Men’s Mental Health: It’s Time to Talk About It
Men’s Mental Health: It’s Time to Talk About It
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are nearly four times more likely than women to die by suicide, yet they are far less likely to seek help.
For generations, men have been told to “man up” and keep their feelings to themselves, despite mental health issues affecting men just as much as women. On this episode of the More Than a Therapy Couch podcast, we sit down with Tree of Life Counseling Center’s male therapists to discuss masculinity and debunk some of the common misconceptions about “being a man”.
Why Men Struggle in Silence
Our culture has perpetuated messaging such as “boys don’t cry” or “handle it on your own” that can pressure men to appear strong, stoic, or in control even when they are struggling. While these beliefs may have been meant to instill resilience, they’ve created a harmful silence around mental health. The reality is that men face emotional challenges just like everyone else, yet many suffer quietly, afraid of being judged or seen as weak. Some common mental health conditions that can affect men include:
Depression
Anxiety
Work-related stress of burnout
Relationship challenges
Anger or irritability
Substance use
When left unaddressed, poor mental health can negatively impact various aspects of one’s life including relationships, job performance, physical health, and overall quality of life. Acknowledging your emotions and asking for support is a sign of strength. Breaking the cycle means understanding that emotional well-being is not optional, it’s essential.
How Therapy Helps Men Build Resilience and Connection
Therapy offers more than just a space to talk. It is a neutral place to work on rebuilding your relationship with yourself. Working with a licensed therapist provides men with the tools to identify and manage emotions, change unhelpful patterns, and improve communication in both personal and professional relationships. It can also help you uncover and challenge beliefs that may be holding you back from growth.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, experiencing conflict in your relationship, grieving a loss, or just feeling stuck, therapy can help you make sense of what you’re going through. Sessions are confidential and typically goal-oriented, so you can focus on what you want to get out of your time. Over time, many men find that therapy enhances their confidence, deepens their emotional intelligence, and strengthens their ability to cope with life’s challenges.
Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Help
There’s no one-size-fits-all path to healing, but the first step is often the hardest, and most important. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself, it is okay to ask for support.
We believe that changing the conversation around men’s mental health starts with creating safe, stigma-free spaces where men feel seen, supported, and understood.
About Tree of Life Counseling Center
At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today
