Content warning: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you love is in crisis, reach out to the 988 Lifeline for help. This free, confidential resource is available by phone, text, or chat. Talking to someone can save your life.
We must address the alarming state of men’s mental health. Recent studies reveal a stark reality:
Even those who do seek help often find it inadequate. Men and stress are deeply intertwined, yet usually go unaddressed due to societal pressures and expectations.
Yet, this issue is still overlooked and not discussed nearly enough. It’s not all that hard to find people asking why mental health is important. Societal expectations and the pressure placed on men to be strong and self-reliant have been rampant for generations. Young boys were long taught to be unemotional, which caused many of them to bottle up their feelings out of fear of what others would think.
It’s time to break that silence and take men’s mental health seriously, especially during Men’s Health Awareness Month. One way to do this is by offering specific men’s mental health tips. If you’ve been looking for ideas to improve your mental health, keep reading.
There’s an undeniable stigma surrounding men’s mental health in our society, but we have the power to change that. Overcoming it means men need to reach out for help when needed. Acknowledging that mental health challenges don’t signify weakness and seeking help are powerful demonstrations of strength and self-awareness. By openly discussing our feelings and experiences, we can all contribute to dismantling the harmful and outdated belief that men must be stoic and emotionless to be considered strong.
How you can break the stigma:
Everyone needs a way to manage stress and anxiety. Discovering healthy coping skills can be empowering, whether it’s through hobbies, physical activity, or any other form of relief. Finding a constructive and effective way to process and release pent-up emotions is crucial for overall mental well-being, and it’s a journey worth embarking on.
Ideas to provide a healthy outlet:
The link between physical and mental health is well-established. Making fitness a priority not only enhances physical health but also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone that boosts mood. It’s a commitment to your overall health that can alleviate symptoms of common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
How you can prioritize physical fitness:
Building and maintaining deep and meaningful relationships with other men in your life can profoundly impact mental health. Bonding with other men and having a support system helps you feel less isolated, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The connections you make will ensure you have a safe space to talk without fear of judgment and can support your overall mental well-being.
“Unlike women, men have traditionally not initiated well-established community norms that encourage emotional connection and support. Men have also not been encouraged to talk about their feelings, stressors, or mental health struggles. For women, these emotional connections create a sense of community support and close-knit social networks. In contrast, many cultures promote ideals of stoicism and self-reliance in men, which can prevent them from seeking help when experiencing mental health challenges. The fear of being perceived as “weak” or “unmanly” often leads men to suppress emotions and internalize problems rather than share them with others, which, in turn, can lead to loneliness during mental health struggles.”
– Talkspace therapist Famous Erwin, LMHC
How you can connect with other men:
Most men have felt the weight of societal norms at some point. Even in today’s more enlightened society, it’s still a challenge to redefine strength and open up about mental health. It’s time to challenge these norms and create a healthier, more supportive environment for men. Breaking these norms can help men address issues like parental anxiety or fatherhood depression, which is often overlooked due to outdated perceptions of masculinity.
“Toxic masculinity is harmful to men; it promotes rigidity, emotional suppression, false control, and aggression. This mindset encourages the suppression of feelings, which can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and depression. When mental health issues in men go untreated, severe conditions such as substance abuse, violent behavior, and suicide can develop. Additionally, toxic masculinity discourages the formation of deep emotional bonds, resulting in increased vulnerability and isolation. These effects not only harm individuals but also have a profound negative impact on society.”
– Talkspace therapist Famous Erwin, LMHC
How you can challenge unhealthy masculinity norms:
If you or a man you care about is struggling, remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to recognize you need assistance, and it’s a crucial step towards better mental health. It’s normal to feel nervous and have anxiety about therapy, especially if you haven’t reached out. Still, professional help for mental health support can provide many ways to practice healthy outlets and mindsets.
Therapy offers valuable insight and teaches coping skills tailored to men’s needs. Talking to a mental health professional who specializes in your needs can give context to a specific symptom or health topics relating to men. Talkspace makes the process easy by providing convenient online therapy, all from the comfort of your own home.
Having goals and a sense of purpose is beneficial for mental well-being. Setting personal or professional goals and working towards something meaningful can give you motivation and direction in your journey.
Reflect on long-term goals along the way, and above all, be kind to yourself if you experience setbacks.
