Men’s Mental Health Month: Expert Alexandra Lizardo on the Pressures Facing Men Today

Mental health challenges among men remain one of the most overlooked public health issues in America. More than 20% of U.S. men aged 18 and older report experiencing a mental illness, yet many continue to suffer in silence. Suicide remains a particularly alarming concern: men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States, with approximately 100 men dying by suicide every day. Despite these sobering statistics, conversations about men’s mental health are often overshadowed by stigma, making it difficult for many men to seek support or openly discuss their struggles.

June marks Men’s Mental Health Month, an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and highlight the importance of emotional well-being among men. One expert working to change the conversation is Alexandra Lizardo, a Miami-based mental health professional, Trauma-Informed Life Coach certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness Practitioner trained through Harvard Medical School. Through her work, Lizardo helps individuals strengthen their mental well-being using evidence-based lifestyle interventions, behavior change strategies, stress management techniques, emotional resilience practices, and a whole-person approach to wellness.

HL: Why is Men’s Mental Health Month So Important?

AL: Men’s Mental Health Month is important because it shines a light on an issue that has historically been overlooked and under-discussed. Too many men struggle silently with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, loneliness, and burnout while feeling pressure to appear strong, self-reliant, and emotionally unaffected. The reality is that mental health challenges do not discriminate by gender, but men are significantly less likely to seek support. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, normalize conversations, and remind men that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health.

HL: What is the most important thing for men to know about seeking help?

AL: The most important thing for men to know is that seeking help is not weakness, it is courage. Many men have been taught to handle everything on their own, but true strength is recognizing when something isn’t working and taking action before a crisis develops. Mental health conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. The sooner someone reaches out for support, the better the outcomes tend to be. No one should have to carry emotional burdens alone.

HL: How many men does mental health affect annually? Why is it different for men than women?

AL: Mental health challenges affect millions of men every year. In fact, approximately one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition annually, and men represent a significant portion of that population. The challenge is that many men are less likely to seek professional help or openly discuss emotional struggles, which means mental health concerns often go underrecognized and undertreated. One of the most concerning statistics is related to suicide. While women are more likely to report mental health concerns and are more likely to attempt suicide, men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women. In 2023, men accounted for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States, despite representing about half of the population. The difference is often less about the condition itself and more about how emotional distress is expressed and addressed. Women are generally more likely to verbalize emotional pain, seek social support, and access mental health services. Men, on the other hand, are often socialized to be self-reliant, stoic, and emotionally restrained. As a result, mental health struggles may present differently through irritability, anger, emotional withdrawal, overworking, substance use, or risk-taking behaviors rather than the more traditional signs people associate with depression or anxiety.

HL: What are the steps for men to get better?

AL: I encourage men to think about mental health the same way they think about physical health, it requires attention, maintenance, and support. There is no perfect formula but some important steps include:

1. Acknowledge that something doesn’t feel right.
2. Talk to someone you trust.
3. Seek professional support before things become overwhelming.
4. Prioritize sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
5. Build meaningful social connections.
6. Reduce unhealthy coping mechanisms such as excessive alcohol, gambling, substance use, or compulsive behaviors.
7. Develop emotional awareness and healthy ways to express feelings.
8. Be patient because healing is a process, not an event.

HL: What are good habits men can practice?

AL: The most effective mental health habits are often the simplest and most consistent:

• Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep.
• Move your body regularly.
• Eat a nutritious, whole-food diet.
• Manage stress through mindfulness, prayer, meditation, journaling, or breathwork.
• Maintain meaningful friendships and social connections.
• Create boundaries around work and technology.
• Limit alcohol, drugs and avoid unhealthy coping behaviors.
• Schedule regular emotional check-ins with yourself.
• Seek support before a challenge becomes a crisis.

Mental health is built through daily habits, not just during difficult moments.

HL: Is it worse now?  What are the expectations for men in modern society?

AL: Many experts believe men today are facing unique pressures. Modern men are often expected to excel professionally, provide financially, be emotionally available, maintain relationships, stay physically fit, and adapt to a rapidly changing world, all simultaneously.

At the same time, loneliness and social isolation have become major concerns. Technology has increased connectivity, yet many men report having fewer close friendships and support systems than previous generations.

I don’t know if men are necessarily less resilient today, but I do believe the demands are different, the pace of life is faster, and the expectations are often conflicting. That makes mental health support more important than ever.

HL: What are the signs/friends/family members can look for?

AL: Many people assume mental health struggles always look like sadness or tears, but in men the signs are often more subtle. Warning signs may include:

• Increased irritability or anger
• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Loss of motivation or energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased alcohol or substance use
• Risk-taking behaviors
• Declining performance at work or school
• Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or feeling trapped
• Talking about being a burden or giving away possessions

The key is to notice changes from a person’s normal behavior. If something feels different, start a conversation. A simple, nonjudgmental question such as, “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately, how are you really doing?” can make a tremendous difference.

Men’s mental health is not just a men’s issue, it is a family issue, a workplace issue, and a community issue. When men are mentally healthy, relationships improve, families become stronger, workplaces perform better, and communities thrive. The message I want every man to hear is simple: You do not have to struggle in silence. Seeking support is not weakness, it is one of the strongest things you can do.  

For more resources and information on mental health, visit https://www.nami.org/