November is known as Men’s Health Awareness Month. It is a much-needed time to encourage fathers, husbands, brothers, cousins, and male friends to check in on their physical health. But it is equally as important to motivate them to take stock of their mental health as well.
At New Roads Behavioral Health, we understand that men of various ages deal with a range of mental health conditions, substance-use disorders, and more. We seek to bring attention and hope, break through tired stigmas, and offer insight toward real paths to recovery.
In this article, we explore facts and statistics about men’s mental health, along with key issues, warning signs, and strategies to support your male loved one’s mental self-improvement.
The State of Men’s Mental Health: Facts & Figures
Conversations on mental health have become more common than ever. However, many men still struggle with undiagnosed or untreated mental health problems, and the effects are enormous. Here are some key men’s mental health statistics to consider:
- According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 79% of self-inflicted deaths in the US as of 2020 were men, nearly four times higher than the rate of suicide among women.
- Based on findings from the Psychiatric Times, men who deal with economic insecurity are around 16 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts, which has become increasingly prevalent due to U.S. wage stagnation and job insecurity.
- Around one in ten of all men are known to experience depression or anxiety, yet only half seek treatment.
- The AAMC suggests that research has shown some mental health professionals and providers missing or misdiagnosing signs of men’s mental health issues due to their own internal gender biases.
- The Movember Foundation states in the 2025 US Report that 95% of men agreed that taking care of one’s health was a sign of self-respect, yet 62% of men delayed seeking care for more than six days.
These trends show that men’s mental health is a serious issue. However, it is still often overlooked or put off. By supporting greater men’s mental health awareness, we at New Roads aim to help overturn societal expectations and rejuvenate the mental wellness of countless men across the country.
Why Men Face Unique Mental Health Challenges
Men deal with certain factors that make their mental health journeys distinct. Here are some of the unique yet major issues men face:
- Sociocultural Expectations & Stigma: In the US, many men are raised and socialized to avoid expressing vulnerabilities or seeking help. These habits inhibit them from developing coping strategies at an early age, forcing them to suffer without treatment or support.
- Lack of Recognition & Under-Diagnosis: Men express mental health issues through increasing rates of irritability, anger, risk-taking behavior, or social withdrawal. These gradual patterns often lead professionals to misdiagnose them.
- Intersection with Substance Use & Addiction: Men tend to have higher rates of substance-use disorders, which frequently occur alongside mental health conditions (also known as dual diagnosis).
- Transition Points & Life-Stress: Men face tough life transitions and sources of stress, such as career pressure, financial expectations, relationship/family demands, and PTSD.
- Less Use of Support Networks: Many report that there aren’t many sources of men’s mental health support. Men are also less likely to engage in therapy, peer-support groups, or talk-based interventions.
Together, these factors create a landscape where men’s mental-health issues can escalate undetected until they reach crisis levels.
November & Movember: More Than a Mustache
In addition to being Men’s Health Awareness Month, November is also the month celebrated by the global movement known as Movember. This movement involves mustache-growing and communal challenges to spark conversation about key men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer.
There is also a strong focus on men’s mental health. Key topics discussed during this month include men’s suicide prevention and reducing the stigma surrounding therapy for men.
To us at New Roads, Movember is just one opportunity to discuss men’s mental health recovery with other men (and those who care about them). At our treatment facility in Utah, we work on helping men focus on their mental health and well-being throughout the year.
Recognizing the Warning Signs: What to Look For
Commitment to men’s mental health awareness means recognizing when you or a man you care about is struggling. Some common mental health conditions to watch for include:
- Increased issues at work
- Poor concentration or sleep
- Increased substance use
- Persistent sadness, numbness, irritability, or anger
- Social withdrawal or isolation from family and friends
- Physical symptoms like fatigue, unexplained pain, or gastrointestinal issues
- Risk-taking behaviors like reckless driving or misuse of medication
- Hopelessness, existential despair, or talk of “being a burden”
- Sudden changes in mood or personality
Around one in eight men may face significant mental health hurdles at some point. To provide support to these men, our dual-diagnosis care for co-occurring mental health and substance use focuses on two key techniques: knowing is better than not knowing, and talking is better than staying silent.
Practical Strategies: Steps Men Can Take Toward Mental Wellness
Here are some actionable ways that men themselves, as well as their friends, family, and colleagues, can promote better men’s mental health support:
For Men:
- Schedule time for your mental health, whether by yourself or with a professional.
- Develop clear emotional language with phrases like: “I’m dealing with ___,” or “I’m not sure how I feel, but…”
- Make healthy lifestyle changes like regular exercise, better sleep and nutrition, and cutting down on drinking or smoking.
- Build or rebuild a support network, with at least one friend, colleague, chaplain, or family member to confide in.
- Seek professional help, such as in-person or online talk therapy, psychiatry, medication, and even holistic support.
- Create a relapse-prevention or crisis plan. Know who to call and what steps to take when you feel overwhelmed.
- Develop purpose & connection beyond work, such as enjoying hobbies, doing mentoring or volunteer work, and spending time with family and friends.
- Be accountable by setting a goal, sharing your plans with a confidant, and letting them follow up with you. Accountability helps.
For Friends, Family & Colleagues of Men:
- Check in often, casually, and without pressure.
- Show that struggling is normal, and recovery is possible through perseverance.
- Share that you’ve sought help, too. It’s important that men don’t feel alone with their feelings.
- Encourage structure through regular group activities.
- Set a strong, clear example of self-care.
- Spot the signs, such as social withdrawal, substance abuse, mood shifts, and anger or irritability.
