Men’s Mental Health Matters: Breaking the Stigma and Finding Support

Co-written by Karina Garcia, LSW and Chris Astacio, LAC

This one was a collabor

ation. Karina Garcia, LSW and Chris Astacio, LAC — two of our Hero clinicians — each brought their own perspective to this piece on men’s mental health.

As Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to highlight something that deserves far more attention than it often receives. Father’s Day is one piece of that. It can bring up a lot of mixed emotions. While it can be a day of celebration for fathers and father figures who have shown up, supported us, and made a positive impact in our lives, it can also be difficult for those with complicated relationships with their dads. For some, it may be a reminder of loss, distance, absence, or unresolved feelings. Like many holidays, Father’s Day can bring both gratitude and grief — sometimes at the same time.

Talking openly about emotions is often not encouraged for men. Society has traditionally viewed emotions such as sadness, vulnerability, or uncertainty as signs of weakness, when in reality they are part of being human. We see this reflected in social media, television, and everyday conversations. Men may be criticized for expressing emotions, yet are also criticized when they appear emotionally unavailable. It can feel like a double standard. Fear of vulnerability, combined with cultural and societal conditioning, can make it difficult for many men to ask for help or openly discuss what they are experiencing.

For many clients, finding a therapist who shares a cultural understanding, language, or lived experience can feel like finding a rare gem. Male therapists, especially Hispanic and Latino male therapists, are incredibly underrepresented in mental health care. Hispanic and Latino professionals make up only a small percentage of therapists and psychologists across the United States, and an even smaller number are men who provide services in Spanish. A male therapist’s perspective can be especially meaningful when working through topics such as:

• Workplace burnout

• Navigating relationship boundaries

• Identity and masculinity

• Fatherhood

• Motivation and life purpose

  
  

Therapy for men doesn’t always have to look like sitting in a room talking about feelings for an hour. Sometimes men’s therapy focuses on:

• Actionable steps

• Strategy

• Problem-solving

• Goal-setting

• Building resilience

From Chris Astacio, LAC:

Due to these societal pressures, some men do not seek mental health treatment or support. From an early age, many men are taught to be “tough” and “strong.” While conversations about mental health are becoming more common and some of these expectations are beginning to shift, stigma still exists. As a man, you may be conditioned by societal and sometimes cultural pressures to keep emotions to yourself and handle problems alone by simply “sucking it up.” But I want you to know: you are not alone.

There is help. There are many resources available for men, whether you are considering starting your own therapeutic journey or you know someone who may benefit from support. Talking to someone does not make you weak. On the contrary, reaching out for support often takes tremendous courage and strength.

How Men Can Start Their Mental Health Journey

If you are struggling with mental health concerns, or simply need someone to talk to, seeking professional support is a great first step. It may feel scary — a word many men are not often encouraged to use — but there is an entire network of professionals ready to help. Online directories allow you to search for clinicians based on specialty, approach, and areas of expertise. Finding the right therapist can take time, so be patient with the process. The relationship and fit matter.

Lifestyle changes can also positively impact men’s mental health. This may include improving your diet, increasing physical activity, prioritizing sleep, or building healthier daily routines. Better sleep supports mood regulation, while movement and nutrition benefit both physical and emotional well-being. Journaling, mindfulness, meditation, spending time outdoors, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy can also help reduce stress and support meaningful change over time.

How to Support the Men in Your Life

If you know a man or anyone who may be struggling with their mental health, encourage them to seek support. These conversations can feel uncomfortable or difficult to start. But sometimes simply letting someone know you are there for them makes all the difference.

Listen without judgment. Let them know they are heard and supported. Remind them that they do not have to go through difficult experiences alone, and that help is available whenever they feel ready.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Men’s mental health matters every month, not just in June. No matter what you are facing, support is available and there are people willing to listen.

At Hero Counseling Center, we are committed to creating a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, our team includes bilingual clinicians serving New Jersey and are here when you are ready.

Karina Garcia, LSW clinician at Hero Counseling Center in Ridgewood, NJ.

Chris Astacio, LAC clinician at Hero Counseling Center in Ridgewood, NJ.