“We underestimate the power of healthy relationships, which can create a sense of belonging with others that can keep loneliness at bay.”
Carlson, North America Director for Young Men’s Health, Movember
“If you have a son, brother, father, or friend who also struggles to seek support, consider how being open about your emotions may set a positive example for them.”
Men’s mental health is an important but often overlooked aspect of well-being. Learn the issues men face and find support in individual therapy.
At Calmerry, we’re aware of the unique mental health challenges men encounter nowadays and understand how important a supportive and professional environment is in overcoming them. For that reason, we provide a confidential and supportive space specifically designed to help men address a wide range of personal and emotional concerns, including but not limited to addiction, anxiety, depression and trauma. Taking the step to seek therapy often follows from a willingness to improve various aspects of life and well-being, and at Calmerry, we see a wide range of driving factors that motivate our clients to reach out for support. For instance, among the most common concerns are physical health issues, which account for 85% of therapy requests, followed closely by relationship challenges at 71% and sexual concerns at 70%.
Through digital therapy, our clients can access support anywhere and anytime, with privacy as our top priority. A notable 24% of our clients express a strong desire to advance in their careers, while an equal 24% focuses on building self-confidence. Men who begin individual therapy with Calmerry experience significant improvements within the first month, noticing shifts in their wellness.
At Calmerry, we believe that by addressing these issues head-on, our clients can achieve greater emotional resilience and improve their overall quality of life.
Written by Calmerry Care Team
Dr. Ramaswamy Viswanathan, president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), discusses lifestyle changes men can make to encourage holistic health and positive functioning.
In your opinion, are there unique mental health challenges that men face today compared to other populations, and why might these differ from challenges faced by women?
That’s an important question. Men’s mental health has often been neglected, partly due to traditional cultural norms that label vulnerability in men as weakness. Mental health issues are universal, but because men are often reluctant to talk about them, they may not realize how prevalent these challenges are. This silence cuts them off from resources that could help. Additionally, instead of seeking treatment, men sometimes resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use or overeating, which can send them on a spiral toward further deterioration.
Are there specific warning signs in men that friends or family members should be aware of?
Yes, this is critical, especially since men often don’t openly share their emotions. Look for substantial deviation from one’s usual behavioral pattern. We encourage people to “Notice, Talk, Act” — notice any shifts, talk to the men in your life, and encourage them to share what’s troubling them. Men might become irritable, isolate themselves, or turn to substances, which can worsen their condition. Intervening early and suggesting professional help is key.
Could you expand on the lifestyle changes men can adopt to improve their mental health?
Absolutely. Lifestyle changes are powerful, and many factors work synergistically. Social connectedness is crucial, as men often lack the social networks that women have for emotional support. Physical
activity also significantly benefits mental health — exercise can be as effective as conventional treatments for moderate depression. If men exercise with a friend, they’re more likely to stick with it, strengthening social bonds and promoting mental well-being. Tennis, golf, team sports, and dancing have such benefits.
Good nutrition, restorative sleep, and stress management are also essential. If men are struggling with substance use, I recommend seeking professional help, as dependency can alter brain chemistry, making it harder to quit without assistance. Managing stress involves changing either the environment or our response to it. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or activities like yoga or Tai-Chi can help. These activities often blend physical activity with mindfulness, amplifying their benefits.
How can family members, friends, or coworkers best support men who are struggling with mental health? Should the approach differ from supporting women?
The first step is to encourage men to seek help, even if it’s just a single visit to a mental health provider. Often, this initial step can dispel unfounded fears about treatment. There’s a lot of helpful information online, but it’s essential to rely on credible sources. The APA’s website, psychiatry.org, and the APA Foundation’s site, apaf.org, are good places to start for reliable resources.
INTERVIEW WITH Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Dr.Med.Sc., DLFAPA President, American Psychiatric Association; Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Publisher Max Lindner Managing Director Gretchen Pancak
Studies have shown that the holidays can be a time during which people feel most lonely. As we near the end of the year, learn how to recognize loneliness and proactively manage it.
Most of us go through loneliness at some point. When we think of loneliness, we often imagine being isolated and away from people. Sometimes, however, we can feel lonely even when we’re surrounded by others.
Loneliness can be thought of as a lack of meaningful social connection with people. You can still be spending time with others, but the feeling of belonging, acceptance, or closeness can be absent.
In a 2024 survey, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that 30% of adults have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week for the past year. For those aged 18-34 years old, 30% reported loneliness every day or several times a week.
The health implications of loneliness Loneliness comes and goes in life, but it can often hang around after major life transitions like a deteriorating or ended relationship, losing a job, becoming a parent, or even retirement. Sometimes, these feelings can be brief, or they may become chronic, which has been associated with an increased risk of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Loneliness not only affects your mental health but also has implications for physical health. It has been found to increase the risk of premature death by 26%.
We underestimate the power of healthy relationships, which can create a sense of belonging with others that can keep loneliness at bay. Studies show that social support built through relationships improves mental health by helping people feel understood and cared for, fostering a sense of purpose, and lowering stress levels. Positive social connections may also have physiological health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones.
