Mental Health
Boys and men are increasingly lonely, and at higher risk of suicide and “deaths of despair”
Fifteen percent of young men today say they don’t have a close friend–a five-fold increase since 1990. This loneliness, combined with a range of societal changes and pressures, has resulted in a mental health crisis for American boys and men. Today, men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide but ten percentage points less likely than women to access mental health care.
Curated Content
Check out some of our mental health resources below
Research Mental Health
Unnatural Male Deaths: Fatal Injuries and the Rise of Drug Overdoses
Fatal injuries have surged since 2020, mainly among men. Top causes: drug overdoses, suicide, and car accidents, with drug deaths up six-fold since 2001.
The State of Working Class Men
This report outlines the current state of America’s working class men and describes recent trends in the key areas of employment, earnings, health, and family.
Dads Rock: The Evidence
The evidence is clear: Dads matter; they are doing more fathering than ever; they bring something extra to parenting; and they want to do more.
Six Facts on Men’s Health
Men face significant health challenges. Compared to women, men have a lower life expectancy, higher COVID-19 mortality rates, and are four times more likely to die by suicide. However, there are very few public health goals and covered preventive services for men.
Where Are the Men? Male Representation in Social Work and Psychology
Men face a significant lack of representation in mental health professions despite the growing mental health needs among them.
Explore the data on male suicides by state
Explore the data on male suicides by state, broken out by age group, sourced from CDC data.
Male Suicide: Patterns and Recent Trends
A look at male suicide patterns by age, race, geography and over time.
Washington State Fact Sheet
A fact sheet on the challenges boys and men face in Washington State
commentary Mental Health
Thinking about drinking: A guide for men.
An exploration of how alcohol impacts men’s lives, touching on masculinity, loneliness, and strategies for change, emphasizing the need for gendered conversations.
Building a mental health system with men in mind
The focus on getting men through the therapy door has led to a neglect of what happens once they get there. Dr Zac Seilder explores the ways therapy can be more welcoming to men.
5 Things I changed my mind about as a feminist “Boymom”
Ruth Whippman challenges assumptions about boys, arguing that understanding their unique needs is crucial to both feminism and healthier masculinity.
Melinda French Gates invests in boys and men: a new era for gender equality
Melinda French Gates is investing in boys and men, showing that the gender equality movement has space for men and boys without sacrificing its focus on women and girls. AIBM President Richard Reeves has been selected to direct a portion of these investments.
Boys are suffering too. Here’s how we miss that.
Girls have been struggling with mental health, and we've rightly been alarmed. But we may be overlooking the issues of boys due to how we define and measure these constructs. Learn more from renowned psychologist Lisa Damour.
We must pay more attention to young men
The growing political gap between Gen Z men and women does not bode well...
Gen Z’s Romance Gap: Why Nearly Half of Young Men Aren’t Dating
Until very recently, American culture has operated on the flawed notion that teenage dating and sex required little encouragement. Teenage romance was once seen as a natural part of American adolescence. This, it turns out, is completely wrong. Teenage dating is not inevitable and it’s a rapidly disappearing part of the American teenage experience.
To Save Democracy, Help Men
Read about the link between why we should help men, political extremism, and threats to democracy.
Hey Coach! Our Boys Need You
Learn about the disciplines of freedom and the vital role coaches play in mentoring healthy masculinity for young boys.
Why I’m increasingly worried about boys, too
Boys are in trouble. Many have withdrawn from the real world, where they could develop the skills needed to become competent, successful, and loving men.
Why Washington State should create a Commission on Boys and Men
Lawmakers in Washington State may be about to lead the nation by establishing a bipartisan Commission on Boys and Men.
The math gap that’s not what you think it is
Plus: discussing loneliness with the Surgeon General and a landmark essay on masculinity
Some news I can’t wait to share: AIBM
Why I'm founding the American Institute for Boys and Men
The fragile beauty of male friendship
The friendship recession is hitting young men the hardest
Into the vacuum demons pour
Why neglecting male issues is bad for our culture and politics
Commentary
Why I’m increasingly worried about boys, too