James Donaldson on Mental Health - Men Still Wait Too Long to Ask for Help

Men’s Health Month gives an important reminder: Many men still wait too long to ask for help.

A Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance summary found people wait an average of 11 years after symptoms begin before seeking help for a mental health concern.

The CDC reports that suicide was responsible for 48,824 deaths in 2024, and that the suicide rate was nearly four times higher in males than in females.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention found the same pattern in its 2024 data, reporting that suicide-related deaths were four times higher among males than females.

For many men, the problem is that they hide when something is not right.

Men are taught early to keep going and handle things on their own.

They hold onto beliefs that men should “tough it out," but that blocks help.

Showing vulnerability can feel like weakness to men raised with these beliefs.

Some tell themselves that the system will not understand them.

Some believe that reaching out will make them a burden to others.