With life’s demands and responsibilities — from work hours or travel to family commitments — it can be difficult to maintain relationships or make new ones. Here are some small steps you can take to strengthen your relationships and stay connected to those you care about:
• Schedule time each week to keep in touch with family, friends, and co-workers. Make time to share a meal or grab a drink together. Ring up an old friend. Talk about the things that matter with those you trust. Opening up and being vulnerable allows you to deepen your connection with others in an authentic way.
• Check out local events, join a team sport, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new. It
may feel out of your comfort zone at first, but it likely will allow you to connect to new friends who share similar interests.
• Volunteer for a cause that you care about, whether that is working at an animal shelter or running errands for a neighbor who needs help. Research suggests that helping others can be more effective than receiving help.
Everyone goes through tough times when they feel lonely. If you sense a friend is having a hard time, think about striking up a conversation. A great resource is Movember Conversations — it’s packed with loads of tips for getting it right. Of course, if you’re struggling, getting help from a professional might be the way to go. Talking it out with a mental health professional can help you cope and make you feel like yourself again.
Whether asking for directions, hiring someone to fix a leaky faucet, going to the doctor in physical pain, or seeking mental health support, men may view asking for help as a last resort or a transactional exchange.
Men can be reluctant or feel uncomfortable asking for help for various reasons. For example, socioeconomic status, personal beliefs, stigma, and racial discrimination might impact this behavior. However, one of the most significant factors is often stereotypes regarding masculinity.
You may have heard the phrases “boys don’t cry” or “man up.” Men often internalize traditional and stereotypical views of masculinity, believing they must be strong, self-reliant, and dependable to have worth. Additionally, there can be a negative stigma associated with seeking support. Some may believe it means they are “weak” or a “coward.” Even in a culture of wanting to help others, people may believe that seeking help is not a masculine act. These biases can be so entrenched in a man’s identity that they might not notice that they are biases, not facts.
Extensive research backs up this social and cultural stereotype. One survey conducted by the American Psychological Association showed how only 35% of men would pursue professional help for their mental health, compared to 58% of women. Depression and suicide are both considered the leading cause of death amongst men. Overall, there is a significant imbalance between the number of men experiencing mental health disorders and those who seek treatment.
How to reach out for help as a man
Men may see asking for help as a last resort or
an option not on the table. Whether you’re struggling with mental health concerns, financial issues, relationship problems, or another challenge, knowing how to ask for help when you need it can be crucial. Consider the following tips when deciding whether to seek support:
1. Be honest with yourself
Self-awareness can be a vital skill. Once you’ve recognized a problem, you can begin to come up with solutions. If you’ve identified a challenge you can’t solve alone, be honest with yourself about your need for support. Even if you can’t put into words exactly what it is you’re struggling with, being able to acknowledge that you need help can be a significant step toward healing.
2. Remind yourself you can be a positive example
If you have a son, brother, father, or friend who also struggles to seek support, consider how being open about your emotions may set a positive example for them. For example, if you are a father, showing your son that talking to a therapist is safe and OK may help him feel more comfortable with his emotions, breaking generational patterns of emotional suppression.
3. Commit to asking for help
When you realize you need support, start by working up the courage to ask for help. While it’s crucial to avoid pressuring yourself or
rushing the process, remember that some challenges worsen the longer they’re left unaddressed. Being patient with yourself matters, but so does prioritizing your well-being.
4. Start with someone you trust
Starting with a person you trust may make you more at ease when asking for help. You might contact a close friend, family member, mentor, or coworker. Start small and gradually open up more about how you’re feeling. If you have another man in your life who is more open about his emotions, ask him how he does it and what tips worked for him.
5. Consider professional support
Consider professional support if the people in your social circle are not equipped or lack the knowledge to support or understand you during a challenging moment. A mental health professional has the expertise and training to help you progress healthily. You can connect with a therapist or counselor online or in person, according to your preferences.
Written by BetterHelp Online Therapy
While the prevalence of mental health challenges in men is typically lower than in women, those challenges often go unaddressed. Try these strategies to promote mental well-being and be the best version of yourself.
Talk about what you are feeling
Identify someone in your life you can talk to openly and honestly about the emotional challenges you face. If you feel yourself experiencing sadness or anxiety for an extended period, ask for professional help.
Recognize that others may need your support
Check in with loved ones and offer help by providing information and resources if you notice someone struggling. Give reassurance by listening nonjudgmentally and empathizing with their experiences.
Prioritize your physical health
Engage in physical activity, get plenty of sleep, and eat nutritious foods. Overindulgence can add to stress and affect your overall health and well-being.
Seek treatment for substance use disorders
While substance use disorders are common, treatment is not. That’s why the National Council for Mental Wellneing created a campaign: Start With Hope, with the CDC, Shatterproof, and the Ad Council. Our goal is to raise awareness about the possibility of recovery for people with substance use challenges.
