Breaking the Stigma: Men’s Mental Health and Why Men Should Talk About Mental Health

As a 35-year-old therapist, a father of two young kids, and someone who grapples with the weight of societal expectations, I’ve come to understand how deeply ingrained the stigma around men’s mental health truly is. Growing up, I was surrounded by messages that told me to “man up,” “be strong,” and never let anyone see me falter.

These lessons seemed harmless then, but they planted seeds of isolation, guilt, and shame that have taken years to unearth. There have been moments in my life where I’ve felt utterly alone, even with a loving family and a supportive network. As a therapist, I’m trained to sit with others in their vulnerabilities, but when it comes to sharing my struggles, I’ve often fallen into the trap of thinking, “I should have it all together.” That pressure to be the calm, collected rock for everyone else is exhausting. I’ve wrestled with guilt when I’ve felt like I’m falling short—whether as a father, a husband, or even just as a man trying to navigate life.

Talking about men’s mental health has not been easy. There’s a vulnerability that comes with admitting you’re struggling, especially when society conditions you to believe that vulnerability equals weakness. But through my journey, I’ve learned that opening up is one of the bravest things we can do. Whenever I’ve shared with a close friend, a colleague, or even in therapy, I’ve felt a weight lift. It reminds me that I’m not alone and that these feelings of isolation and pressure are shared by many men.

The Importance of Friendships for Men’s Mental Health

One of the most complex parts about adulthood—and fatherhood—is how easy it is to lose touch with friends. Between work, parenting, and all the other life demands, nurturing friendships can feel like just another item on an already overflowing to-do list. But I’ve seen how crucial those connections are for my mental well-being. A simple coffee date with a friend or even a quick text exchange can make all the difference.

Men often struggle to open up in their friendships. I know I’ve been guilty of keeping conversations surface-level, even when I desperately wanted to say, “I’m struggling.” But when I’ve taken the leap and let a friend in, it’s always been met with understanding and, often, relief—they’ve felt the same way too. These connections remind me that it’s okay to lean on others and that sharing our burdens doesn’t make us weaker; it makes us human.

Understanding Anger as a Symptom of Anxiety and Depression in Men’s Mental Health

I’ve also had to confront my relationship with anger. There have been times when stress, anxiety, and exhaustion have boiled over into frustration, whether it’s snapping at my kids or feeling irritated over small things. For a long time, I thought anger was just a normal stress response. But I’ve learned to see it as a signal—an indicator that something deeper is going on. Sometimes, it’s unprocessed guilt or shame; other times, it’s the anxiety of juggling so many roles and feeling like I’m not doing any of them well enough.

By taking the time to unpack these feelings—through therapy, mindfulness, and self-reflection—I’ve learned healthier ways to manage them. It’s not about suppressing the anger but understanding what’s behind it and addressing those root causes.

Breaking the Stigma around Men’s Mental Health Together

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that talking about mental health isn’t just important—it’s essential. It’s how we break the cycles of isolation and redefine what it means to be strong. Vulnerability isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a path to connection, growth, and resilience. As a dad, I want to model this for my kids. I want them to see that being human means feeling deeply, asking for help, and finding strength in our shared experiences.

So, to the men out there who feel the weight of silence, I want to say this: You don’t have to carry it alone. Open up, reach out, and know that there’s strength in seeking support. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and show that true courage lies in facing our struggles head-on

Are you ready to break the stigma around men’s health yourself? Click here to learn more about Javier and book a free consultation with him!