GROW: Prioritizing Men’s Mental Health Takes Courage and Community

Sponsored by

In Partnership with

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

Welcome to the G-Tribe!

Hey G-Tribe! Welcome back to another Tuesday morning that’s about to change how you think about strength, vulnerability, and what it really means to be a man in 2025. For those just joining us, the G-Tribe stands for the GROW Tribe – a community of people committed to Guidance that Redefines Our Way of living, leading, and showing up in this world. Today, we’re diving deep into something that’s been whispered about in barbershops, avoided in boardrooms, and pushed aside in locker rooms for way too long: men’s mental health. But here’s the thing – the conversation is finally changing, and brothers are leading the charge in ways that would make our ancestors proud. So grab your coffee, find a comfortable spot, and let’s talk about why taking care of your mind isn’t just important – it’s revolutionary.

Growth Spotlight
Strong Minds, Strong Men - Breaking the Stigma

You know what’s wild? We live in a world where a man can bench press 300 pounds and get cheers, but the moment he says, “I’m struggling” or “I need help,” suddenly the room gets quiet. That silence? It’s literally killing us. Let me hit you with some facts that’ll stop you in your tracks. 77% of men have experienced symptoms of common mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, or depression. That’s more than three-quarters of us, G-Tribe. But here’s the kicker – 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health. Never. Not once. Think about that for a second. We’ll call our boys to talk about everything from the game last night to what we’re grilling this weekend, but when our minds are in chaos, we go silent. 29% say they’re “too embarrassed” to speak about it, while 20% say there’s a “negative stigma” on the issue. But here’s where it gets real – and this one might shake you – 40% of men said it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm to compel them to get professional help. We’re literally waiting until we’re at the edge of the cliff before we ask for directions back to solid ground. The Price of Silence Brothers, this “strong silent type” narrative is costing us everything. Over 75% of all reported suicide deaths are men, and when we break it down by race, the numbers get even more sobering. For Black males specifically, suicide is the 3rd and 4th leading causes of death for those in the 1-19 and 22-44 age groups. We’re not just talking statistics here – we’re talking about fathers, brothers, sons, and friends who felt like they had nowhere to turn. Men who believed that asking for help somehow made them less of a man. The Shift is Happening, but here’s the beautiful thing happening right now: the narrative is changing, and it’s being rewritten by men who look like us, who come from our communities, who understand our struggles. Over the past 20 years, the number of men who receive mental health support has increased from 8.7% to 11.3%. It might not sound like much, but that’s progress, and it’s accelerating. Younger generations are even more accepting of mental health conversations, with Gen Z members of all genders significantly more likely to report and seek mental health help than previous generations. Social media is also playing a significant role. Men have taken to platforms like TikTok to speak up about their struggles with mental health, redefine masculinity, and break down stigmas around therapy for men. They’re getting support not just from other men, but from women and the LGBTQ+ community, plus professional therapists who are using these platforms to normalize mental health care. What Real Strength Looks Like Real talk: The strongest thing you can do isn’t pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. It’s having the courage to say, “I’m not okay, and I need help.” It’s choosing to break the cycle of silence that’s been passed down through generations. From an early age, many boys are taught to suppress emotions through messages like “boys don’t cry” or “be a man about it.” These cultural expectations, encouraging stoicism and emotional restraint, create an invisible barrier between men and the mental health support they may need. But what if being a man meant being brave enough to feel? What if it meant being strong enough to be vulnerable? What if it meant caring for your mental health the same way you’d care for a broken bone or a physical injury? The men who are stepping forward and sharing their stories aren’t weak – they’re pioneers. They’re the ones showing the rest of us that there’s another way to be strong.

Professional Growth Gateway: Emotional Wellness for Black Male Professionals

Now let's talk about something that hits close to home for many in our G-Tribe: navigating mental health as a Black male professional. Because of the corporate world? It comes with its own unique set of challenges that can affect you in ways that are both subtle and devastating.

The Invisible Weight

Picture this: You walk into that boardroom, and you're the only one who looks like you. You speak up in meetings, but somehow your ideas don't carry the same weight as your colleagues'. You work twice as hard for half the recognition, and when you finally do get noticed, someone calls you "articulate" like it's a surprise.

