For generations, the blueprint for masculinity was built on stoicism, self-reliance, and silence. The cultural script handed down to boys and men taught them that emotions were a sign of weakness and vulnerability, a liability. Men were expected to “man up,” bury their feelings, and power through challenges without flinching. But in recent years, this narrative has started to shift in powerful and long-overdue ways.
A growing number of men are turning toward therapy, mindfulness, and emotional wellness—not as an act of defeat, but as a declaration of strength. What once might have been dismissed as taboo or “soft” is now increasingly seen as necessary and empowering. From pro athletes to corporate leaders to everyday dads, men are rewriting the rules of masculinity—and in doing so, changing the conversation around mental health.
Breaking the Silence
For many men, the hardest part of the mental health journey is acknowledging the need for help. The idea that men must be invulnerable runs deep, reinforced by media, family dynamics, and peer culture. As a result, men are statistically less likely than women to seek therapy or discuss emotional struggles.
According to the American Psychological Association, men make up only about one-third of therapy patients. Yet they are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and more likely to turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. These disparities aren’t just numbers—they’re the consequences of silence.
“Men are socialized to believe that asking for help is a weakness,” says Dr. Marcus Wright, a Toronto-based psychotherapist who specializes in men’s mental health. “But what we’re seeing now is a new wave of men who are willing to challenge that narrative, to say, ‘I want to be better for myself and the people around me.’”
The Pandemic Wake-Up Call
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated many trends, and mental health awareness is no exception. Lockdowns, isolation, and economic uncertainty triggered a collective reckoning, and men who had long buried their emotional needs found themselves face-to-face with anxiety, depression, and burnout.
“The pandemic stripped away the distractions,” says Wright. “When men couldn’t escape into work, social life, or travel, they were left alone with their thoughts—and for many, that was a wake-up call.”
Online therapy services like BetterHelp and Talkspace saw significant increases in male clients during the pandemic years. The convenience and privacy of virtual therapy lowered the barrier to entry, allowing men to dip their toes into mental health support without the perceived stigma of walking into a therapist’s office.
Role Models Redefining Masculinity
Another major driver of change? Visibility. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers have begun to speak openly about their mental health struggles, helping to normalize the conversation.
NBA star DeMar DeRozan has talked about battling depression. Actor Jonah Hill has released a documentary about his therapist. Even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—known for his action-hero persona—has spoken candidly about his bouts with anxiety.
“When someone like The Rock opens up, it gives men permission to do the same,” says Wright. “It signals that you can be strong and vulnerable at the same time.”
Social media has also played a role, providing platforms for male therapists, wellness coaches, and everyday men to share their stories. Hashtags like #MentalHealthMatters, #MenNeedTherapyToo, and #HealingIsManly have built communities around emotional wellness.
Therapy, Reframed
For some men, the word “therapy” still carries stigma. But what if it’s reframed as personal development?
“Men love a challenge and are often driven by growth,” says Jake Ernst, a registered psychotherapist who works with young men. “So we talk about therapy as a way to build emotional fitness, just like you would work on physical fitness.”
This framing is starting to resonate. Therapy is no longer just about “fixing what’s broken”—it’s about understanding oneself, improving communication, building stronger relationships, and becoming more grounded. Emotional intelligence is now seen as an asset, not a liability.
That reframing has helped shift the therapy experience itself. Today’s therapy spaces are more inclusive and often tailored to meet men where they are. Some therapists offer “walk and talk” sessions outdoors. Others integrate coaching, goal-setting, or somatic practices that resonate more with traditionally masculine clients.
Group therapy for men is also growing in popularity, offering a space for brotherhood, accountability, and shared experience. Men’s circles and retreats now blend mental health support with breathwork, meditation, movement, and storytelling.
Intersectionality and Access
While the conversation around men’s mental health is expanding, it’s important to note that access and inclusivity are still works in progress. Black men, Indigenous men, and men of color often face additional cultural and systemic barriers to care. LGBTQ+ men may carry the compounded weight of stigma around both mental health and identity.
Mental health professionals stress the importance of culturally competent care and representation. Seeing a therapist who understands your background can be pivotal in feeling seen and supported.
“Therapy has to reflect the realities of men’s lives—not just a textbook idea of what healing should look like,” says Ernst. “That includes acknowledging racism, poverty, trauma, and other lived experiences that impact mental health.”
The New Definition of Strength
Ultimately, the shift from hustle to healing is about broadening the definition of what it means to be a man. Strength isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about knowing when to pause. Courage isn’t just about taking risks—it’s about being honest with yourself. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about connecting with others authentically.
More men are realizing that tending to their mental and emotional well-being isn’t just good for them—it’s good for everyone around them. Healthier men make better partners, fathers, friends, and leaders. When men model vulnerability and emotional literacy, it creates space for others to do the same.
“There’s nothing more masculine than taking responsibility for your own healing,” says Wright. “When men show up for themselves, they show up better for everyone else.”
Where to Start
For men considering therapy or emotional wellness for the first time, here are a few tips:
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Start small. You don’t need to dive into deep trauma on day one. Begin with a check-in: How am I really feeling?
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Find the right fit. Every therapist has a different style. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find someone you vibe with.
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Explore alternatives. If traditional therapy feels intimidating, try a men’s group, journaling, or guided meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer.
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Talk to other men. Chances are, someone in your circle has gone through therapy or struggled with mental health. Sharing your journey can be powerful.
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Reframe your mindset. Therapy isn’t about weakness—it’s a tool for growth.
As the tide continues to turn, one thing is clear: the era of the emotionally repressed man is fading. In its place, a new version of masculinity is emerging—one rooted in authenticity, compassion, and self-awareness. And that’s something worth talking about.
markmunroe
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