Acknowledging mental health and substance use challenges and seeking treatment for them puts mental well-being within reach.
Written by Chuck Ingoglia, M.S.W., President and CEO, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
At age 23, in the dawn of adulthood, I found myself standing on a subway platform ready to end my life.
Ravaged by depression, anxiety, and addictions, I felt alone. I was without hope, friends, a job, or any possibility of a future. My life was out of control, and I believed it was not worth living.
My mental health and substance use problems grew from the childhood trauma of domestic chaos, violence, addictions, poverty, and bullying. Due to stigma, I avoided treatment. Instead, I turned to alcohol and other substances to cope with my pain, leading to arrests and a criminal history.
As I stood on the platform, I watched a train’s light emerging from the tunnel’s darkness and was ready to step onto the tracks. As it pulled into the station, the thought of my mom and the impact my death would have on her pulled me back from that ledge.
I took control of my life and sought help at a local program. Through that program, I found something that changed my life — a sign for a job at a warmline where people like me were calling for help. Through that job, I realized that I was not alone.
I learned that 1 in 3 adults and 50% of young adults have a mental health or substance use problem. The power of peer support gave me hope for the future. I also found that I could help others, which gave me a sense of purpose, value, and the realization that my life was worth living. I became aware recovery is real and common. While we often hear of suicide and overdose tragedies, almost 70% of adults who have had a substance use or mental health
problem are in recovery.
Recovery is personal, and while people choose many different pathways, there are key facilitators. Having access to healthcare; safe and stable housing; a sense of purpose, achieved through employment for many of us; and a community all contribute to successful recovery.
The road to recovery
I continue to receive treatment and participate in other activities that help me stay healthy like exercise, gardening, hiking, and making music. For the past 40 years, I’ve found purpose by working to advance recovery. I’m also fortunate enough to have safe, stable housing and strong family support, including my loving wife of 27 years and our three amazing children.
Recovery helped me dedicate my life and career to assisting my peers seeking behavioral health services. Today, I live a happy and fulfilling life in recovery. My story is not unique. Many right now are in pain from mental health and substance use problems. My message to everyone is this: Please know that for most of us, it does get better. We can and do heal and live a good life. Reach out to take that first step for life, for hope, for recovery. Contact findtreatment.gov for help, or if in crisis, call or text 988.
After suffering an on-court panic attack in 2017, NBA star Kevin
Can you talk about the mission and goals of the Kevin Love Fund and how it came to be?
The mission of the foundation really stems from my personal experiences with mental health. After I opened up about my own struggles with anxiety and depression, I saw how many people — especially young men — felt the same way but were either too scared or too ashamed to talk about it. I realized that I could use my platform to help break down those barriers and start the conversation about mental wellness.
The Kevin Love Fund was created to inspire people to live their healthiest lives while prioritizing their mental well-being. We focus on normalizing discussions around mental health, making it easier for people to ask for help, and providing resources for emotional and physical well-being. Our goal is to create spaces where people feel safe talking about their mental health without stigma.
About three years ago, the Kevin Love Fund’s team of educators and scientific advisors developed a free, evidence-based, social-emotional learning curriculum, mainly for middle and
high school students, where we focus on modeling vulnerability in the classroom, alongside creative activities. Overall, we want to make sure people are prioritizing their mental health just as they would their physical health.
Is there a particular moment you can recall when you realized you needed help with your mental health?
Absolutely. The moment that really stands out was during a game in 2017 when I was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. We were playing the Atlanta Hawks,
and out of nowhere, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My heart was racing, and I thought I might be having a heart attack. I ended up leaving the game and heading to the hospital, only to find out that I’d had a panic attack.
At the time, I didn’t know what had just happened to me, but I knew something wasn’t right. I still tried to brush it off because, as athletes, we’re taught to be tough and power through things. It wasn’t until a few months later, when I had time to really reflect, that I realized this wasn’t just about that one game or one moment. I had been dealing with anxiety and stress for years but had never acknowledged it.
That panic attack was the wake-up call that made me realize I needed help. It was the first time I allowed myself to be vulnerable and recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health.
What changes would you like to see in how men’s mental health is viewed and discussed?
One of the biggest changes I’d like to see is the dismantling of the stigma around men expressing
vulnerability. There’s still this old-school idea that men need to be “tough” and “strong” at all times, and that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. That mentality has been deeply ingrained in sports, and in society in general, for far too long. We need to redefine what strength really means because, in my experience, there’s nothing stronger than being able to acknowledge when you’re struggling and asking for help.
We also need to teach younger generations, especially boys, that it’s OK to feel a wide range of emotions and that mental health should be prioritized. Whether through school programs, sports teams, or just at home, we need to create spaces where boys and men are encouraged to express their feelings without fear of judgment.
I’d also like to see better access to mental health resources, especially in communities where it’s still a taboo subject. The more we talk about it, the more we can push for systemic changes, like making therapy more accessible and integrating mental health support into schools and workplaces. That’s the shift I’d love to see.
