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The Silent Struggle: Men's Mental Health in 2025
TUH
The Unseen Hours Team
Mental Health Advocacy
June 1, 202512 min read
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June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to spotlight an often-overlooked crisis affecting millions of men across the globe. While conversations around mental health have grown louder in recent years, men continue to face unique challenges that keep them from seeking help. This month serves as a call to action to break the silence, dismantle stigma, and foster environments where men feel safe to speak up.1,2
The Silent Crisis: Understanding the Numbers
Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, yet they are significantly less likely to seek mental health treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, only 40% of men with a diagnosed mental illness receive treatment, compared to 52% of women.3,4,5,6,7 This disparity is often rooted in societal norms that pressure men to appear strong, self-reliant, and emotionally detached, leaving many untreated.
"Cultural expectations contribute to a reluctance among men to acknowledge their struggles and ask for help. Mental health stigma can make men feel ashamed or weak for struggling with mental health issues."8,9,10,11
The Cost of Silence
The consequences of unaddressed mental health issues in men are profound. In the United States, men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women.12,13,14 Additionally, men are more likely to engage in substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors as coping mechanisms.
A recent Australian study found that one in three men admitted to emotionally or physically abusing a partner, with emotional abuse being the most common. The study highlighted key protective factors against such behavior: good mental health, strong social support, and positive early relationships with a father figure.15,16
Breaking the Stigma: Initiatives and Support
Efforts are underway to challenge the stigma surrounding men's mental health and provide support:
Andy's Man Club: A UK-based organization offering peer-to-peer support groups for men to discuss mental health issues in a non-judgmental environment.17
Man Therapy: An American campaign using humor and a fictional therapist, Dr. Rich Mahogany, to engage men in conversations about mental health.18
Men's Sheds: Community spaces where men can connect, share experiences, and work on projects together, promoting mental well-being through camaraderie.
Taking Action: How You Can Help
Addressing men's mental health requires collective effort. Here are ways to contribute:
Start Conversations: Encourage open discussions about mental health with the men in your life.
Promote Resources: Share information about support groups, hotlines, and mental health services.19
Challenge Stereotypes: Confront societal norms that discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help.20
Support Policies: Advocate for mental health policies that address the unique needs of men.
Conclusion
Men's Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a calendar event—it's a call to action. By fostering open dialogue, challenging harmful stereotypes, and offering meaningful support, we can help create a world where men feel safe to seek help and lead healthier, fuller lives.
Note: This post is not sponsored by any organization or service mentioned. All resources are shared solely to support awareness and access to help for those who may need it.
Resources Available
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Additional Resources: The Guardian, NAMI, Men's Health Month Organization, Mates in Mind, AJMC, Positive Mind Works, University of St. Augustine, TTU RISE, Humber River Health, Spring Health, Homewood Health Centre, and Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Mental Health Awareness Month 2025: Turning Awareness into Action
TUH
The Unseen Hours Team
Mental Health Advocacy
May 1, 202512 min read
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the real, often hidden struggles many of us live with every day. While there's more visibility around mental health than ever before, the numbers tell us there's still a long way to go.
How Common Is Mental Illness?
1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year. That's around 57.8 million people. 1
Among youth aged 6–17, 1 in 6 experiences a mental health disorder each year. 1
13.1% of individuals aged 12 and older reported depressive symptoms in a two-week period. 2
These numbers are more than statistics—they're people, classmates, coworkers, and family members.
Young People Are Especially at Risk
In 2024, nearly 50% of youth who completed mental health screenings reported frequent suicidal ideation. 3
About 13% of adolescents aged 12–17 reported serious thoughts of suicide. 4
Mental health concerns among youth are rising fast, especially in the post-pandemic world.
Why Aren't More People Getting Help?
Over 50% of U.S. adults with mental illness didn't receive treatment in 2021. 1
29% cited cost as the main barrier to getting mental health care. 5
This isn't just about access—it's about affordability, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care.
How Finances Impact Mental Health
70% of Americans report financial anxiety is affecting their mental and physical health. 5
40% have taken mental health days off school or work due to financial stress. 5
Money problems don't just keep people from getting help—they're often a root cause of anxiety and depression too.
What Can You Actually Do?
This month isn't just about awareness. It's about action. Here are a few ideas:
Talk about it. With friends, family, in class, or online—break the silence.
Use your resources. Therapy, support groups, crisis lines, or just one trusted friend can make a difference.
Rest without guilt. Mental health isn't a reward for productivity. It's a baseline need.
Challenge stigma. Speak up when people joke about or minimize mental illness.
You're Allowed to Struggle—and to Get Support
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that healing starts with honesty. If you're navigating your own mental health journey, know this: you're not alone. You matter. You deserve care.
At The Unseen Hours, we believe in telling the truth about what people go through behind closed doors. And we believe stories—shared bravely, even anonymously—can save lives.
Additional Resources: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), American Psychological Association (APA), and Crisis Text Line.
This month, let's move beyond awareness to action. Your voice matters.
Surviving Finals Season: Burnout Is Real, and You're Not Alone
TUH
The Unseen Hours Team
Student Mental Health
April 25, 20258 min read
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It's that time of year again. The library is packed, coffee sales are up, and sleep schedules are practically non-existent. Let's call it what it is—finals season isn't just stressful, it's physically and emotionally exhausting.
If you're reading this while cramming for an exam at 2 AM, first off: you're not alone. Second: this isn't sustainable, and your mental health matters more than your GPA.
The Reality of Academic Burnout
Academic burnout isn't just being tired after studying. It's a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to academic stress. 1
Research shows that 45% of college students report experiencing more than average stress, and 87% say they could benefit from help managing stress. 2
"Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long." — Michael Gungor
Signs You're Burning Out
Academic burnout doesn't happen overnight. Here are the warning signs:
Physical exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix
Emotional numbness or feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
Cynicism about your studies or future career
Difficulty concentrating even on subjects you normally enjoy
Procrastination becoming your default mode
Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or getting sick frequently
Survival Strategies That Actually Work
1. The 50/10 Rule
Study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. Your brain needs time to process information. 3
2. Sleep Is Not Optional
All-nighters might feel productive, but they actually impair memory consolidation and cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, especially before exams. 4
3. Movement Matters
Even 10 minutes of walking can reduce stress hormones and improve focus. Exercise is literally medicine for your brain. 5
4. Eat Real Food
Your brain runs on glucose. Skipping meals or living on energy drinks and chips will make everything harder. Pack brain-friendly snacks like nuts, fruit, or yogurt.
5. Practice the "Good Enough" Mentality
Perfectionism is burnout fuel. Sometimes a B+ paper you turn in on time is better than an A+ paper that never gets finished because you're paralyzed by perfectionist anxiety.
When to Ask for Help
If you're experiencing any of these, it's time to reach out:
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Panic attacks or severe anxiety
Complete inability to function or get out of bed
Substance use as a coping mechanism
Persistent thoughts that you're a failure or worthless
After Finals: Recovery Mode
When finals end, resist the urge to immediately jump into summer plans or the next semester. Your brain and body need recovery time:
Sleep. A lot. Let your body catch up.
Move gently. Take walks, stretch, do yoga.
Reconnect with people. You probably neglected relationships during crunch time.
Do something creative. Art, music, cooking—anything that uses a different part of your brain.
Reflect. What worked this semester? What didn't? How can you set yourself up for success next time?
Remember This
Your worth isn't determined by your GPA. Your future isn't ruined by one bad exam. Your mental health is more important than any grade.
Finals season is temporary. Burnout doesn't have to be permanent. You're going to get through this, and we're rooting for you.
Additional Resources: Your campus counseling center, student success center, academic advisors, and trusted mentors.
Take care of yourself. You matter more than any exam.
Welcome Back, Spartans!
TUH
The Unseen Hours Team
Student Mental Health
August 25, 20255 min read
The start of the academic year at MSU is always a special time. Campus comes alive again—the sidewalks fill with familiar chatter, the libraries hum with energy, and the air feels charged with new possibilities. For some of you, this is the very first time stepping onto campus as a Spartan. For others, this is another chapter in a journey you've already been writing here. Either way, welcome. You belong here.
Transitions are exciting, but they can also be heavy. Syllabi pile up quickly, schedules fill with classes and jobs, and the pressure to keep up can feel constant. It's easy to think you have to do everything on your own, or that struggling means you're somehow "behind." But the truth is—everyone carries unseen hours. The quiet stress, the late-night doubts, and the moments of isolation that nobody else sees.
This year, we want to challenge the idea that we have to hide those struggles. What if success wasn't just about grades or internships, but also about balance, mental health, and meaningful connections? What if we gave ourselves permission to rest, to ask for help, and to celebrate the small victories?
At The Unseen Hours at Michigan State University, that's exactly what we're here for. We exist to remind you that those hidden moments matter just as much as the visible ones, and that you don't have to carry them by yourself.
🌱 Resources to Keep in Mind
MSU has a range of support systems that are here for you—whether you're a first-year student still figuring things out, or a senior preparing for what comes next:
Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Free counseling, group therapy, crisis services, and mental health support. Visit caps.msu.edu
Olin Health Center: Medical care, wellness services, and support for your physical health.
MSU Safe Place: Confidential support and shelter for anyone experiencing relationship violence or stalking.
Neighborhood Engagement Centers: Each campus neighborhood has spaces with tutoring, health, and student success services.
Using these resources isn't a sign of weakness—it's a way of taking care of yourself. And every Spartan deserves that.
💬 A Community That Sees You
Beyond official resources, sometimes what helps the most is knowing you're not alone. That's where we come in. We're a student-led community that believes in support, connections and community service. We host events and create space for conversations that don't always happen in classrooms—but that are just as important for our growth.
This year, you'll see us around campus and we'd love for you to be part of it. Join us for events and volunteer opportunities to make a difference!
✨ A Different Kind of Year
So as you step into this semester—whether it's your first or your last,remember this: You don't have to have everything figured out. You don't have to do everything perfectly. What matters is showing up, taking care of yourself, and leaning on the community around you.
Welcome back, Spartans. Let's make this year more successful by supporting each other better. Together, we can create a campus where no struggle goes unseen, and where we thrive not just in what we achieve, but in how we care for one another. Go Green!
Join Our Community
Connect with The Unseen Hours at Michigan State University.
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