This is the reality for many Black male professionals, and it's taking a toll that goes way beyond just career frustration. Black professionals face unique challenges in corporate environments, from leadership gaps to systemic exclusion, and these experiences don't just stay at the office – they follow you home, into your relationships, into your sleep.

One story captures this as one of the few Black professionals working at a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and life sciences company, a senior director was repeatedly denied the opportunity to be considered for a vice president's role despite asking his manager numerous times what he needed to do to advance. "Despite being highly regarded as an authentic, highly competent, people-focused leader among my teams and peers, key individuals in executive leadership roles perceived my strengths as a threat".

Sound familiar? This man eventually left to start his own mental health and well-being coaching business. Sometimes the system forces you to create your path.

The Emotional Tax

There's this thing called "emotional tax" that Black professionals carry, and it's exhausting. It's the mental energy spent code-switching, the hypervigilance of always being "on," the pressure to represent your entire race perfectly in every interaction.

White managers don't realize how common it is for Black professionals to experience microaggressions. They're often surprised to hear that some of their actions, such as telling a Black co-worker that she is exceptional or articulate, can be offensive.

Every day, you're not just doing your job – you're managing perceptions, deflecting assumptions, and carrying the weight of being the "first" or the "only" in many spaces. That cognitive load? It's a direct pathway to anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Creating Your Own Wellness Strategy

So, how do we handle this? How do we protect our mental health while still showing up professionally and authentically?

First, recognize that what you're experiencing is real and valid. If corporate leaders and white colleagues aren't willing to talk about or understand the painful emotions brought about by videos of police brutality and racial discrimination, Black employees will become disengaged. Your feelings about workplace discrimination aren't "too sensitive" – they're human responses to real situations.

Building Your Support Network

One of the most powerful things you can do is find your people. Look for mentors who understand your experience, join professional organizations for Black professionals, and don't underestimate the power of having just one ally in your workplace who truly gets it.

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are beneficial, as they include free, confidential access to licensed counselors. Many companies offer these, but they're underutilized. Take advantage of what's available to you.

Advocating for Systemic Change

While you're taking care of yourself, also remember that you have the power to advocate for changes that benefit everyone. Creating a diverse work environment requires continuously assessing where your business is making improvements and where further work is still needed.

Companies are starting to pay attention. The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, along with the expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek. There is also growing awareness of the need for better mental health support in professional settings.

Setting Boundaries

This one's crucial: When workplace leaders set, respect, and model clear boundaries between time on and off the job, workers report a greater sense of well-being. You don't have to be "on" 24/7. You don't have to answer emails at midnight. You don't have to carry the weight of representing your entire race perfectly in every single interaction.

Your mental health isn't optional – it's essential. And protecting it isn't selfish – it's strategic.

Success Spotlight: Black Therapists Making a Difference

Now let's shine a light on the brothers who are changing the game when it comes to men's mental health. While we're discussing the importance of seeking help, it's equally important to acknowledge and celebrate the Black male therapists and mental health professionals who are creating safe spaces for us to heal.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Here's something that'll blow your mind: Only 2% of the estimated 41,000 psychiatrists in the U.S. are Black, and just 4% of psychologists are Black. When you break that down further, the number of Black male mental health professionals is even smaller. We're discussing a critical shortage that impacts our entire community's ability to access culturally competent care.

But here's the beautiful thing – the brothers who are in this field aren't just doing jobs, they're on missions. They understand something that goes beyond textbook psychology: they understand the intersection of race, masculinity, and mental health in ways that create healing spaces our community desperately needs.

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

Take organizations like Therapy for Black Men, founded by brothers who recognized that traditional therapy approaches weren't always connecting with Black male experiences. Their mission is simple but powerful: to provide a safe and stigma-free space for Black men to seek mental health support and empower them with the tools they need to thrive.

Then there's Black Men Heal, a nonprofit that provides information on how to access free therapy sessions from selected providers. What I love about their approach is the understanding that each male chosen for the free sessions is essentially encouraged to become a mental health change agent. By one male simply sharing his experience with other Black men, he creates a safe space for another man to step into.

One of their founders put it perfectly: "I am no less a man because I fear. I am no less a man because of mental health struggles. I am no less a man because only I get to decide what it means for me to be a man."

That's revolutionary thinking right there, G-Tribe.

The BEAM Approach

BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) is another game-changer in this space. They're comprised of advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists, and activists – essentially a whole community dedicated to removing the barriers that Black people face in accessing or staying connected with emotional health care and healing.

