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As June winds down and the summer kicks into high gear, this is a great time to reflect on this month’s significance. Not only does June encompass Father’s Day, but the entire month is dedicated to bringing awareness to men’s health. The barrier to access health resources is significant across the board, but men of color also face the stigma of asking for help in the first place.
Men are often seen as leaders in their families, communities, and careers, but many neglect any human being’s most vital asset: their health. The CDC reports that women live about 5 years longer than men. A 2023 SAMHSA survey found that nearly 32% of men in their early to mid-30s struggle with mental illness. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, 55% of men over 18 skip regular health screenings. With heart disease remaining a top killer — and often showing no symptoms — taking charge of their health could help men lead longer, stronger lives.
While it may seem that the answer is simply to go see the doctor, the journey actually begins within. The more empowered men are to be vulnerable, the more likely they are to ask for help, including seeking medical and mental health care. “Men need to re-associate what asking for help means,” said Dan Bates, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, BC-TMH in an article for Psychology Today called Men Are Afraid to Ask for Help. “Why can't asking for help be associated with being smart, observant, aware, and wise?”
The good news? There are plenty of resources out there designed specifically for men. Whether it’s finding a therapist or doctor, or just having access to a group of supportive men within the community, here are a few places to start.
Men at Work Healing Monthly Check-ins
This New York-based non-profit is focused on providing community support for men who “feel isolated, need community, and desire to heal from unhealthy versions of masculinity.” See their website for details and to learn about their other offerings.
Black Men Build
With hubs in Atlanta, New York, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, and Saint Louis, Black Men Build is creating enriching in-person spaces for men and much more hands-on community elements. With a political education component and community service component as requirements for membership, this collective isn’t just about talking it out — it’s about changing the narrative.
Black Men Heal
Black Men Heal is a grassroots organization that aims to eliminate the top three barriers for Black men who need support; cost, cultural competency, and stigma. Their program offers eight free therapy sessions for the clients they take on and offers telehealth sessions to men located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York City, D.C., Virginia, and Georgia. Learn more on their website.
Doing It Well
Founded by Dr. Byron Young, Doing It Well is an emotional wellness project committed to supporting communities of color. The resource hub offers educational videos, relaxing music, recommendations on enlightening readings, links to impactful emotional wellness resources, and much more.
BEAM - Black Masculinity Reimagined
This program is part of the BEAM organization, an emotional and mental health collective. The Black Masculinity Reimagined program focuses on training and supporting Black men and masculine folks not only for mental health but also for community violence.
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