Column: Break the silence surrounding men’s mental health

July 18, 2026 - 22:52

We must encourage men to treat mental health with the same seriousness they give physical health, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner Danieal Robinson writes in a guest column. For too long, the cultural script for men has been one of stoicism and self-reliance. When a man breaks a bone or catches a fever, he is expected to see a doctor. But when he struggles with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, the expectation is often to "tough it out." This double standard is costing lives.

The statistics are stark. Men die by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women, yet they are far less likely to seek professional help for emotional distress. The reasons are complex, rooted in outdated ideas about masculinity that equate vulnerability with weakness. Many men fear being seen as a burden or worry that admitting they are struggling will make them appear less capable at work or at home.

This silence is not strength. It is a dangerous isolation. Robinson argues that we need to normalize conversations about men's emotional well-being in the same way we discuss cholesterol checks or prostate exams. A mental health check-up should be just as routine as a physical one. Employers, coaches, and community leaders can play a role by modeling openness and creating spaces where men feel safe to speak without judgment.

Breaking the silence starts with small actions. Checking in on a friend, sharing your own struggles, or simply listening without offering a quick fix can make a difference. It is time to redefine what it means to be strong. True strength is not suffering alone. It is knowing when to ask for help and having the courage to do so.