How you can set and measure goals:
Finding work-life balance is paramount for your mental health. Make sure you consistently carve out dedicated time for family, friends, hobbies, and relaxing outside of the job. Learning to prioritize balance in your life reduces stress and anxiety while preventing burnout.
How you can balance work and life:
Practicing mindfulness and gratitude can increase emotional resilience and reduce stress, which can help you feel more capable when dealing with mental health challenges. All it takes is to shift your mindset and meditate or reflect on things you’re thankful for. Promoting peace through mindfulness helps you stay grounded and in the moment.
How you can practice mindfulness and gratitude:
Strong, supportive, and nurturing relationships are key to mental well-being. They can offer emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness in men. Invest in the friendships and relationships in life that give back to you.
How you can strengthen relationships:
Although failure is an unavoidable part of life, you don’t have to view it as defeat. Learning to accept the times you fail is an opportunity to improve for personal growth. These experiences help you overcome setbacks and face challenging times in the future.
Failure is a part of life, and learning to accept it is crucial for personal growth. Rather than viewing failure as a defeat, see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Building resilience by embracing setbacks will help you face future challenges with confidence and a healthier mindset.
Though it can be difficult for men, taking care of your mental health matters, remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Improving mental health is an ongoing journey. You can boost your well-being by breaking the stigma, finding healthy outlets, nurturing relationships, and more.
While you can use many of these on your own, you should also be able to recognize when you need additional help. Talkspace provides a convenient and accessible way to work with licensed therapists who understand your unique needs from the comfort of your own home.
Every man deserves to feel healthy and strong. Contact Talkspace today to learn how you can improve your mental health.
Sources:
Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.
Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.
Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.
Move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and prearranging your future for security and peace of mind, is a wise investment. But for many, the prospect of selling their homeand determining whether the housing market is favorablecan feel like a daunting hurdle.Holding off might seem like the safest choice, but waiting could present unexpected challenges. In reality, knowing when to move to a senior living community could make all the difference.So why is 2025 the time to make the move? Keep reading to learn more.National Housing Market in 2025As of January 2025, the U.S. housing market presents the following trends:Home Prices: Zillow forecasts a 2.6% increase in home values for 2025, indicating a relatively modest appreciation similar to the previous year's growth.Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time since mid-2024, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rising to 7.04%, according to Freddie Mac.Housing Starts: In December, U.S. single-family homebuilding reached a 10-month high, rising to 3.3%, according to the Commerce Department.If you're like many of our residents and have owned your home for several years, selling in 2025 could be a highly profitable move. With home values expected to rise by 2.6%, you can look forward to growing your home equity, resulting in a strong return on your investment. This makes 2025 an excellent time to cash inyouve earned it!Mortgage rates are another key factor that makes selling now a wise choice. While mortgage rates are expected to ease in 2025, improving affordability for buyers, this will also likely lead to increased demand. As a result, home prices are expected to remain high and could even rise further.Another encouraging sign for sellers is the limited housing inventory. A recent Zillow analysis revealed that the U.S. is short by 4.5 million homes to meet demand. When supply can't keep up with demand, its the perfect time to enter the market. Leaving behind the hassles of homeownership, you can enjoy a more relaxed, resort-like lifestyle thats better suited for your retirement!No more worries about finances.Unlike being at the mercy of the unpredictable housing market and the financial challenges of maintaining your own home, moving to a continuing care retirement community gives you control over your future at fixed, predictable prices. With a range of convenient amenities designed to make life easier and more enjoyable, you can rest assured knowing your well-being is supported by a reliable, long-term health plan.All Acts Retirement-Life continuing care retirement communities offer Acts Life Care, a contract that secures your future health care needs and protects your savingsno matter the economic or global uncertainties. This contract guarantees access to care options like assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more, should you ever need them.Acts Life Care isnt just about planning for the unknownits about offering peace of mind. Imagine knowing that your future health care costs are already covered and that your monthly fee remains stable. This solution shields you from the fluctuations of the stock market and the rising costs of health care.Staying Active and Engaged in a Vibrant CommunityAs we age, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important, and there's no better way to do that than by having a plethora of activities available at your fingertips to engage your body, mind, and spirit. Many of us find that isolation increases as we get older, which can lead to depression and other health concerns. Moving to a senior living community means staying social and fostering meaningful companionship.Residents also have easy access to a wellness suite with a full-time Nurse Practitioner who is available to address common health concerns and provide regular check-ups, helping you stay ahead of your health needs.Check out the amazing health benefits of a social lifestyle in retirement.Peace of Mind with Acts RetirementWe've highlighted that every Acts community is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), but what