- Know about crisis resources, in case of an emergency, like calling 988 (in the U.S.) or local emergency services.
How New Roads Supports Men’s Mental Health
At New Roads Behavioral Health, we believe men deserve treatment that recognizes their experiences, strengths, and challenges, while showing them there is hope for recovery and lifelong wellness. Our model includes:
Integrated Treatment for Mental Health & Addiction
At New Roads, our integrated treatment programs for men address substance-use issues along with other mental health conditions, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and more. To us, you are a whole person who deserves a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
Transitional Living & Continuum of Care
For men leaving residential or intensive treatment, we provide a transitional living mental health program that provides structure, community, and skill-building while developing your independence. Explore the program here, or learn more about our treatment centers by meeting our team.
Evidence-Based Treatments, Tailored to Men
We use treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and strengths-based recovery models. These are adapted to meet men where they are and help them build skills, resiliency, and purpose.
Holistic & Value-Driven Approach
We recognize that mental health isn’t just symptoms. It’s identity, purpose, meaningful work, connection, and contribution. Our treatment asks: “What do you want your life to stand for?” then helps you rebuild toward that.
Aftercare & Peer Community
After receiving care, recovery continues. At New Roads, we emphasize community, peer-support groups, alumni networks, and sober-living options. We understand that long-term mental wellness for men often means staying connected and accountable.
We understand that seeking care is a big step forward. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us, or explore our most frequently asked questions about mental health treatment today.
Ways to Spotlight Men’s Mental Health All-Year Round
For the goal of breaking stigma, men’s mental health requires more focus throughout the year, not just in November. At New Roads, we recommend: No matter the month, take action.
In our experience, men’s mental health gets better through regular conversations, connection, and support. Individual men (and those who support them) can do this by:
- Doing one meaningful check-in a week
- Initiating or joining a group conversation around men’s emotional well-being
- Encouraging workplaces, faith communities, or peer groups to hold “men’s check-in” events
- Advocating for men’s mental-health resources: screenings, therapy access, and peer groups
Myths About Men’s Mental Health
Myth #1: “Real men don’t talk about feelings.”
Fact: Emotional expression is human, not weak. Getting help is smart and courageous, not a sign of failing.
Myth #2: “Therapy is for women or weak men.”
Fact: Therapy is for people who choose to build strength, clarity, and life skills, which all boys and men deserve.
Myth #3: “If I’m functioning at work, I’m fine.”
Fact: Working hard is great, but overburdening yourself to avoid emotional, relational, sleep, or substance issues is unhealthy.
Myth #4: “I’ll just ‘handle it myself.’”
Fact: No doubt, men can, but getting help earlier helps prevent crisis, breakdown, or long-term harm. Intervening sooner is smart, not weak.
Real Life Stories & What Recovery Can Look Like
Here are some examples from anonymous men whose stories illustrate what recovery can involve:
- “Mark”, age 35: After relapses tied to job stress and alcohol use, he entered a dual-diagnosis program. Through DBT, work-readiness coaching, and peer-living, he rebuilt a sober support network and now mentors younger men.
- “James”, age 28: He was silent about his childhood trauma and depression. After joining a transitional living program, he learnt emotional literacy, rebuilt relationships, and now participates in community outreach for men’s mental health.
- “Luis”, age 42: A veteran with PTSD and addiction, he benefited from a care-team approach, medication management plus peer support. His mustache for Movember became a conversation starter at his workplace and opened him up to the help he had once resisted.
These stories are just a few examples of how men’s mental health care paired with real-life engagement works. Recovery for men is not only possible, it’s a reality.
Four Pillars for Men’s Mental Health Wellness
Men’s mental wellness is best supported with these four pillars in place:
- Connection and Community – Friends, family, peers, mentors, support groups.
- Purpose and Engagement – Work, hobbies, service, mentoring; things that matter.
- Emotional Literacy and Coping Skills – Knowing how to identify, express, and manage emotions; using therapeutic tools.
- Preventive & Responsive Care – Regular check-ins, therapy when needed, healthy lifestyle, and early intervention.
At New Roads, we help these pillars merge into one, coherent treatment path: stabilizing care, skills-building, life re-engagement, peer community, and after-care.
Your Next Step: What You Can Do Right Now
If you are a man reading this and thinking, “Maybe I need help,” or you care about a man who may need support, here’s a three-step action plan:
- Reach out to someone – Whether it’s a therapist, a trusted friend, or New Roads intake. You don’t have to wait until things feel hopeless; early conversation matters.
- Schedule a check-in – Consider a mental/physical screening this month. Ask: “How do I feel? Am I always ‘fine’ when I’m not?”
- Get connected to the community – Find a peer-group, join a support line, ask for someone to walk with you. Men’s recovery is stronger when connected.
At New Roads, we are ready. No matter what your mental health condition is, we have a full continuum of care. From residential to transitional living, outpatient and community support, our team can help lift spirits and show you or your male loved one how to improve their mind and body for lifelong wellness.
Final Thoughts
Men’s mental health isn’t just a “male problem,” it’s a human problem. When we ignore it, we risk the lives, relationships, and futures we hold dear. When we engage through care, courage, and community, we bring hope of a fulfilling, meaningful life back to fathers, sons, friends, colleagues, and male relatives.
At New Roads Behavioral Health, we believe that your heart and mind matter, that your recovery is possible, and that your life can be built on value, connection, and purpose.
Call us at 1-888-358-8998 and contact our team of mental health professionals. Get a confidential assessment and more information about our men’s mental health recovery program today.