#MensMentalHealth

A movement addressing the mental health crisis among men, who are significantly less likely to seek help and more likely to die by suicide.

The Crisis

• Men account for 75% of suicides in the US
• Men are 1/3 as likely to seek therapy as women
• Socialization discourages emotional vulnerability (“man up,” “boys don’t cry”)

Key Initiatives

Movember (2003):

• Mustache-growing campaign for men’s health
• Focus on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer

Heads Together (2016):

• UK campaign by Royals (William, Harry, Kate)
• Prince Harry’s 2017 admission of therapy after Diana’s death was watershed moment

Man Therapy (2012):

• Colorado campaign using humor to destigmatize therapy
• Dr. Rich Mahogany character (fictional “man’s man” therapist)

Cultural Shift

Athletes and celebrities speaking out:

• Michael Phelps (depression, suicidal thoughts)
• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (depression)
• Kevin Love (panic attack during NBA game, 2017)
• Terry Crews (sexual assault, trauma)

Barriers

• Masculinity norms (stoicism, self-reliance)
• Lack of male-specific mental health resources
• Shame around appearing “weak”

Resources

• https://www.movember.com
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline