June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, offering a chance to speak up, combat stigma, and promote solutions that support men not just this month, but every day of the year.
As an athlete, I experienced firsthand the intense pressure to perform at the highest level every single day, from Greece Athena High School to Syracuse University and during my seven seasons in the NBA. I had to be at my best game after game, day after day. I was expected to be mentally tough and physically unstoppable, and that pressure can be overwhelming for anyone. I’ve seen too many men, including friends, teammates, and even myself at times, struggle silently.
As men, we often take on the role of the provider and think that we need to be strong and silent when it comes to our feelings. We’re taught to “man up,” “power through,” and handle things alone. I admit, as a young father, I often told my boys to “toughen up;” advice I did not share with my daughters.
The stigma surrounding men’s mental well-being tells us that speaking up about it is a sign of weakness; as a result, men suffering from mental illness are less likely to receive treatment or a proper diagnosis. Alarmingly, depression and suicide are ranked as leading causes of death among men. Six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year, and men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than that for women.
Stigma keeps us second-guessing instead of supporting each other and convinces us that asking for help is a weakness. But, in reality, it’s one of the strongest things a man can do. Today, prominent athletes like Kevin Love, Michael Phelps, DeMar DeRozan, and Simone Biles have bravely spoken out, helping shift the conversation from silence to support. I’m proud to be part of that change and to be part of a solution. Indeed, as an ambassador for Counslr, a text-based mental health support app, I am proud to raise awareness for an evidence-based care delivery model that is breaking down barriers and expanding access by providing unlimited live texting sessions with licensed mental health professionals, 24/7/365.
As a father of six children, I’ve learned a few things about the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially as I’ve become more involved with mental health advocacy. So if you’re reading this and struggling, or know someone who might be, here's what I’ve learned:
Be there. If a family member, friend, or teammate seems off, don’t ignore it. Check in. A simple, “You good?” can be a lifeline.
Talk to someone. If you are not ok, talk to someone; it can be a friend, coach, teacher, or family member. You’re not weak because you feel overwhelmed, sad, or alone. It’s a sign of strength to talk about your feelings.
Find help. If you are struggling, take a critical step toward healing and seek help from a doctor or mental health professional. Talking or texting with a trained expert can provide the support and tools needed to better understand your feelings and navigate challenges in a healthy way.
This June, and always, let’s turn awareness into action. If you’re a father, son, brother, coach, or friend, be the male example that emotional strength is real strength. If you’re struggling, ask for help. If you’re thriving, check in on someone else. Talk loudly, reach out often, and support each other with honesty and kindness.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, offering a chance to speak up, combat stigma, and promote solutions that support men not just this month, but every day of the year.
As an athlete, I experienced firsthand the intense pressure to perform at the highest level every single day, from Greece Athena High School to Syracuse University and during my seven seasons in the NBA. I had to be at my best game after game, day after day. I was expected to be mentally tough and physically unstoppable, and that pressure can be overwhelming for anyone. I’ve seen too many men, including friends, teammates, and even myself at times, struggle silently.
As men, we often take on the role of the provider and think that we need to be strong and silent when it comes to our feelings. We’re taught to “man up,” “power through,” and handle things alone. I admit, as a young father, I often told my boys to “toughen up;” advice I did not share with my daughters.
The stigma surrounding men’s mental well-being tells us that speaking up about it is a sign of weakness; as a result, men suffering from mental illness are less likely to receive treatment or a proper diagnosis. Alarmingly, depression and suicide are ranked as leading causes of death among men. Six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year, and men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than that for women.
Stigma keeps us second-guessing instead of supporting each other and convinces us that asking for help is a weakness. But, in reality, it’s one of the strongest things a man can do. Today, prominent athletes like Kevin Love, Michael Phelps, DeMar DeRozan, and Simone Biles have bravely spoken out, helping shift the conversation from silence to support. I’m proud to be part of that change and to be part of a solution. Indeed, as an ambassador for Counslr, a text-based mental health support app, I am proud to raise awareness for an evidence-based care delivery model that is breaking down barriers and expanding access by providing unlimited live texting sessions with licensed mental health professionals, 24/7/365.
As a father of six children, I’ve learned a few things about the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially as I’ve become more involved with mental health advocacy. So if you’re reading this and struggling, or know someone who might be, here's what I’ve learned:
Be there. If a family member, friend, or teammate seems off, don’t ignore it. Check in. A simple, “You good?” can be a lifeline.
Talk to someone. If you are not ok, talk to someone; it can be a friend, coach, teacher, or family member. You’re not weak because you feel overwhelmed, sad, or alone. It’s a sign of strength to talk about your feelings.
Find help. If you are struggling, take a critical step toward healing and seek help from a doctor or mental health professional. Talking or texting with a trained expert can provide the support and tools needed to better understand your feelings and navigate challenges in a healthy way.
This June, and always, let’s turn awareness into action. If you’re a father, son, brother, coach, or friend, be the male example that emotional strength is real strength. If you’re struggling, ask for help. If you’re thriving, check in on someone else. Talk loudly, reach out often, and support each other with honesty and kindness.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
Game-Changer: Rewriting the Playbook on Men’s Mental Health
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, offering a chance to speak up, combat stigma, and promote solutions that support men not just this month, but every day of the year.
As an athlete, I experienced firsthand the intense pressure to perform at the highest level every single day, from Greece Athena High School to Syracuse University and during my seven seasons in the NBA. I had to be at my best game after game, day after day. I was expected to be mentally tough and physically unstoppable, and that pressure can be overwhelming for anyone. I’ve seen too many men, including friends, teammates, and even myself at times, struggle silently.
As men, we often take on the role of the provider and think that we need to be strong and silent when it comes to our feelings. We’re taught to “man up,” “power through,” and handle things alone. I admit, as a young father, I often told my boys to “toughen up;” advice I did not share with my daughters.
The stigma surrounding men’s mental well-being tells us that speaking up about it is a sign of weakness; as a result, men suffering from mental illness are less likely to receive treatment or a proper diagnosis. Alarmingly, depression and suicide are ranked as leading causes of death among men. Six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year, and men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than that for women.
Stigma keeps us second-guessing instead of supporting each other and convinces us that asking for help is a weakness. But, in reality, it’s one of the strongest things a man can do. Today, prominent athletes like Kevin Love, Michael Phelps, DeMar DeRozan, and Simone Biles have bravely spoken out, helping shift the conversation from silence to support. I’m proud to be part of that change and to be part of a solution. Indeed, as an ambassador for Counslr, a text-based mental health support app, I am proud to raise awareness for an evidence-based care delivery model that is breaking down barriers and expanding access by providing unlimited live texting sessions with licensed mental health professionals, 24/7/365.
As a father of six children, I’ve learned a few things about the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially as I’ve become more involved with mental health advocacy. So if you’re reading this and struggling, or know someone who might be, here's what I’ve learned:
Be there. If a family member, friend, or teammate seems off, don’t ignore it. Check in. A simple, “You good?” can be a lifeline.
Talk to someone. If you are not ok, talk to someone; it can be a friend, coach, teacher, or family member. You’re not weak because you feel overwhelmed, sad, or alone. It’s a sign of strength to talk about your feelings.
Find help. If you are struggling, take a critical step toward healing and seek help from a doctor or mental health professional. Talking or texting with a trained expert can provide the support and tools needed to better understand your feelings and navigate challenges in a healthy way.
This June, and always, let’s turn awareness into action. If you’re a father, son, brother, coach, or friend, be the male example that emotional strength is real strength. If you’re struggling, ask for help. If you’re thriving, check in on someone else. Talk loudly, reach out often, and support each other with honesty and kindness.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
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