Suicide Prevention Month: You Matter, and Help is Here
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to bring attention to the struggles many people face in silence. While that month aims to raise awareness for everyone, the numbers tell a particularly troubling story about men. Even though men make up 40% of the world’s population, 50% of all suicides are committed by men. This statistic reflects a heartbreaking reality: many men feel unable to ask for help when they need it most, and that needs to change.
For generations, men have been taught to hide their emotions. They’re told to “man up” and push through, even when they feel overwhelmed or hopeless. Vulnerability has been falsely linked to weakness, leaving many men feeling like they must carry their burdens alone. But this silence can be deadly. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness - it’s an act of strength. Struggling with mental health doesn’t make anyone less of a man; it makes them human.
Too often, men feel they can’t talk about their feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness. As a result, many men, especially those who feel isolated or misunderstood, choose to end their own lives. This isn’t because men don’t need help-it’s because they’ve been taught not to ask for it. This must change. We need to create an environment where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health, where talking about emotional pain is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
If you’re reading this and struggling, you are not alone. Even when it feels like no one understands what you’re going through, there are people who care about you-people who want to listen, to help, and to remind you that your life has value. Depression lies to us, making us believe we’re a burden or that the world would be better off without us. But those thoughts are not the truth. You matter, even if you can’t see it right now.
Reaching out for help doesn’t need to be a big, dramatic gesture. It can start small, with a simple conversation-a text, a call, or a chat with someone you trust. If you feel unsure where to begin, or if talking to someone close feels too difficult, there are professionals and volunteers available 24/7 who can listen. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open at 1-800-273-8255, or you can text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. For LGBTQ+ individuals, The Trevor Project offers support at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678678. Veterans can also access the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1.
If calling feels overwhelming, start with a text. Help is available, and taking that first step could be the beginning of healing. Mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of-they are a normal part of life, and the bravest thing you can do is acknowledge that you need support.
As we partake in Suicide Prevention Month every year, it’s important to change how we talk about men’s mental health. Let the men in our lives-our brothers, fathers, friends, sons, and partners-know that it’s okay to talk about their struggles. We can’t force someone to open up before they’re ready, but we can be there when they do. By having these conversations, we make it easier for people to reach out before they feel overwhelmed by despair. Sometimes, just asking how someone is really doing can be the lifeline they need. Listening without judgment can make all the difference.
If you’re struggling, remember this: you are important. Your life has meaning, and people care about you, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. You don’t have to face these feelings alone. Help is out there, and your life is worth fighting for. Next September, and the many more to come, let’s make sure no one feels like they have to carry their burdens in silence. Together, we can make a difference.
