By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
While conversations around mental health have become more common in recent years, health officials say many men continue to struggle in silence, often delaying or avoiding help because of stigma, social expectations or lack of access to support.
According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), 1 in 10 adult men experience depression or anxiety.
“Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month works to reduce stigma and support men in navigating their personal situations by normalizing asking for help,” said Darrow Brown, chief for the DOH Center for Inclusion, Belonging and Well-Being. “Whether that is from within their own community, or from a mental health provider.”
While family members and friends may look for traditional signs of depression, Jarrett Brunny of DOH’s Prevention and Community Health Division said mental health challenges in men do not always present in expected ways.
“Irritability, anger, withdrawal, physical complaints like pain or poor sleep, and words indicating helplessness or hopelessness can all be symptoms. Changes in behavior can be important signals,” said Brunny. “Warning signs include reckless behavior, appearing anxious or agitated, talking about feeling like a burden or being trapped, increased use of alcohol or drugs, and mood swings. When someone begins talking more openly about suicide or making plans, even when it seems like they’re joking, it needs to be taken seriously.”
Today, conversations about masculinity and the expectations placed on men continue to evolve. At the same time, socioeconomic conditions, job stability, financial pressures, relationships and access to resources can significantly affect mental health outcomes.
“These parallel struggles can create a unique set of challenges for men living in 2026 America. For some men, there may be distrust or skepticism around mental health services. Other men may not be comfortable talking about mental health in general,” Brunny said. “Communities can help by humanizing the experience of asking for help. This can include promoting real-life storytelling and shared experiences around mental health. When men feel safe to share about mental health, they often find that they are not alone and that other people have felt the same way they are feeling.”
Brown said the statistics surrounding men’s mental health and suicide reveal the importance of addressing mental health concerns before they escalate into crisis situations.
“Men account for nearly 80% of suicides in the United States. Suicide remains one of the top 10 causes of death among men in the U.S. In Washington, 47% of men who died by suicide experienced a mental health concern in the past. Yet only 7% of men who died by suicide disclosed suicidal thoughts or plans to an intimate partner,” Brown said. “People often can name the risks, but there are also protective factors all around us, which are key to prevention initiatives. Examples include developing social support, positive peer relationships, [and many more prevention initiatives].”
For Black men, conversations about mental health can be further complicated by barriers that include stigma, racism, lack of representation and mistrust of healthcare systems. Health officials acknowledge that addressing those challenges requires more than simply expanding services. It also requires building trust and meaningful partnerships within communities.
“Partnership with communities requires acknowledging the reasons for distrust and making a commitment to listen, learn, and share resources in a way that is sensitive to people’s concerns and ideas for what will work in their area,” Brown said. “DOH works to build programs directly with community members who have the most experience in identifying specific risk factors and protective factors related to mental health.”
“We do this in several ways. Community collaboratives, listening sessions, participation in regional coalitions and partnership with local volunteers. Including the perspectives and recommendations from groups most affected by suicide and people with lived experience is essential,” Brown added.
Mental health challenges are also affecting younger generations in new ways. Increased social media use, social isolation, financial stress and exposure to violence have all contributed to growing concerns about the emotional well-being of young people.
“Many young men today are facing a combination of social isolation, economic uncertainty, and constant exposure to online influences. Research suggests that these factors contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress among young people,” Brunny said. “Strong relationships and a sense of belonging are among the most important protective factors for mental health.”
“There is a connection between community spaces and resilience. Trusted spaces where people feel safe enough to be real often serve as the first access point for those reaching out for help,” Brunny added.
As Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is observed across the country, health officials emphasize that experiencing mental health challenges does not diminish a man’s strength, value or identity.
“Seeking help is a sign of courage and strength. Disobey your fear. You are not alone. You matter,” Brunny said. “Your health matters to you, your families, your friends, and your communities.”