What makes BEAM special is their understanding that healing isn't just individual – it's communal. They provide a directory of Black therapists certified in providing telehealth services, but they also focus on education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts as pathways to wellness.

The African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA)

Now, let's talk about an organization that's doing groundbreaking work, specifically focused on the wellness of Black men. The African American Male Wellness Agency is the nation's leading agency impacting Black men and their families, working to increase life expectancy by taking a stance to reduce disparities in premature death and chronic diseases.

But what gets me excited about AAMWA is their approach to mental health. They recognize that mental health challenges are an often silent crisis within the Black community, particularly among Black men. They don't just discuss the problem – they develop solutions.

In 2025, AAMWA is hosting four national Real Men Real Talk Summits and launching a campaign across the country within approximately 20 highly populated Black cities titled "Mask Off" in partnership with R&B singer Eric Roberson featuring his song "Mask." The campaign encourages men to remove their masks and live their authentic lives.

Think about the power of that message. How often do we put on masks – at work, at home, in our communities – to hide our struggles, our pain, our humanity? AAMWA is saying it's time to take those masks off.

Creating the Next Generation

What excites me about these Black male therapists and organizations is that they're not just treating symptoms – they're changing culture. They're redefining what it means to be strong, what it means to be vulnerable, and what it means to be a Black man who takes care of his mental health.

Dr. Christine M. Crawford, a Black psychiatrist, shares a powerful story about her decision to become a psychiatrist. When she shared her decision, the response she received was one of disappointment. "One person asked why I didn't want to become a 'real' doctor," she said.

But Dr. Crawford persisted, and now she understands something profound: "Many who responded most negatively to my career choice were the very people I was dedicating my life to helping—African Americans who silently live with mental health challenges for fear of being judged."

That's the work these professionals are doing – not just treating patients, but transforming communities.

Community Corner: AFGM's Mental Health Resource List

For our G-Tribe family, especially those connected to A Few Good MENtors, Inc., I want to share some specific resources that align with our mission of developing the next generation of leaders through mentorship and guidance. Because just as great mentoring transforms lives through one-on-one guidance, integrity, and dependability, mental health support provides the foundation that makes effective leadership and mentorship possible.

Crisis Support Resources

• 988 Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support with specialized resources for Black communities

• Blackline: Call or text 800-604-5841 for crisis support prioritizing BIPOC communities

Therapy and Counseling

• Therapy for Black Men: A directory of therapists and coaches throughout all 50 states providing judgment-free, multiculturally-competent care to Black men

• Black Men Heal: Provides limited and selective free mental health service opportunities for Black men

• BEAM (Black Emotional & Mental Health Collective): Offers a directory of Black therapists certified in providing telehealth services

• Melanin and Mental Health: Connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black communities

Community and Peer Support

• African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA): Offers Real Men Real Talk programming and the upcoming "Mask Off" campaign

• The Confess Project of America: An organization committed to building a culture of mental health for Black boys, men, and their families

• Brother, You're on My Mind: An initiative by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. that uses various activities to raise awareness of mental health challenges affecting African American men and their families.

Faith-Based Support

• Black Mental Health Alliance: Provides information, resources and a "Find a Therapist" locator while understanding the role of faith in Black communities

• Local faith communities: Many churches and religious organizations are expanding their care ministries to include mental health support

Online Communities and Apps

• Tethr: Offers forums to connect men with other men who share similar struggles, providing advice and support to one another.

• Black Mental Wellness: Provides access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health topics from a Black perspective

For Professionals and Workplace Support

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Most employers offer free, confidential access to licensed counselors

• The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Provides links to licensed therapists of color and information on free therapy access

Remember, G-Tribe, seeking support isn't a sign of weakness – it's a sign of wisdom. Just as we encourage the young men in our mentoring programs to ask for guidance when they need it, we must model that same behavior when it comes to our mental health.

If you're a mentor through A Few Good MENtors, Inc., taking care of your mental health makes you a better mentor. If you're a leader in your professional space, prioritizing your emotional wellness makes you a more effective leader. And if you're a father, brother, or friend, managing your mental health makes you more present and available for the people who need you.

Michael's Hot Take: Why Men Deserve Safe Emotional Spaces

Alright, G-Tribe, here's my hot take, and I know this might step on some toes: We've created a culture where men are expected to be emotional ATMs for everyone else while having nowhere to make deposits for themselves.

