As we observe Men’s Mental Health Awareness this June, we acknowledge that while significant strides have been made in mental health in general, there continues to be a silent mental health crisis among men and boys in America.
Here are some of the areas that the experts are concerned about:
Male mentoring
Male mentors play a critical role in the lives of boys and young men. Yet Scott Galloway, professor at NYU and author of Notes on Being a Man, tells us that more women than men volunteer in community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club in New York. Galloway says that while female supportive figures are important, male mentors are essential for modeling healthy masculinity for boys and contribute to their self esteem by helping boys envision possibilities for their future selves.
Through their interactions with positive male mentors, male youth learn crucial emotional skills like how to deal with rejection, anger and other unpleasant feelings in healthy ways and develop psychological resilience to overcome life’s hardships. Galloway points to research that shows that when boys lose a male role model, they suffer a high risk for negative outcomes in life, including dropping out of school, incarceration, homelessness, substance use and suicide.
Economic insecurity
Galloway states that like it or not, one of the roles of manhood is being a provider. Men develop a sense of pride, self worth and confidence in their ability to provide for themselves and their families. Yet the harsh economic realities of today make it harder for increasing numbers of young men to achieve economic stability, leading to feelings of powerlessness, anger and confusion. Men may end up feeling judged by a society that has high expectations of them yet deprives them of the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive. This is especially true for Black men and men of color. Galloway explores these issues in detail on the Trevor Noah Podcast.
Social isolation
Renowned relationship therapist Esther Perel talks about the natural human need for connection, touch and intimacy, a product of our evolved mammalian brains. However, Perel tells us that we live in an era of “disembodied reality” with our modern technology, where our electronic devices connect us to AI chat bots and online forums that give us a false sense of connection, disproportionately impacting our young men. This is drastically changing the way in which young people today date, socialize and find entertainment, love, advice and resources. According to Perel, “Modern loneliness masks itself as hyperconnectivity…we have never been more connected and we have never been less accessible.” Watch Esther Perel discussing this on The Oprah Podcast.
Further, Galloway quotes research that shows that in America, one in four men cannot name a best friend and one in seven men say they do not have a single friend. An increasing number of online forums target men with content that capitalizes on their need to find meaning and belonging, thereby providing online channels for men to activate strong emotions like desire, rage, hopelessness and shame while depriving them of the healthy connections to peers and community that are necessary to regulate these feelings.
What can we do?
- Our community organizations, after school programs, non-profits and faith based organizations need more mentors, coaches and volunteers. Donate, support and participate in youth community activities that focus on mental health, well being and skill building for male youth and provide third spaces that foster connections with others.
- As we enter another election season, we have the power to vote for leaders who are committed to funding programs that create opportunities for employment, financial stability and community support for younger generations, especially for young men who are struggling.
- Talk to the boys and men in your family, neighborhood, community. What are they really going through? Suspend judgement and listen. You may be surprised to learn about the realities they face. A little empathy goes a long way.
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