy.

Let’s rewrite the narrative: real strength is in the unlearning, the asking, the softening, and the healing.

Author’s Note:

If you’re unsure where to start, start by talking. To your brother. Your friend. Your son. Your therapist. Speak honestly and listen deeply. We rise by healing, together.