does that truly mean? Simply put, a CCRC allows you to move in as a healthy and independent adult, choosing from apartment homes, villas, or cottages, depending on your preference. You make a one-time entrance fee payment that secures the benefits of Acts Life Care, along with a predictable monthly fee that covers essential services like maintenance, utilities, chef-prepared meals, and a range of other amenities.Should your care needs evolve, the Acts Life Care contract ensures your monthly fee wont change because of it. Your fee stays consistent regardless of the level of care you need.The Acts Life Care contract isnt just a benefitits a promise that gives you peace of mind. Knowing that your future health care needs are already paid for, at todays prices, allows you to rest easy and focus on enjoying life without worrying about unexpected costs.No such thing as a "free" home! Learn about the hidden costs of home ownership.As we age, managing the day-to-day upkeep of our homes can become a real burdenone that may be too much to handle. In an Acts continuing care retirement community, you can say goodbye to the stress of home maintenance: no more costly repairs, lawn care, snow removal, hurricane preparations, or fixing broken appliances.Security with Acts RetirementWhen it comes to senior living, the options can be overwhelming. So, why choose continuing care retirement living with Acts Retirement-Life Communities? One word: Security.With over 50 years of leadership in the senior living industry, Acts is one of the most trusted and experienced organizations in the field. As a not-for-profit entity, our focus is on improving the lives of our residents, not generating profits for shareholders. Additionally, our Acts Life Care plan ensures that residents savings are protected for life. All these factors, along with the other benefits well highlight below, contribute to Acts maintaining a 98% satisfaction rating among current residents.Acts communities also benefit from the strength of its network. With 28 continuing care retirement campuses in nine states, Acts provides a range of options for residents to experience our unparalleled lifestyle. Our on-site healthcare centers consistently rank among the nations top facilities according to state and federal agencies.When it comes to retirement living, Acts Retirement offers unmatched strength, security, and peace of mind.
By John NicoletteWhether its deciding what we want for breakfast in the morning or when our next trip to visit family is going to be, life is filled with decisions, and each one makes some kind of impact on our lives big or small. When it comes to aging, we all have a choice to make how do we want to live out retirement? Perhaps you think youd best thrive in an independent living community, where you can make friends with like-minded individuals and indulge in high-quality dining and a robust calendar of engaging activities. Or, like most retirees, you may prefer to enjoy your retirement in the home you worked so hard to achieve. AARPs 2024 Home and Community Preferences survey discovered that seven in 10 adults aged 50+ want to stay in their own homes and live independently for as long as they can. Only 6% would prefer to move in with a family member or friend. Since most older adults want to independently age in place, what steps can they take to make possible?This doesnt have to be a journey you embark on alone the right resources, like an age-in-place program, can provide a plan that you have control over. Age-in-place programs ensure that while you live the life youve worked so hard for, your current needs and future health care needs, as well as financial assets, are covered through a comprehensive, membership-based program. An age-in-place program, which is also known as continuing care without walls, allows you to live in your home, while also providing the comfort and security of a life plan community it's the best of both worlds.Similar to a life plan community, healthy, independent retirees can join with a one-time membership fee and an associated monthly service fee that will ensure future care in their home. With membership, you receive a life-long guarantee of personal care coordination and care for if or when you require it. Age-in-place programs bring security to your doorstep by making sure that your home is safe for you to continue to live in as you age. For example, Senior Choice at Home, the only age-in-place program based here in Southwest Florida, provides its members with a home inspection upon joining the program. That inspection addresses current and potential safety concerns, like tripping hazards, uneven staircases and inadequate hallway lighting.Personal care coordinators included in the programs membership also learn members medical history, medications and preferred physicians so that in an event that a member cannot advocate for themselves, their coordinator will. They also arrange for services if needed in the future, including homemaker services, home health aides, live-in companions and a transition into assisted living if that is preferred or needed.Just as you would any other major life decision, its imperative that you dedicate time to proactively plan for your aging in place journey it is a financial commitment and requires proper planning to ensure your assets are in order prior to selecting a program that works best for you. Enrolling in an age-in-place program comes with a set cost. It means you won't have to worry about rising long-term costs or what insurance will cover. Youll know exactly what you will pay for a lifetime of long-term care right from the start.In the era of an influx of Baby Boomer retirees, thousands of older adults will soon have a decision to make will you age in place, or take the leap into a senior living community? Whatever your decision may be, there are resources to guide you through the journey. Aging in place with the security of a membership-based program presents numerous benefits, but at their core, they guarantee retirees exactly what they need in this new chapter advocacy, financial and emotional security, and freedom.About the author John Nicolette is the director of Senior Choice at Home, an age-in-place program serving older adults in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Senior Choice at Home is regulated by the state of Florida as a premier life plan community without walls. To learn more, visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com or call 239-788-0694.