Think about it. Society expects men to be strong for their families, supportive of their partners, mentors to younger men, leaders at work, and pillars in their communities. We're supposed to have all the answers, carry everyone's burdens, and somehow do it all without breaking a sweat or showing a crack in our armor.

But when do we get to be human? When do we get to say "I'm scared,” "I don't know what I'm doing," or "I need help"? When do we get safe spaces to process our trauma, our struggles, our dreams that got deferred?

The Double Standard is Killing Us

Here's what frustrates me: We celebrate emotional intelligence in leadership. We praise vulnerability in our favorite public figures. We encourage therapy for our daughters, our wives, and our friends. But somehow, when it comes to men – especially Black men – seeking that same emotional support, suddenly it becomes a sign of weakness.

That's not just unfair – it's deadly. Over 75% of all reported suicide deaths are men. For Black males in the 1-19 and 22-44 age groups, suicide is the 3rd and 4th leading causes of death. We're literally dying from this expectation to suffer in silence.

The "Strong Black Man" Myth

And let's be honest about something that hits particularly close to home for many in our G-Tribe: the "strong Black man" narrative that's been passed down through generations. Our mothers raised us to be strong because they knew the world would try to break us. Our fathers showed us acceptance because they believed emotion was a luxury we couldn't afford in a hostile world.

I get it. I understand the historical context. Black men have had to be strong to survive slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. However, here's what we need to understand: emotional strength and emotional suppression are not the same thing.

Being emotionally healthy doesn't make you weak – it makes you more equipped to handle the challenges that are uniquely ours as Black men in America. It doesn't make you less of a man – it makes you a more complete human being.

Creating the Spaces We Never Had

So here's my challenge to every man reading this: It's time to stop waiting for permission to prioritize your mental health. It's time to stop apologizing for needing support. It's time to create and demand the emotional spaces that we deserve.

This may involve finding a therapist who shares your background and understands your unique experiences. It might mean joining or starting a men's group where you can discuss your struggles openly and honestly. It might mean having that conversation with your boys where you go deeper than sports and work.

For my married brothers, it might mean having an honest conversation with your partner about creating space for your emotional needs, too. For my fathers, it might mean modeling emotional health for your sons so they don't inherit the same patterns of silence that we did.

The Ripple Effect

Here's what I know: When men get emotionally healthy, everything around them gets better. Their relationships improve. Their leadership becomes more authentic. Their parenting becomes more present. Their work becomes more purposeful.

And when Black men specifically prioritize their emotional health, we break generational cycles. We model a different way of being for our sons. We create safer spaces for other men in our communities. We challenge the systems and expectations that have been crushing us for too long.

The New Definition of Strength

So let me redefine strength for the G-Tribe: Strength is having the courage to feel your feelings. Strength is asking for help when you need it. Strength is being vulnerable enough to let people see your humanity. Strength is choosing healing over hiding.

The strongest men I know aren't the ones who never break – they're the ones who fail, seek help, heal, and then use their experience to help other men do the same.

Men deserve safe emotional spaces not because we're fragile, but because we're human. And it's time we started acting like it.

Until next Tuesday, please take care of yourself and one another.

Michael

P.S. If this message resonates with you, I'd love to hear about it. Share your story, your struggles, and your breakthrough moments with the G.R.O.W. community. Your vulnerability might be precisely what another person needs to take their first step toward healing.

And remember, seeking help isn't giving up – it's a sign of growth. Every day is an opportunity to redefine what strength looks like, regardless of what you've been taught or what others expect. Make it count. Please send me an email at [email protected]

Echoes of Freedom Tour

Date: July 19, 2025
Duration: 5 hours

The Echoes of Freedom Tour is a guided journey through Northern Virginia, revealing the rich and often untold history of African American resilience, activism, and community building. This immersive experience takes participants to key historical sites, including early African American settlements, civil rights landmarks, and educational institutions that have shaped Black history in the region.

Why attend? Connect with the powerful legacy of those who fought for equality, gain perspective on how these historical struggles resonate today, and participate in preserving stories that traditional education often overlooks. The tour connects the past to the present through storytelling, reflection, and engagement, ensuring these vital narratives inspire future generations.

All proceeds benefit A Few Good MENtors, Inc.