The Silent Struggle: Men’s Mental Health
The Silent Struggle
I admit... FOR YEARS...I too struggled in silence with my mental health and wellbeing as a man; as a black man; as a husband; as a dad, as an educator; as a coach; as an entrepreneur; as a former National Champion Student-Athlete. But... we don't have to!
As we navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a hidden crisis is unfolding in places across America: men's mental health. While discussions around mental wellbeing have gained traction, men—especially Black and Brown men—often suffer in silence, their struggles overlooked or misunderstood. The numbers paint a stark picture of this escalating issue.
The Pandemic's Heavy Toll
Prior to COVID-19, about 1 in 10 men experienced daily feelings of anxiety or depression. By 2021, this number had jumped to over 3 in 10, according to the CDC. The pandemic didn't just threaten physical health; it upended work life, erased work-life boundaries, and exacerbated feelings of isolation.
A study by McKinsey found that 1 in 3 employees globally reported experiencing poor mental health symptoms due to work-related stress in 2022—with men increasingly among those affected. Job insecurity, remote work challenges, and caregiving pressures have converged to create a perfect storm.
Racial Disparities in Impact
While all groups have been affected, data shows Black and Brown men face disproportionate mental health challenges:
37% of Black men reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2021, compared to 29% of White men (NAMI).
Hispanic/Latino men saw a 24% increase in symptoms from pre-pandemic levels (SAMHSA).
Black and Latino workers were 11% more likely than White peers to cite work as a significant source of stress (APA).
These disparities stem from compounded stressors: systemic racism, higher COVID-19 impact in communities of color, and increased economic uncertainty. A Deloitte survey found that 83% of Black professionals felt mental or emotional effects from high-profile racial violence during this period (SAMHSA).
The Weight of Masculinity
Traditional masculine norms often discourage men from seeking help. A recent American Heart Association survey revealed:
54% of men believe discussing mental health at work would negatively impact their careers.
42% see seeking therapy as a sign of weakness.
This stigma is even stronger in some Black and Brown communities, where 63% report cultural barriers to accessing mental health services.
Rising Workplace Concerns
Untreated mental health issues don't just affect individuals—they impact entire organizations:
Employee burnout rose 9% from 2020 to 2022, with men now reporting higher rates than women (Deloitte).
Companies saw a 50% increase in employees being "actively disengaged" in 2021—signaling growing resentment (Gallup).
76% of workers believe their company should be doing more to support mental health (McKinsey).
Most alarmingly, suicidal ideation has spiked. The CDC reports that 12.6% of men seriously considered suicide in late 2020/early 2021. For Black men, historically less likely to attempt suicide, rates increased by 18% during the pandemic.
The Way Forward
The data is clear: men's mental health, particularly for Black and Brown professionals, is in crisis. As we redefine work post-pandemic, addressing this issue isn't just ethical—it's a business imperative.
Companies must:
Destigmatize mental health by having leaders, especially men, openly discuss their experiences.
Offer culturally competent resources that resonate with diverse male employees.
Train managers to recognize signs of distress without judgment.
Provide flexible work arrangements that support wellbeing.
Foster peer support groups specifically for men.
Investing in men's mental health isn't merely about preventing burnout or turnover. It's about preserving human capital—the creativity, collaboration, and leadership that drive innovation. In our race to adapt to the "new normal," we can't afford to leave men's emotional wellbeing behind.
The strength of our workplaces—and the men who are part of them—depends on our willingness to break the silence, see the signs, and take action. Our collective future is at stake.
Hey Coach… What about our athletes, you ask...
I'm so glad you asked...The mental health crisis among athletes is equally alarming, if not more severe, given the unique pressures they face.
Here's a look at the numbers and how we can take action to save these men's lives:
The Silent Epidemic in Sports
35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis such as eating disorders, depression, or anxiety (IOC).
Among male athletes specifically, 33% report symptoms of anxiety or depression (BJPsych Open).
Most shockingly, collegiate male athletes have a suicide rate 2.4 times higher than their non-athlete peers (CDC).
Sport-Specific Data
In the NFL, 1 in 3 current and former players experience depressive symptoms (AJSM).
27% of professional hockey players report clinical levels of psychological distress (CJSP).
In Major League Baseball, 74% of prospects and professionals report mild to severe anxiety (AJSM).
Race and Mental Health in Sports
Black male student-athletes are significantly less likely to seek help, with only 14% utilizing counseling services compared to 29% of White counterparts (JCSM).
83% of Black male athletes report feeling "mentally exhausted" from navigating racism in sports (TIDES).
Hispanic/Latino athletes are 10% more likely than White athletes to report feeling overwhelmed by expectations (NCAA).
COVID-19's Impact
During pandemic lockdowns, 57% of elite male athletes showed signs of depression (BJSM).
52% of college athletes felt overwhelmed by uncertainty about their athletic future (NCAA).
Career Transitions & Identity
69% of male athletes experience difficulty adjusting to life after sports (JAPA).
78% of NFL retirees face bankruptcy or financial stress within 2 years, contributing to mental health issues (NBER).
Taking Action to Save Lives
As Society:
Normalize discussions about mental health in sports media, celebrating athletes who speak out.
Challenge toxic masculinity in sports culture that equates vulnerability with weakness.
Advocate for mental health parity in athlete healthcare coverage.
Support organizations like “To Write Love On Her Arms” and “The Hidden Opponent” that raise awareness.
As Business Leaders:
Mandate mental health education in all sponsorship deals with teams/leagues.
Offer executive mentorship programs pairing retired athletes with business leaders.
Include mental health services in NIL endorsement packages for college athletes.
Fund research on mental health interventions tailored to diverse athlete populations.
As Coaches:
Undergo training in Mental Health First Aid and trauma-informed coaching.
Schedule regular, private check-ins focused on mental wellbeing, not just performance.
Integrate mindfulness, goal-setting, and stress management into daily training.
Create 'mental health huddles' where team members share struggles without judgment.
Build relationships with culturally competent mental health professionals.
System-Wide Changes:
NCAA & Pro Leagues: Make mental health screenings as standard as physical exams.
Teams: Hire full-time sport psychologists and embed them within coaching staff.
Schools: Offer transition counseling for athletes not going pro.
Player Associations: Negotiate post-career mental health coverage in all contracts.
Media: Commit to responsible reporting on athlete mental health issues.
Success Stories to Emulate:
NBA's Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan sparked league-wide dialogue by sharing their battles with anxiety and depression
NFL's Hayden Hurst's foundation provides therapy to athletes, first responders
USA Swimming's mental health initiative led to a 60% increase in athletes seeking help
The data reveals a mental health catastrophe among male athletes, disproportionately impacting those of color. But numbers aren't just statistics—they represent real lives at risk.
We have the blueprint for change. Now, we need commitment across every level of sports to implement it.