By Diana NicolOne of the most valuable things in life is time. Each second, minute and hour count toward something, big or small. In Southwest Florida, volunteerism is embedded in our community. With over 600 nonprofits in Lee County alone, its clear that Southwest Florida has a heart for giving. That generosity, care and patience spans across generations, from adults spending their weekends off work cleaning up our beautiful beaches, to high school students helping out at local food banks after school wraps up for the year.For students at Oasis High School in Cape Coral, theyve chosen to venture over to a local senior living community, Gulf Coast Village, after the final bell rings. Why? To offer support on a subject most Gen Zers consider themselves experts at: technology.Computer Literacy Education Outreach, or CLEO, is a student-run organization at Oasis High. The program initially started in 2022 at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, but it quickly took the community and nation by storm. Since its inception, CLEO has expanded to more than 50 schools in 20 states and has served over 3,000 older adults. Its mission is to empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world, helping them stay connected with loved ones and maintain independence.Gulf Coast Village, the only life plan community in Cape Coral, has been working with CLEO students since the summer of 2023, when they welcomed students from Cape Coral High School into the community. When the 2024-25 academic year began, the community began partnering with the Oasis High School division of CLEO. Shya Ruiz, a 2025 graduate of Oasis High, joined the program with a friend in 2023 during its first year at her school. After her first year, she loved it so much that she was elected to the role of president in 2024. I just like the feeling of helping other people when theyre needing help, said Ruiz. The smiles that you get when they finally understand or their problem gets solved...its rewarding.As president, one of her primary responsibilities was scheduling the sessions at Gulf Coast Village. Its an organized system: once a month, a group of five to six student volunteers visits Gulf Coast Village to assist residents. If theyre in need of help, residents can register for a 15-minute time slot. When their time comes, they are matched up with a student to receive specialized one-on-one support for whatever technology issues theyre having. And the possibilities are endless. Whether its needing help getting their printer connected to their cell phone or trying to figure out how to change their profile picture on Instagram, the students are able to help with whatever the residents need. The troubleshooting is diverse. One resident, Bill, had a few finnicky issues with his Samsung cell phone. He needed some help setting up his facial recognition and managing notifications, but his main issue was that when he received a text message, he was unable to find it. After a few minutes with Oasis students, Bill figured out how to access his texts. Now, hell never miss a text from his loving wife, Marguerite.Some residents, like Jayne Jennings, face some challenges with social media, as it continues to be an ever-popular way for retirees to stay connected to their loved ones. Luckily, Zers are social media afficionados. Ava Plainte, a CLEO student, showed Jennings the ropes, and she left the session with a new profile picture and a newfound knowledge of how to favorite photos in her iPhone camera roll.Some issues are a bit trickier, like connecting a printer to a cell phone or clearing out the junk storage of an iPad, while some are simpler, like showing residents how to set a morning alarm or mute an Instagram story they didnt want to see. With each presented issue, the students and residents work together for a solution. Most importantly, the students are compassionate, patient and attentive. They walk the residents seeking help through the process step-by-step so that when the session is over, theyre able to navigate the solution on their own.Opportunities for generations of both older and younger to connect are special. Intergenerational relationships present several benefits, like relationship building and avoiding adolescent egocentrism, but they also present the opportunity to learn. Through CLEO, retirees across the nation have the chance to learn something new every day from the generation that grew up on technology.About the author Diana Nicol is the life enrichment coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com